City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Heraklion vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Heraklion
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 26.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Heraklion.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Heraklion | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $461 | $656 | $195 |
| Groceries | $412 | $515 | $103 |
| Dining Out | $307 | $81 | +$226 |
| Transportation | $40 | $31 | +$9 |
| Utilities | $211 | $119 | +$92 |
| Other / Misc | $69 | $98 | $29 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Heraklion
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$784
per month
Only $784/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Heraklion — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Heraklion on $1,500/month?
Living in Heraklion on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$461 to rent, $412 to groceries, $307 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 Heraklion or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Heraklion 26.4 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Heraklion worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Heraklion equals ~$784/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.