City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Gothenburg — 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.
Gothenburg
Moderate
COL+Rent: 37 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Gothenburg.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $763 | $107 |
| Groceries | $515 | $283 | +$232 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $175 | $94 |
| Transportation | $31 | $78 | $47 |
| Utilities | $119 | $86 | +$33 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $115 | $17 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Gothenburg equivalent
$4,022
per month
You'd need $4,022/mo in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg on $1,500/month?
In Gothenburg, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $763 rent, $283 groceries, $175 dining.
Is Surabaya or Gothenburg cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Gothenburg 37 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Gothenburg?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$4,022/mo in Gothenburg using COL adjustment.