City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Chicago — 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.
Chicago
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Chicago.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Chicago | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $899 | $243 |
| Groceries | $515 | $211 | +$304 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $133 | $52 |
| Transportation | $31 | $37 | $6 |
| Utilities | $119 | $85 | +$34 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $135 | $37 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Chicago equivalent
$6,207
per month
You'd need $6,207/mo in Chicago 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 Chicago on $1,500/month?
In Chicago, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $899 rent, $211 groceries, $133 dining.
Is Surabaya or Chicago cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Chicago 57.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Chicago?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$6,207/mo in Chicago using COL adjustment.