City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Riyadh vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Riyadh | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $628 | $656 | $28 |
| Groceries | $408 | $515 | $107 |
| Dining Out | $219 | $81 | +$138 |
| Transportation | $43 | $31 | +$12 |
| Utilities | $108 | $119 | $11 |
| Other / Misc | $94 | $98 | $4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Riyadh
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$661
per month
Only $661/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Riyadh — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Riyadh on $1,500/month?
Living in Riyadh on $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$628 to rent, $408 to groceries, $219 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 Riyadh or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Riyadh 31.3 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Riyadh worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Riyadh equals ~$661/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.