City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $617 | $656 | $39 |
| Groceries | $445 | $515 | $70 |
| Dining Out | $189 | $81 | +$108 |
| Transportation | $61 | $31 | +$30 |
| Utilities | $97 | $119 | $22 |
| Other / Misc | $91 | $98 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,084
per month
Only $1,084/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Medellín — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $1,500/month?
Living in Medellín on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$617 to rent, $445 to groceries, $189 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 Medellín or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Medellín worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$1,084/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.