City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $906 | $656 | +$250 |
| Groceries | $171 | $515 | $344 |
| Dining Out | $136 | $81 | +$55 |
| Transportation | $46 | $31 | +$15 |
| Utilities | $105 | $119 | $14 |
| Other / Misc | $136 | $98 | +$38 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$284
per month
Only $284/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $1,500/month?
Living in London on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$906 to rent, $171 to groceries, $136 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 London or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in London worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$284/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.