City Comparison
Jakarta vs Surabaya
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Surabaya is ~36% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Jakarta
Indonesia
COL+Rent
21.6
Rent Index
12.3
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
18.8
Surabaya
Indonesia
COL+Rent
13.8
Rent Index
6.2
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
11.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Jakarta | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $459 | $231 | +$228 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $311 | $156 | +$155 |
| Groceries | $218 | $152 | +$66 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $2 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $13 | $9 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $50 | $35 | +$15 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Jakarta | Surabaya |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $543/mo | $314/mo |
| Typical | $800/mo | $457/mo |
| Comfortable | $972/mo | $552/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Jakarta | ≈ in Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $958/mo | -$542 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,278/mo | -$722 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,917/mo | -$1,083 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jakarta or Surabaya cheaper to live in?
Surabaya is approximately 36% cheaper overall. Jakarta's COL+Rent Index is 21.6 vs Surabaya's 13.8 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Jakarta vs Surabaya?
A 1BR in Jakarta city center costs ~$459/mo vs $231/mo in Surabaya. Outside the center: $311 vs $156.
What is $2,000/month in Jakarta worth in Surabaya?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Jakarta has the purchasing power of approximately $1,278/month in Surabaya.
Are groceries cheaper in Jakarta or Surabaya?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $218 in Jakarta vs $152 in Surabaya. Groceries Index: 39.6 vs 27.6 (NYC = 100).