City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/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)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
São Paulo
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 23.4 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in São Paulo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | São Paulo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $875 | $865 | +$10 |
| Groceries | $687 | $520 | +$167 |
| Dining Out | $108 | $244 | $136 |
| Transportation | $41 | $106 | $65 |
| Utilities | $158 | $136 | +$22 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $129 | +$2 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$2,000
per month
São Paulo equivalent
$3,391
per month
You'd need $3,391/mo in São Paulo to match $2,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $2,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$875 to rent, $687 to groceries, $108 to dining.
Can I live in São Paulo on $2,000/month?
In São Paulo, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $865 rent, $520 groceries, $244 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 $2,000/mo in Surabaya worth in São Paulo?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$3,391/mo in São Paulo using COL adjustment.