City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Surabaya vs Chicago — 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.
Chicago
Moderate
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,312 | $1,798 | $486 |
| Groceries | $1,030 | $422 | +$608 |
| Dining Out | $163 | $266 | $103 |
| Transportation | $61 | $74 | $13 |
| Utilities | $237 | $171 | +$66 |
| Other / Misc | $197 | $269 | $72 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$3,000
per month
Chicago equivalent
$12,413
per month
You'd need $12,413/mo in Chicago 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 Chicago on $3,000/month?
In Chicago, $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $1,798 rent, $422 groceries, $266 dining.
Is Surabaya or Chicago cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Chicago?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$12,413/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.