City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Davao — 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.
Davao
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 14 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Davao.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $482 | +$174 |
| Groceries | $515 | $548 | $33 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $165 | $84 |
| Transportation | $31 | $27 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $119 | $206 | $87 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $72 | +$26 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Davao equivalent
$1,522
per month
You'd need $1,522/mo in Davao 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 Davao on $1,500/month?
In Davao, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $482 rent, $548 groceries, $165 dining.
Is Surabaya or Davao cheaper?
Both cities are similarly priced. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Davao 14 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Davao?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,522/mo in Davao using COL adjustment.