City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Hanoi vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Hanoi
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Hanoi.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Hanoi | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $701 | $656 | +$45 |
| Groceries | $462 | $515 | $53 |
| Dining Out | $93 | $81 | +$12 |
| Transportation | $15 | $31 | $16 |
| Utilities | $124 | $119 | +$5 |
| Other / Misc | $105 | $98 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Hanoi
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,150
per month
Only $1,150/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Hanoi — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Hanoi on $1,500/month?
Living in Hanoi on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$701 to rent, $462 to groceries, $93 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 Hanoi or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Hanoi 18 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Hanoi worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Hanoi equals ~$1,150/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.