City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/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)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Johor Bahru.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Johor Bahru | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $682 | $875 | $193 |
| Groceries | $728 | $687 | +$41 |
| Dining Out | $248 | $108 | +$140 |
| Transportation | $62 | $41 | +$21 |
| Utilities | $178 | $158 | +$20 |
| Other / Misc | $102 | $131 | $29 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Johor Bahru
$2,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,747
per month
Only $1,747/mo in Surabaya matches $2,000/mo in Johor Bahru — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Johor Bahru on $2,000/month?
Living in Johor Bahru on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$682 to rent, $728 to groceries, $248 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $2,000/month?
In Surabaya, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $875 rent, $687 groceries, $108 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 $2,000/mo in Johor Bahru worth in Surabaya?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Johor Bahru equals ~$1,747/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.