City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/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)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Melbourne
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 61.9 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Melbourne.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Melbourne | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $875 | $1,183 | $308 |
| Groceries | $687 | $288 | +$399 |
| Dining Out | $108 | $181 | $73 |
| Transportation | $41 | $68 | $27 |
| Utilities | $158 | $102 | +$56 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $178 | $47 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$2,000
per month
Melbourne equivalent
$8,971
per month
You'd need $8,971/mo in Melbourne to match $2,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $2,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$875 to rent, $687 to groceries, $108 to dining.
Can I live in Melbourne on $2,000/month?
In Melbourne, $2,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $1,183 rent, $288 groceries, $181 dining.
Is Surabaya or Melbourne cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Melbourne 61.9 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Melbourne?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$8,971/mo in Melbourne using COL adjustment.