City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Chennai — 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.
Chennai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chennai.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Chennai | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $742 | $86 |
| Groceries | $515 | $317 | +$198 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $196 | $115 |
| Transportation | $31 | $36 | $5 |
| Utilities | $119 | $98 | +$21 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $111 | $13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Chennai equivalent
$1,967
per month
You'd need $1,967/mo in Chennai 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 Chennai on $1,500/month?
In Chennai, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $742 rent, $317 groceries, $196 dining.
Is Surabaya or Chennai cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Chennai 18.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Chennai?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,967/mo in Chennai using COL adjustment.