City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Surabaya vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $875 | $844 | +$31 |
| Groceries | $687 | $639 | +$48 |
| Dining Out | $108 | $134 | $26 |
| Transportation | $41 | $70 | $29 |
| Utilities | $158 | $187 | $29 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $126 | +$5 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$2,000
per month
Phuket equivalent
$3,203
per month
You'd need $3,203/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $2,000/month?
In Phuket, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $844 rent, $639 groceries, $134 dining.
Is Surabaya or Phuket cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Phuket?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$3,203/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.