City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Melbourne vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Melbourne
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 61.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Melbourne.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Melbourne | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $888 | $656 | +$232 |
| Groceries | $216 | $515 | $299 |
| Dining Out | $135 | $81 | +$54 |
| Transportation | $51 | $31 | +$20 |
| Utilities | $77 | $119 | $42 |
| Other / Misc | $133 | $98 | +$35 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Melbourne
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$334
per month
Only $334/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Melbourne — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Melbourne on $1,500/month?
Living in Melbourne on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$888 to rent, $216 to groceries, $135 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 Melbourne or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Melbourne 61.9 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Melbourne worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Melbourne equals ~$334/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.