City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Bergen vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Bergen
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Bergen.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bergen | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $727 | $656 | +$71 |
| Groceries | $328 | $515 | $187 |
| Dining Out | $179 | $81 | +$98 |
| Transportation | $51 | $31 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $106 | $119 | $13 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $98 | +$11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bergen
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$410
per month
Only $410/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Bergen — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Bergen on $1,500/month?
Living in Bergen on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$727 to rent, $328 to groceries, $179 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 Bergen or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bergen 50.5 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Bergen worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Bergen equals ~$410/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.