City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Mumbai vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Mumbai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 25 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Mumbai.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mumbai | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $805 | $656 | +$149 |
| Groceries | $274 | $515 | $241 |
| Dining Out | $184 | $81 | +$103 |
| Transportation | $31 | $31 | $0 |
| Utilities | $86 | $119 | $33 |
| Other / Misc | $120 | $98 | +$22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mumbai
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$828
per month
Only $828/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Mumbai — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Mumbai on $1,500/month?
Living in Mumbai on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$805 to rent, $274 to groceries, $184 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 Mumbai or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mumbai 25 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Mumbai worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Mumbai equals ~$828/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.