City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Kyoto — 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.
Kyoto
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Kyoto.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Kyoto | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $604 | +$52 |
| Groceries | $515 | $383 | +$132 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $126 | $45 |
| Transportation | $31 | $77 | $46 |
| Utilities | $119 | $219 | $100 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $91 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Kyoto equivalent
$2,978
per month
You'd need $2,978/mo in Kyoto 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 Kyoto on $1,500/month?
In Kyoto, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $604 rent, $383 groceries, $126 dining.
Is Surabaya or Kyoto cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Kyoto 27.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Kyoto?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,978/mo in Kyoto using COL adjustment.