City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Ho Chi Minh City — 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.
Ho Chi Minh City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Ho Chi Minh City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $764 | $108 |
| Groceries | $515 | $406 | +$109 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $94 | $13 |
| Transportation | $31 | $14 | +$17 |
| Utilities | $119 | $108 | +$11 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $114 | $16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Ho Chi Minh City equivalent
$2,413
per month
You'd need $2,413/mo in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City on $1,500/month?
In Ho Chi Minh City, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $764 rent, $406 groceries, $94 dining.
Is Surabaya or Ho Chi Minh City cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Ho Chi Minh City 22.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Ho Chi Minh City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,413/mo in Ho Chi Minh City using COL adjustment.