City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Cali vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Cali
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 16.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cali.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cali | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $585 | $656 | $71 |
| Groceries | $452 | $515 | $63 |
| Dining Out | $216 | $81 | +$135 |
| Transportation | $62 | $31 | +$31 |
| Utilities | $98 | $119 | $21 |
| Other / Misc | $87 | $98 | $11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Cali
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,240
per month
Only $1,240/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Cali — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Cali on $1,500/month?
Living in Cali on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$585 to rent, $452 to groceries, $216 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 Cali or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Cali 16.7 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Cali worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Cali equals ~$1,240/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.