City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Surabaya vs Johor Bahru — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Johor Bahru
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Johor Bahru.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Johor Bahru | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $437 | $341 | +$96 |
| Groceries | $343 | $364 | $21 |
| Dining Out | $54 | $124 | $70 |
| Transportation | $20 | $31 | $11 |
| Utilities | $79 | $89 | $10 |
| Other / Misc | $67 | $51 | +$16 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,000
per month
Johor Bahru equivalent
$1,145
per month
You'd need $1,145/mo in Johor Bahru to match $1,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$437 to rent, $343 to groceries, $54 to dining.
Can I live in Johor Bahru on $1,000/month?
In Johor Bahru, $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $341 rent, $364 groceries, $124 dining.
Is Surabaya or Johor Bahru cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Johor Bahru 15.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Johor Bahru?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,145/mo in Johor Bahru using COL adjustment.