City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs London — 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.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $906 | $250 |
| Groceries | $515 | $171 | +$344 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $136 | $55 |
| Transportation | $31 | $46 | $15 |
| Utilities | $119 | $105 | +$14 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $136 | $38 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$7,924
per month
You'd need $7,924/mo in London 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 London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Surabaya or London cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$7,924/mo in London using COL adjustment.