City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Malmö vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Malmö | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $754 | $656 | +$98 |
| Groceries | $291 | $515 | $224 |
| Dining Out | $174 | $81 | +$93 |
| Transportation | $79 | $31 | +$48 |
| Utilities | $88 | $119 | $31 |
| Other / Misc | $114 | $98 | +$16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Malmö
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$590
per month
Only $590/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Malmö — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Malmö on $1,500/month?
Living in Malmö on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$754 to rent, $291 to groceries, $174 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 Malmö or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Malmö 35.1 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Malmö worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Malmö equals ~$590/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.