City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Madrid — 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.
Madrid
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 42.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Madrid.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Madrid | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $856 | $200 |
| Groceries | $515 | $226 | +$289 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $155 | $74 |
| Transportation | $31 | $28 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $119 | $107 | +$12 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $128 | $30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Madrid equivalent
$4,620
per month
You'd need $4,620/mo in Madrid 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 Madrid on $1,500/month?
In Madrid, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $856 rent, $226 groceries, $155 dining.
Is Surabaya or Madrid cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Madrid 42.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Madrid?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$4,620/mo in Madrid using COL adjustment.