City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/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)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Chiang Mai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,186 | $1,856 | +$330 |
| Groceries | $1,717 | $1,723 | $6 |
| Dining Out | $271 | $442 | $171 |
| Transportation | $102 | $193 | $91 |
| Utilities | $395 | $507 | $112 |
| Other / Misc | $329 | $279 | +$50 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$5,000
per month
Chiang Mai equivalent
$6,268
per month
You'd need $6,268/mo in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai on $5,000/month?
In Chiang Mai, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,856 rent, $1,723 groceries, $442 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 $5,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Chiang Mai?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$6,268/mo in Chiang Mai using COL adjustment.