City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Melbourne — 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.
Melbourne
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 61.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Melbourne.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Melbourne | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $888 | $232 |
| Groceries | $515 | $216 | +$299 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $135 | $54 |
| Transportation | $31 | $51 | $20 |
| Utilities | $119 | $77 | +$42 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $133 | $35 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Melbourne equivalent
$6,728
per month
You'd need $6,728/mo in Melbourne 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 Melbourne on $1,500/month?
In Melbourne, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $888 rent, $216 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Surabaya or Melbourne cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Melbourne 61.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Melbourne?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$6,728/mo in Melbourne using COL adjustment.