City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Johor Bahru
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Johor Bahru.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Johor Bahru | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $512 | +$144 |
| Groceries | $515 | $546 | $31 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $186 | $105 |
| Transportation | $31 | $47 | $16 |
| Utilities | $119 | $133 | $14 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $76 | +$22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Johor Bahru equivalent
$1,717
per month
You'd need $1,717/mo in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru on $1,500/month?
In Johor Bahru, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $512 rent, $546 groceries, $186 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 $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Johor Bahru?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,717/mo in Johor Bahru using COL adjustment.