City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Athens vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Athens
Moderate
COL+Rent: 38.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Athens.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Athens | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $775 | $875 | $100 |
| Groceries | $470 | $687 | $217 |
| Dining Out | $352 | $108 | +$244 |
| Transportation | $45 | $41 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $241 | $158 | +$83 |
| Other / Misc | $117 | $131 | $14 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Athens
$2,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$711
per month
Only $711/mo in Surabaya matches $2,000/mo in Athens — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Athens on $2,000/month?
Living in Athens on $2,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$775 to rent, $470 to groceries, $352 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $2,000/month?
In Surabaya, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $875 rent, $687 groceries, $108 dining.
Is Athens or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Athens 38.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Athens worth in Surabaya?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Athens equals ~$711/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.