City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Gothenburg vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Gothenburg | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $763 | $656 | +$107 |
| Groceries | $283 | $515 | $232 |
| Dining Out | $175 | $81 | +$94 |
| Transportation | $78 | $31 | +$47 |
| Utilities | $86 | $119 | $33 |
| Other / Misc | $115 | $98 | +$17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Gothenburg
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$559
per month
Only $559/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Gothenburg — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
Living in Gothenburg on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$763 to rent, $283 to groceries, $175 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 Gothenburg or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Gothenburg 37 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Gothenburg worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Gothenburg equals ~$559/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.