City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Antwerp vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Antwerp | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $767 | $656 | +$111 |
| Groceries | $249 | $515 | $266 |
| Dining Out | $173 | $81 | +$92 |
| Transportation | $35 | $31 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $162 | $119 | +$43 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $98 | +$16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Antwerp
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$491
per month
Only $491/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Antwerp — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Antwerp on $1,500/month?
Living in Antwerp on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$767 to rent, $249 to groceries, $173 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 Antwerp or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Antwerp 42.2 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Antwerp worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Antwerp equals ~$491/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.