City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Surabaya vs Mexico City — 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.
Mexico City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,312 | $1,683 | $371 |
| Groceries | $1,030 | $559 | +$471 |
| Dining Out | $163 | $318 | $155 |
| Transportation | $61 | $57 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $237 | $130 | +$107 |
| Other / Misc | $197 | $253 | $56 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$3,000
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$7,565
per month
You'd need $7,565/mo in Mexico City 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 Mexico City on $3,000/month?
In Mexico City, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,683 rent, $559 groceries, $318 dining.
Is Surabaya or Mexico City cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Mexico City?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$7,565/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.