City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chicago vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $899 | $656 | +$243 |
| Groceries | $211 | $515 | $304 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $81 | +$52 |
| Transportation | $37 | $31 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $85 | $119 | $34 |
| Other / Misc | $135 | $98 | +$37 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$363
per month
Only $363/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Chicago — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $1,500/month?
Living in Chicago on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$899 to rent, $211 to groceries, $133 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 Chicago or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chicago worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$363/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.