City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Malmö — 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.
Malmö
Moderate
COL+Rent: 35.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Malmö.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Malmö | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $754 | $98 |
| Groceries | $515 | $291 | +$224 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $174 | $93 |
| Transportation | $31 | $79 | $48 |
| Utilities | $119 | $88 | +$31 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $114 | $16 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Malmö equivalent
$3,815
per month
You'd need $3,815/mo in Malmö 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 Malmö on $1,500/month?
In Malmö, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $754 rent, $291 groceries, $174 dining.
Is Surabaya or Malmö cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Malmö 35.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Malmö?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$3,815/mo in Malmö using COL adjustment.