City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Los Angeles — 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.
Los Angeles
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 69.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Los Angeles.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $932 | $276 |
| Groceries | $515 | $192 | +$323 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $124 | $43 |
| Transportation | $31 | $34 | $3 |
| Utilities | $119 | $78 | +$41 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $140 | $42 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Los Angeles equivalent
$7,554
per month
You'd need $7,554/mo in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles on $1,500/month?
In Los Angeles, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $932 rent, $192 groceries, $124 dining.
Is Surabaya or Los Angeles cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Los Angeles 69.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Los Angeles?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$7,554/mo in Los Angeles using COL adjustment.