City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Surabaya vs Manila — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $437 | $406 | +$31 |
| Groceries | $343 | $307 | +$36 |
| Dining Out | $54 | $96 | $42 |
| Transportation | $20 | $15 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $79 | $115 | $36 |
| Other / Misc | $67 | $61 | +$6 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,000
per month
Manila equivalent
$1,580
per month
You'd need $1,580/mo in Manila to match $1,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$437 to rent, $343 to groceries, $54 to dining.
Can I live in Manila on $1,000/month?
In Manila, $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $406 rent, $307 groceries, $96 dining.
Is Surabaya or Manila cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Manila?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,580/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.