City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Johor Bahru vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Johor Bahru
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Johor Bahru.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Johor Bahru | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $341 | $437 | $96 |
| Groceries | $364 | $343 | +$21 |
| Dining Out | $124 | $54 | +$70 |
| Transportation | $31 | $20 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $89 | $79 | +$10 |
| Other / Misc | $51 | $67 | $16 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Johor Bahru
$1,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$873
per month
Only $873/mo in Surabaya matches $1,000/mo in Johor Bahru — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Johor Bahru on $1,000/month?
Living in Johor Bahru on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$341 to rent, $364 to groceries, $124 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,000/month?
In Surabaya, $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $437 rent, $343 groceries, $54 dining.
Is Johor Bahru or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Johor Bahru 15.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Johor Bahru worth in Surabaya?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Johor Bahru equals ~$873/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.