City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Cali — 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.
Cali
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 16.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cali.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Cali | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $585 | +$71 |
| Groceries | $515 | $452 | +$63 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $216 | $135 |
| Transportation | $31 | $62 | $31 |
| Utilities | $119 | $98 | +$21 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $87 | +$11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Cali equivalent
$1,815
per month
You'd need $1,815/mo in Cali 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 Cali on $1,500/month?
In Cali, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $585 rent, $452 groceries, $216 dining.
Is Surabaya or Cali cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Cali 16.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Cali?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,815/mo in Cali using COL adjustment.