City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Geneva vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Geneva
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 89.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Geneva.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Geneva | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $841 | $656 | +$185 |
| Groceries | $262 | $515 | $253 |
| Dining Out | $154 | $81 | +$73 |
| Transportation | $33 | $31 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $84 | $119 | $35 |
| Other / Misc | $126 | $98 | +$28 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Geneva
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$232
per month
Only $232/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Geneva — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Geneva on $1,500/month?
Living in Geneva on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$841 to rent, $262 to groceries, $154 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 Geneva or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Geneva 89.4 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Geneva worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Geneva equals ~$232/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.