City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/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)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,312 | $1,266 | +$46 |
| Groceries | $1,030 | $958 | +$72 |
| Dining Out | $163 | $201 | $38 |
| Transportation | $61 | $105 | $44 |
| Utilities | $237 | $280 | $43 |
| Other / Misc | $197 | $190 | +$7 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$3,000
per month
Phuket equivalent
$4,804
per month
You'd need $4,804/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $3,000/month?
In Phuket, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,266 rent, $958 groceries, $201 dining.
Is Surabaya or Phuket cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Phuket?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$4,804/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.