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

CategorySurabayaMalmöDiff
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.

Explore More