City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Brisbane vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brisbane
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brisbane.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brisbane | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $859 | $656 | +$203 |
| Groceries | $231 | $515 | $284 |
| Dining Out | $146 | $81 | +$65 |
| Transportation | $54 | $31 | +$23 |
| Utilities | $82 | $119 | $37 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $98 | +$30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brisbane
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$383
per month
Only $383/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Brisbane — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brisbane on $1,500/month?
Living in Brisbane on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$859 to rent, $231 to groceries, $146 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 Brisbane or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brisbane 54 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Brisbane worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Brisbane equals ~$383/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.