City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Riyadh — 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.
Riyadh
Moderate
COL+Rent: 31.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Riyadh.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Riyadh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $628 | +$28 |
| Groceries | $515 | $408 | +$107 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $219 | $138 |
| Transportation | $31 | $43 | $12 |
| Utilities | $119 | $108 | +$11 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $94 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Riyadh equivalent
$3,402
per month
You'd need $3,402/mo in Riyadh 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 Riyadh on $1,500/month?
In Riyadh, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $628 rent, $408 groceries, $219 dining.
Is Surabaya or Riyadh cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Riyadh 31.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Riyadh?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$3,402/mo in Riyadh using COL adjustment.