City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Brasília — 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.
Brasília
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Brasília.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Brasília | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $568 | +$88 |
| Groceries | $515 | $427 | +$88 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $221 | $140 |
| Transportation | $31 | $88 | $57 |
| Utilities | $119 | $111 | +$8 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $85 | +$13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Brasília equivalent
$1,946
per month
You'd need $1,946/mo in Brasília 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 Brasília on $1,500/month?
In Brasília, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $568 rent, $427 groceries, $221 dining.
Is Surabaya or Brasília cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Brasília 17.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Brasília?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,946/mo in Brasília using COL adjustment.