City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Bergen — 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.
Bergen
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Bergen.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Bergen | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $727 | $71 |
| Groceries | $515 | $328 | +$187 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $179 | $98 |
| Transportation | $31 | $51 | $20 |
| Utilities | $119 | $106 | +$13 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $109 | $11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Bergen equivalent
$5,489
per month
You'd need $5,489/mo in Bergen 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 Bergen on $1,500/month?
In Bergen, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $727 rent, $328 groceries, $179 dining.
Is Surabaya or Bergen cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Bergen 50.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Bergen?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$5,489/mo in Bergen using COL adjustment.