City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Marseille vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Marseille
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Marseille.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Marseille | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $728 | $656 | +$72 |
| Groceries | $293 | $515 | $222 |
| Dining Out | $168 | $81 | +$87 |
| Transportation | $61 | $31 | +$30 |
| Utilities | $141 | $119 | +$22 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $98 | +$11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Marseille
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$539
per month
Only $539/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Marseille — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Marseille on $1,500/month?
Living in Marseille on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$728 to rent, $293 to groceries, $168 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 Marseille or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Marseille 38.4 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Marseille worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Marseille equals ~$539/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.