City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/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)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,186 | $2,029 | +$157 |
| Groceries | $1,717 | $1,537 | +$180 |
| Dining Out | $271 | $481 | $210 |
| Transportation | $102 | $74 | +$28 |
| Utilities | $395 | $575 | $180 |
| Other / Misc | $329 | $304 | +$25 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$5,000
per month
Manila equivalent
$7,899
per month
You'd need $7,899/mo in Manila to match $5,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $5,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,186 to rent, $1,717 to groceries, $271 to dining.
Can I live in Manila on $5,000/month?
In Manila, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,029 rent, $1,537 groceries, $481 dining.
Is Surabaya or Manila cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Manila?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$7,899/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.