City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Perth vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Perth
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 55.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Perth.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Perth | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $858 | $656 | +$202 |
| Groceries | $230 | $515 | $285 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $81 | +$67 |
| Transportation | $54 | $31 | +$23 |
| Utilities | $82 | $119 | $37 |
| Other / Misc | $128 | $98 | +$30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Perth
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$372
per month
Only $372/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Perth — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Perth on $1,500/month?
Living in Perth on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$858 to rent, $230 to groceries, $148 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 Perth or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Perth 55.7 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Perth worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Perth equals ~$372/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.