City Comparison
Surabaya vs Jakarta
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Surabaya is ~36% 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
Jakarta
Indonesia
COL+Rent
21.6
Rent Index
12.3
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
18.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Surabaya | Jakarta | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $231 | $459 | $228 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $156 | $311 | $155 |
| Groceries | $152 | $218 | $66 |
| Restaurant Meal | $2 | $4 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $9 | $13 | $4 |
| Utilities | $35 | $50 | $15 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Surabaya | Jakarta |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $314/mo | $543/mo |
| Typical | $457/mo | $800/mo |
| Comfortable | $552/mo | $972/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Surabaya | ≈ in Jakarta | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,348/mo | +$848 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,130/mo | +$1,130 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,696/mo | +$1,696 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surabaya or Jakarta cheaper to live in?
Surabaya is approximately 36% cheaper overall. Surabaya's COL+Rent Index is 13.8 vs Jakarta's 21.6 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Surabaya vs Jakarta?
A 1BR in Surabaya city center costs ~$231/mo vs $459/mo in Jakarta. Outside the center: $156 vs $311.
What is $2,000/month in Surabaya worth in Jakarta?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Surabaya has the purchasing power of approximately $3,130/month in Jakarta.
Are groceries cheaper in Surabaya or Jakarta?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $152 in Surabaya vs $218 in Jakarta. Groceries Index: 27.6 vs 39.6 (NYC = 100).