City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/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)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Cebu | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,186 | $1,702 | +$484 |
| Groceries | $1,717 | $1,795 | $78 |
| Dining Out | $271 | $495 | $224 |
| Transportation | $102 | $83 | +$19 |
| Utilities | $395 | $670 | $275 |
| Other / Misc | $329 | $255 | +$74 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$5,000
per month
Cebu equivalent
$5,616
per month
You'd need $5,616/mo in Cebu to match $5,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $5,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,186 to rent, $1,717 to groceries, $271 to dining.
Can I live in Cebu on $5,000/month?
In Cebu, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,702 rent, $1,795 groceries, $495 dining.
Is Surabaya or Cebu cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Cebu 15.5 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Cebu?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$5,616/mo in Cebu using COL adjustment.