City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/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)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $875 | $743 | +$132 |
| Groceries | $687 | $689 | $2 |
| Dining Out | $108 | $177 | $69 |
| Transportation | $41 | $77 | $36 |
| Utilities | $158 | $203 | $45 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $111 | +$20 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$2,000
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$2,507
per month
You'd need $2,507/mo in Chiang Mai to match $2,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $2,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$875 to rent, $687 to groceries, $108 to dining.
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $2,000/month?
In Chiang Mai, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $743 rent, $689 groceries, $177 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 $2,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Chiang Mai?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,507/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.