City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $656 | +$176 |
| Groceries | $226 | $515 | $289 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $81 | +$67 |
| Transportation | $25 | $31 | $6 |
| Utilities | $145 | $119 | +$26 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $98 | +$26 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$426
per month
Only $426/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 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 Rome or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$426/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.