City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Florence vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Florence
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 45.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Florence.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Florence | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $821 | $656 | +$165 |
| Groceries | $231 | $515 | $284 |
| Dining Out | $151 | $81 | +$70 |
| Transportation | $26 | $31 | $5 |
| Utilities | $148 | $119 | +$29 |
| Other / Misc | $123 | $98 | +$25 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Florence
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$457
per month
Only $457/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Florence — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Florence on $1,500/month?
Living in Florence on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$821 to rent, $231 to groceries, $151 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 Florence or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Florence 45.3 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Florence worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Florence equals ~$457/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.