City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Delhi vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Delhi
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 20.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Delhi.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Delhi | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $768 | $656 | +$112 |
| Groceries | $293 | $515 | $222 |
| Dining Out | $199 | $81 | +$118 |
| Transportation | $33 | $31 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $91 | $119 | $28 |
| Other / Misc | $116 | $98 | +$18 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Delhi
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,005
per month
Only $1,005/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Delhi — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Delhi on $1,500/month?
Living in Delhi on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$768 to rent, $293 to groceries, $199 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 Delhi or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Delhi 20.6 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Delhi worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Delhi equals ~$1,005/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.