City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Bangkok — 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.
Bangkok
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 33.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bangkok.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Bangkok | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $725 | $69 |
| Groceries | $515 | $409 | +$106 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $93 | $12 |
| Transportation | $31 | $45 | $14 |
| Utilities | $119 | $120 | $1 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $108 | $10 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Bangkok equivalent
$3,620
per month
You'd need $3,620/mo in Bangkok 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 Bangkok on $1,500/month?
In Bangkok, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $725 rent, $409 groceries, $93 dining.
Is Surabaya or Bangkok cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Bangkok 33.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Bangkok?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$3,620/mo in Bangkok using COL adjustment.