City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $557 | +$99 |
| Groceries | $515 | $517 | $2 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $133 | $52 |
| Transportation | $31 | $58 | $27 |
| Utilities | $119 | $152 | $33 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $83 | +$15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$1,880
per month
You'd need $1,880/mo in Chiang Mai to match $1,500/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,500/month?
Living in Surabaya on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$656 to rent, $515 to groceries, $81 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
In Chiang Mai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $557 rent, $517 groceries, $133 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 $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Chiang Mai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,880/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.