City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Surabaya vs Cebu — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Cebu | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,312 | $1,021 | +$291 |
| Groceries | $1,030 | $1,077 | $47 |
| Dining Out | $163 | $297 | $134 |
| Transportation | $61 | $50 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $237 | $402 | $165 |
| Other / Misc | $197 | $153 | +$44 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$3,000
per month
Cebu equivalent
$3,370
per month
You'd need $3,370/mo in Cebu to match $3,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $3,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,312 to rent, $1,030 to groceries, $163 to dining.
Can I live in Cebu on $3,000/month?
In Cebu, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,021 rent, $1,077 groceries, $297 dining.
Is Surabaya or Cebu cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Cebu 15.5 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Cebu?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$3,370/mo in Cebu using COL adjustment.