City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Brisbane vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brisbane
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brisbane.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brisbane | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,718 | $1,312 | +$406 |
| Groceries | $461 | $1,030 | $569 |
| Dining Out | $291 | $163 | +$128 |
| Transportation | $109 | $61 | +$48 |
| Utilities | $163 | $237 | $74 |
| Other / Misc | $258 | $197 | +$61 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brisbane
$3,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$767
per month
Only $767/mo in Surabaya matches $3,000/mo in Brisbane — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brisbane on $3,000/month?
Living in Brisbane on $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$1,718 to rent, $461 to groceries, $291 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $3,000/month?
In Surabaya, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,312 rent, $1,030 groceries, $163 dining.
Is Brisbane or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brisbane 54 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Brisbane worth in Surabaya?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Brisbane equals ~$767/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.