City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Medellín — 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.
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Medellín | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $617 | +$39 |
| Groceries | $515 | $445 | +$70 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $189 | $108 |
| Transportation | $31 | $61 | $30 |
| Utilities | $119 | $97 | +$22 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $91 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Medellín equivalent
$2,076
per month
You'd need $2,076/mo in Medellín 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 Medellín on $1,500/month?
In Medellín, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $617 rent, $445 groceries, $189 dining.
Is Surabaya or Medellín cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Medellín 19.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Medellín?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,076/mo in Medellín using COL adjustment.