City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Stockholm vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Stockholm
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 51 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Stockholm.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Stockholm | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $872 | $656 | +$216 |
| Groceries | $228 | $515 | $287 |
| Dining Out | $137 | $81 | +$56 |
| Transportation | $63 | $31 | +$32 |
| Utilities | $69 | $119 | $50 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $98 | +$33 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Stockholm
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$406
per month
Only $406/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Stockholm — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Stockholm on $1,500/month?
Living in Stockholm on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$872 to rent, $228 to groceries, $137 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 Stockholm or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Stockholm 51 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Stockholm worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Stockholm equals ~$406/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.