City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Surabaya vs Brisbane — 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.
Brisbane
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brisbane.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Brisbane | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,312 | $1,718 | $406 |
| Groceries | $1,030 | $461 | +$569 |
| Dining Out | $163 | $291 | $128 |
| Transportation | $61 | $109 | $48 |
| Utilities | $237 | $163 | +$74 |
| Other / Misc | $197 | $258 | $61 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$3,000
per month
Brisbane equivalent
$11,739
per month
You'd need $11,739/mo in Brisbane 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 Brisbane on $3,000/month?
In Brisbane, $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $1,718 rent, $461 groceries, $291 dining.
Is Surabaya or Brisbane cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Brisbane 54 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Brisbane?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$11,739/mo in Brisbane using COL adjustment.