Antwerp vs Surabaya
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Surabaya is ~67% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Antwerp
Belgium
COL+Rent
42.2
Rent Index
23.4
Groceries
52.4
Restaurant
49
Surabaya
Indonesia
COL+Rent
13.8
Rent Index
6.2
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
11.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Antwerp | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,033 | $231 | +$802 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $779 | $156 | +$623 |
| Groceries | $294 | $152 | +$142 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $2 | +$15 |
| Transit Pass | $41 | $9 | +$32 |
| Utilities | $192 | $35 | +$157 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Antwerp | Surabaya |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,286/mo | $314/mo |
| Typical | $1,815/mo | $457/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,284/mo | $552/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Antwerp | ≈ in Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $491/mo | -$1,009 |
| $2,000/mo | $654/mo | -$1,346 |
| $3,000/mo | $981/mo | -$2,019 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Antwerp vs Surabaya for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Surabaya is approximately 67% more affordable than Antwerp when combining rent and daily living costs. Antwerp's COL+Rent Index of 42.2 vs Surabaya's 13.8 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Antwerp costs $1,033/month versus $231/month in Surabaya — giving Surabaya a $802/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $9,624 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Antwerp ($294/mo) vs Surabaya ($152/mo) reflect Surabaya's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $2 show Surabaya offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Surabaya offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $457 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.