City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Brussels vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Brussels
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brussels.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Brussels | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,678 | $1,312 | +$366 |
| Groceries | $435 | $1,030 | $595 |
| Dining Out | $292 | $163 | +$129 |
| Transportation | $61 | $61 | $0 |
| Utilities | $283 | $237 | +$46 |
| Other / Misc | $251 | $197 | +$54 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Brussels
$3,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$754
per month
Only $754/mo in Surabaya matches $3,000/mo in Brussels — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Brussels on $3,000/month?
Living in Brussels on $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$1,678 to rent, $435 to groceries, $292 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 Brussels or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Brussels 54.9 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Brussels worth in Surabaya?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Brussels equals ~$754/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.