City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Brussels — 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.
Brussels
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $839 | $183 |
| Groceries | $515 | $217 | +$298 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $146 | $65 |
| Transportation | $31 | $30 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $119 | $142 | $23 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $126 | $28 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Brussels equivalent
$5,967
per month
You'd need $5,967/mo in Brussels 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 Brussels on $1,500/month?
In Brussels, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $839 rent, $217 groceries, $146 dining.
Is Surabaya or Brussels cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Brussels?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$5,967/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.