Montreal vs Surabaya
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Surabaya is ~69% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Montreal
Canada
COL+Rent
44.5
Rent Index
31
Groceries
59.1
Restaurant
54
Surabaya
Indonesia
COL+Rent
13.8
Rent Index
6.2
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
11.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Montreal | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,369 | $231 | +$1,138 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,088 | $156 | +$932 |
| Groceries | $331 | $152 | +$179 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17 | $2 | +$15 |
| Transit Pass | $75 | $9 | +$66 |
| Utilities | $129 | $35 | +$94 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Montreal | Surabaya |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,592/mo | $314/mo |
| Typical | $2,159/mo | $457/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,686/mo | $552/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Montreal | ≈ in Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $465/mo | -$1,035 |
| $2,000/mo | $620/mo | -$1,380 |
| $3,000/mo | $930/mo | -$2,070 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Montreal vs Surabaya for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Surabaya is approximately 69% more affordable than Montreal when combining rent and daily living costs. Montreal's COL+Rent Index of 44.5 vs Surabaya's 13.8 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Montreal costs $1,369/month versus $231/month in Surabaya — giving Surabaya a $1,138/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $13,656 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Montreal ($331/mo) vs Surabaya ($152/mo) reflect Surabaya's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $17 vs $2 show Surabaya offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Surabaya offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $457 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.