City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Antwerp — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Antwerp
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Antwerp.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $767 | $111 |
| Groceries | $515 | $249 | +$266 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $173 | $92 |
| Transportation | $31 | $35 | $4 |
| Utilities | $119 | $162 | $43 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $114 | $16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Antwerp equivalent
$4,587
per month
You'd need $4,587/mo in Antwerp to match $1,500/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,500/month?
Living in Surabaya on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$656 to rent, $515 to groceries, $81 to dining.
Can I live in Antwerp on $1,500/month?
In Antwerp, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $767 rent, $249 groceries, $173 dining.
Is Surabaya or Antwerp cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Antwerp 42.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Antwerp?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$4,587/mo in Antwerp using COL adjustment.