City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Athens vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Athens
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Athens.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Athens | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $581 | $656 | $75 |
| Groceries | $353 | $515 | $162 |
| Dining Out | $264 | $81 | +$183 |
| Transportation | $34 | $31 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $181 | $119 | +$62 |
| Other / Misc | $87 | $98 | $11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Athens
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$534
per month
Only $534/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Athens — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Athens on $1,500/month?
Living in Athens on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$581 to rent, $353 to groceries, $264 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 Athens or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Athens 38.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Athens worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Athens equals ~$534/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.