City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Kyoto vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Kyoto
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Kyoto.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Kyoto | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $604 | $656 | $52 |
| Groceries | $383 | $515 | $132 |
| Dining Out | $126 | $81 | +$45 |
| Transportation | $77 | $31 | +$46 |
| Utilities | $219 | $119 | +$100 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $98 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Kyoto
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$755
per month
Only $755/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Kyoto — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Kyoto on $1,500/month?
Living in Kyoto on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$604 to rent, $383 to groceries, $126 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 Kyoto or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Kyoto 27.4 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Kyoto worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Kyoto equals ~$755/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.