City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Marseille — 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.
Marseille
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 38.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Marseille.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Marseille | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $728 | $72 |
| Groceries | $515 | $293 | +$222 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $168 | $87 |
| Transportation | $31 | $61 | $30 |
| Utilities | $119 | $141 | $22 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $109 | $11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Marseille equivalent
$4,174
per month
You'd need $4,174/mo in Marseille 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 Marseille on $1,500/month?
In Marseille, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $728 rent, $293 groceries, $168 dining.
Is Surabaya or Marseille cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Marseille 38.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Marseille?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$4,174/mo in Marseille using COL adjustment.