City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Ho Chi Minh City vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Ho Chi Minh City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Ho Chi Minh City | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $764 | $656 | +$108 |
| Groceries | $406 | $515 | $109 |
| Dining Out | $94 | $81 | +$13 |
| Transportation | $14 | $31 | $17 |
| Utilities | $108 | $119 | $11 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $98 | +$16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Ho Chi Minh City
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$932
per month
Only $932/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Ho Chi Minh City — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/month?
Living in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$764 to rent, $406 to groceries, $94 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 Ho Chi Minh City or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Ho Chi Minh City 22.2 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Ho Chi Minh City worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Ho Chi Minh City equals ~$932/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.