City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/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)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Brussels
Moderate
COL+Rent: 54.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Brussels.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Brussels | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,312 | $1,678 | $366 |
| Groceries | $1,030 | $435 | +$595 |
| Dining Out | $163 | $292 | $129 |
| Transportation | $61 | $61 | $0 |
| Utilities | $237 | $283 | $46 |
| Other / Misc | $197 | $251 | $54 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$3,000
per month
Brussels equivalent
$11,935
per month
You'd need $11,935/mo in Brussels 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 Brussels on $3,000/month?
In Brussels, $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $1,678 rent, $435 groceries, $292 dining.
Is Surabaya or Brussels cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Brussels 54.9 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Brussels?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$11,935/mo in Brussels using COL adjustment.