City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Phuket — 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.
Phuket
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Phuket.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Phuket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $633 | +$23 |
| Groceries | $515 | $479 | +$36 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $100 | $19 |
| Transportation | $31 | $52 | $21 |
| Utilities | $119 | $140 | $21 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $96 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Phuket equivalent
$2,402
per month
You'd need $2,402/mo in Phuket 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 Phuket on $1,500/month?
In Phuket, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $633 rent, $479 groceries, $100 dining.
Is Surabaya or Phuket cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Phuket 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Phuket?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,402/mo in Phuket using COL adjustment.