City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
São Paulo vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
São Paulo
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 23.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in São Paulo.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | São Paulo | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $649 | $656 | $7 |
| Groceries | $390 | $515 | $125 |
| Dining Out | $183 | $81 | +$102 |
| Transportation | $80 | $31 | +$49 |
| Utilities | $102 | $119 | $17 |
| Other / Misc | $96 | $98 | $2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
São Paulo
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$885
per month
Only $885/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in São Paulo — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in São Paulo on $1,500/month?
Living in São Paulo on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$649 to rent, $390 to groceries, $183 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 São Paulo or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: São Paulo 23.4 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in São Paulo worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in São Paulo equals ~$885/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.