City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Madrid vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Madrid | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $856 | $656 | +$200 |
| Groceries | $226 | $515 | $289 |
| Dining Out | $155 | $81 | +$74 |
| Transportation | $28 | $31 | $3 |
| Utilities | $107 | $119 | $12 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $98 | +$30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Madrid
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$487
per month
Only $487/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Madrid — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Madrid on $1,500/month?
Living in Madrid on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$856 to rent, $226 to groceries, $155 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 Madrid or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Madrid 42.5 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Madrid worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Madrid equals ~$487/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.