City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Perth vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Perth
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 55.7 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo barely covers basics in Perth.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Perth | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,144 | $875 | +$269 |
| Groceries | $307 | $687 | $380 |
| Dining Out | $197 | $108 | +$89 |
| Transportation | $72 | $41 | +$31 |
| Utilities | $109 | $158 | $49 |
| Other / Misc | $171 | $131 | +$40 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Perth
$2,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$496
per month
Only $496/mo in Surabaya matches $2,000/mo in Perth — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Perth on $2,000/month?
Living in Perth on $2,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,144 to rent, $307 to groceries, $197 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $2,000/month?
In Surabaya, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $875 rent, $687 groceries, $108 dining.
Is Perth or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Perth 55.7 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Perth worth in Surabaya?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Perth equals ~$496/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.