City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/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)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Johor Bahru
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.8 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Johor Bahru.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Johor Bahru | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,186 | $1,705 | +$481 |
| Groceries | $1,717 | $1,819 | $102 |
| Dining Out | $271 | $620 | $349 |
| Transportation | $102 | $155 | $53 |
| Utilities | $395 | $444 | $49 |
| Other / Misc | $329 | $257 | +$72 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$5,000
per month
Johor Bahru equivalent
$5,725
per month
You'd need $5,725/mo in Johor Bahru to match $5,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $5,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,186 to rent, $1,717 to groceries, $271 to dining.
Can I live in Johor Bahru on $5,000/month?
In Johor Bahru, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,705 rent, $1,819 groceries, $620 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 $5,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Johor Bahru?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$5,725/mo in Johor Bahru using COL adjustment.