City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Brussels vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo barely covers basics in Brussels.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,119 | $875 | +$244 |
| Groceries | $290 | $687 | $397 |
| Dining Out | $194 | $108 | +$86 |
| Transportation | $40 | $41 | $1 |
| Utilities | $189 | $158 | +$31 |
| Other / Misc | $168 | $131 | +$37 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$2,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$503
per month
Only $503/mo in Surabaya matches $2,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $2,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $2,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,119 to rent, $290 to groceries, $194 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 Brussels or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Brussels worth in Surabaya?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$503/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.