Surabaya vs Ho Chi Minh City
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Surabaya is ~38% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Surabaya
Indonesia
COL+Rent
13.8
Rent Index
6.2
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
11.9
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
COL+Rent
22.2
Rent Index
13.1
Groceries
37.5
Restaurant
19.1
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Surabaya | Ho Chi Minh City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $231 | $482 | $251 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $156 | $297 | $141 |
| Groceries | $152 | $207 | $55 |
| Restaurant Meal | $2 | $4 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $9 | $7 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $35 | $55 | $20 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Surabaya | Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $314/mo | $520/mo |
| Typical | $457/mo | $811/mo |
| Comfortable | $552/mo | $985/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Surabaya | ≈ in Ho Chi Minh City | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,413/mo | +$913 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,217/mo | +$1,217 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,826/mo | +$1,826 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Surabaya vs Ho Chi Minh City for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Surabaya is approximately 38% more affordable than Ho Chi Minh City when combining rent and daily living costs. Surabaya's COL+Rent Index of 13.8 vs Ho Chi Minh City's 22.2 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Surabaya costs $231/month versus $482/month in Ho Chi Minh City — giving Surabaya a $251/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,012 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Surabaya ($152/mo) vs Ho Chi Minh City ($207/mo) reflect Surabaya's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $2 vs $4 show Surabaya is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Surabaya offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $457 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.