City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Perth — 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.
Perth
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 55.7 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Perth.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Perth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $858 | $202 |
| Groceries | $515 | $230 | +$285 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $148 | $67 |
| Transportation | $31 | $54 | $23 |
| Utilities | $119 | $82 | +$37 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $128 | $30 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Perth equivalent
$6,054
per month
You'd need $6,054/mo in Perth 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 Perth on $1,500/month?
In Perth, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $858 rent, $230 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Surabaya or Perth cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Perth 55.7 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Perth?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$6,054/mo in Perth using COL adjustment.