City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Rio de Janeiro — 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.
Rio de Janeiro
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.1 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Rio de Janeiro.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Rio de Janeiro | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $637 | +$19 |
| Groceries | $515 | $392 | +$123 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $194 | $113 |
| Transportation | $31 | $79 | $48 |
| Utilities | $119 | $103 | +$16 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $95 | +$3 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Rio de Janeiro equivalent
$2,402
per month
You'd need $2,402/mo in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro on $1,500/month?
In Rio de Janeiro, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $637 rent, $392 groceries, $194 dining.
Is Surabaya or Rio de Janeiro cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Rio de Janeiro 22.1 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Rio de Janeiro?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,402/mo in Rio de Janeiro using COL adjustment.