City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Mexico City — 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.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $841 | $185 |
| Groceries | $515 | $279 | +$236 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $159 | $78 |
| Transportation | $31 | $29 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $119 | $65 | +$54 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $127 | $29 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$3,783
per month
You'd need $3,783/mo in Mexico City 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 Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Surabaya or Mexico City cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$3,783/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.