City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/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)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,312 | $1,217 | +$95 |
| Groceries | $1,030 | $922 | +$108 |
| Dining Out | $163 | $289 | $126 |
| Transportation | $61 | $44 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $237 | $345 | $108 |
| Other / Misc | $197 | $183 | +$14 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$3,000
per month
Manila equivalent
$4,739
per month
You'd need $4,739/mo in Manila 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 Manila on $3,000/month?
In Manila, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,217 rent, $922 groceries, $289 dining.
Is Surabaya or Manila cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Manila?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$4,739/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.