City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Surabaya vs Athens — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Athens
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 38.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Athens.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Athens | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,312 | $1,162 | +$150 |
| Groceries | $1,030 | $706 | +$324 |
| Dining Out | $163 | $528 | $365 |
| Transportation | $61 | $68 | $7 |
| Utilities | $237 | $362 | $125 |
| Other / Misc | $197 | $174 | +$23 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$3,000
per month
Athens equivalent
$8,435
per month
You'd need $8,435/mo in Athens to match $3,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $3,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,312 to rent, $1,030 to groceries, $163 to dining.
Can I live in Athens on $3,000/month?
In Athens, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,162 rent, $706 groceries, $528 dining.
Is Surabaya or Athens cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Athens 38.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Athens?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$8,435/mo in Athens using COL adjustment.