City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs São Paulo — 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.
São Paulo
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 23.4 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in São Paulo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | São Paulo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $649 | +$7 |
| Groceries | $515 | $390 | +$125 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $183 | $102 |
| Transportation | $31 | $80 | $49 |
| Utilities | $119 | $102 | +$17 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $96 | +$2 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
São Paulo equivalent
$2,543
per month
You'd need $2,543/mo in São Paulo 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 São Paulo on $1,500/month?
In São Paulo, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $649 rent, $390 groceries, $183 dining.
Is Surabaya or São Paulo cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs São Paulo 23.4 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in São Paulo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,543/mo in São Paulo using COL adjustment.