City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bali vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Bali
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 16 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bali.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bali | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $692 | $656 | +$36 |
| Groceries | $470 | $515 | $45 |
| Dining Out | $99 | $81 | +$18 |
| Transportation | $28 | $31 | $3 |
| Utilities | $108 | $119 | $11 |
| Other / Misc | $103 | $98 | +$5 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bali
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,294
per month
Only $1,294/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Bali — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Bali on $1,500/month?
Living in Bali on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$692 to rent, $470 to groceries, $99 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 Bali or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bali 16 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bali worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bali equals ~$1,294/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.