City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Izmir — 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.
Izmir
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 20.2 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Izmir.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Izmir | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $613 | +$43 |
| Groceries | $515 | $441 | +$74 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $206 | $125 |
| Transportation | $31 | $43 | $12 |
| Utilities | $119 | $105 | +$14 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $92 | +$6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Izmir equivalent
$2,196
per month
You'd need $2,196/mo in Izmir 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 Izmir on $1,500/month?
In Izmir, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $613 rent, $441 groceries, $206 dining.
Is Surabaya or Izmir cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Izmir 20.2 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Izmir?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,196/mo in Izmir using COL adjustment.