City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $609 | +$47 |
| Groceries | $515 | $461 | +$54 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $144 | $63 |
| Transportation | $31 | $22 | +$9 |
| Utilities | $119 | $172 | $53 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $92 | +$6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Manila equivalent
$2,370
per month
You'd need $2,370/mo in Manila 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 Manila on $1,500/month?
In Manila, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $609 rent, $461 groceries, $144 dining.
Is Surabaya or Manila cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Manila?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,370/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.