City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Amsterdam vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Amsterdam
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 65.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Amsterdam.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Amsterdam | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $930 | $656 | +$274 |
| Groceries | $168 | $515 | $347 |
| Dining Out | $119 | $81 | +$38 |
| Transportation | $49 | $31 | +$18 |
| Utilities | $94 | $119 | $25 |
| Other / Misc | $140 | $98 | +$42 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Amsterdam
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$316
per month
Only $316/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Amsterdam — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Amsterdam on $1,500/month?
Living in Amsterdam on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$930 to rent, $168 to groceries, $119 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,500/month?
In Surabaya, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $656 rent, $515 groceries, $81 dining.
Is Amsterdam or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Amsterdam 65.5 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Amsterdam worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Amsterdam equals ~$316/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.