City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/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)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,312 | $1,114 | +$198 |
| Groceries | $1,030 | $1,034 | $4 |
| Dining Out | $163 | $265 | $102 |
| Transportation | $61 | $116 | $55 |
| Utilities | $237 | $304 | $67 |
| Other / Misc | $197 | $167 | +$30 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$3,000
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$3,761
per month
You'd need $3,761/mo in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai on $3,000/month?
In Chiang Mai, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,114 rent, $1,034 groceries, $265 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 $3,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Chiang Mai?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$3,761/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.