City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Hanoi — 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.
Hanoi
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Hanoi.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Hanoi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $701 | $45 |
| Groceries | $515 | $462 | +$53 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $93 | $12 |
| Transportation | $31 | $15 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $119 | $124 | $5 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $105 | $7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Hanoi equivalent
$1,957
per month
You'd need $1,957/mo in Hanoi 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 Hanoi on $1,500/month?
In Hanoi, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $701 rent, $462 groceries, $93 dining.
Is Surabaya or Hanoi cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Hanoi 18 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Hanoi?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,957/mo in Hanoi using COL adjustment.