City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
London vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $604 | $437 | +$167 |
| Groceries | $114 | $343 | $229 |
| Dining Out | $91 | $54 | +$37 |
| Transportation | $31 | $20 | +$11 |
| Utilities | $70 | $79 | $9 |
| Other / Misc | $90 | $67 | +$23 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$1,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$189
per month
Only $189/mo in Surabaya matches $1,000/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $1,000/month?
Living in London on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$604 to rent, $114 to groceries, $91 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 London or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in London worth in Surabaya?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$189/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.