City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Mexico City vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mexico City | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $841 | $656 | +$185 |
| Groceries | $279 | $515 | $236 |
| Dining Out | $159 | $81 | +$78 |
| Transportation | $29 | $31 | $2 |
| Utilities | $65 | $119 | $54 |
| Other / Misc | $127 | $98 | +$29 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mexico City
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$595
per month
Only $595/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Mexico City — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Mexico City on $1,500/month?
Living in Mexico City on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$841 to rent, $279 to groceries, $159 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 Mexico City or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mexico City 34.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Mexico City worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Mexico City equals ~$595/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.