City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/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)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $875 | $811 | +$64 |
| Groceries | $687 | $615 | +$72 |
| Dining Out | $108 | $193 | $85 |
| Transportation | $41 | $29 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $158 | $230 | $72 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $122 | +$9 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$2,000
per month
Manila equivalent
$3,159
per month
You'd need $3,159/mo in Manila to match $2,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $2,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$875 to rent, $687 to groceries, $108 to dining.
Can I live in Manila on $2,000/month?
In Manila, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $811 rent, $615 groceries, $193 dining.
Is Surabaya or Manila cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Manila?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$3,159/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.