City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Surabaya vs Chiang Mai — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $437 | $371 | +$66 |
| Groceries | $343 | $345 | $2 |
| Dining Out | $54 | $88 | $34 |
| Transportation | $20 | $39 | $19 |
| Utilities | $79 | $101 | $22 |
| Other / Misc | $67 | $56 | +$11 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,000
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$1,254
per month
You'd need $1,254/mo in Chiang Mai to match $1,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$437 to rent, $343 to groceries, $54 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,000/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $371 rent, $345 groceries, $88 dining.
Is Surabaya or Chiang Mai cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Chiang Mai 17.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,254/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.