City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Medellín vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $411 | $437 | $26 |
| Groceries | $297 | $343 | $46 |
| Dining Out | $126 | $54 | +$72 |
| Transportation | $40 | $20 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $64 | $79 | $15 |
| Other / Misc | $62 | $67 | $5 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$723
per month
Only $723/mo in Surabaya matches $1,000/mo in Medellín — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $1,000/month?
Living in Medellín on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$411 to rent, $297 to groceries, $126 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 Medellín or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Medellín worth in Surabaya?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$723/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.