City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rio de Janeiro vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rio de Janeiro
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Rio de Janeiro.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rio de Janeiro | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $637 | $656 | $19 |
| Groceries | $392 | $515 | $123 |
| Dining Out | $194 | $81 | +$113 |
| Transportation | $79 | $31 | +$48 |
| Utilities | $103 | $119 | $16 |
| Other / Misc | $95 | $98 | $3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rio de Janeiro
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$937
per month
Only $937/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Rio de Janeiro — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rio de Janeiro on $1,500/month?
Living in Rio de Janeiro on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$637 to rent, $392 to groceries, $194 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 Rio de Janeiro or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rio de Janeiro 22.1 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rio de Janeiro worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rio de Janeiro equals ~$937/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.