City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Milan vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Milan
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Milan.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Milan | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $861 | $656 | +$205 |
| Groceries | $209 | $515 | $306 |
| Dining Out | $142 | $81 | +$61 |
| Transportation | $24 | $31 | $7 |
| Utilities | $135 | $119 | +$16 |
| Other / Misc | $129 | $98 | +$31 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Milan
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$363
per month
Only $363/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Milan — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Milan on $1,500/month?
Living in Milan on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$861 to rent, $209 to groceries, $142 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 Milan or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Milan 57 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Milan worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Milan equals ~$363/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.