City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Heraklion — 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.
Heraklion
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 26.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Heraklion.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Heraklion | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $461 | +$195 |
| Groceries | $515 | $412 | +$103 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $307 | $226 |
| Transportation | $31 | $40 | $9 |
| Utilities | $119 | $211 | $92 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $69 | +$29 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Heraklion equivalent
$2,870
per month
You'd need $2,870/mo in Heraklion 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 Heraklion on $1,500/month?
In Heraklion, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $461 rent, $412 groceries, $307 dining.
Is Surabaya or Heraklion cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Heraklion 26.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Heraklion?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,870/mo in Heraklion using COL adjustment.