City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Oslo vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Oslo
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 67.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Oslo.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Oslo | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $805 | $656 | +$149 |
| Groceries | $282 | $515 | $233 |
| Dining Out | $157 | $81 | +$76 |
| Transportation | $43 | $31 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $91 | $119 | $28 |
| Other / Misc | $122 | $98 | +$24 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Oslo
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$307
per month
Only $307/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Oslo — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Oslo on $1,500/month?
Living in Oslo on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$805 to rent, $282 to groceries, $157 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 Oslo or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Oslo 67.4 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Oslo worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Oslo equals ~$307/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.