City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Tokyo — 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.
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Tokyo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $725 | $69 |
| Groceries | $515 | $316 | +$199 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $107 | $26 |
| Transportation | $31 | $63 | $32 |
| Utilities | $119 | $180 | $61 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $109 | $11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Tokyo equivalent
$4,511
per month
You'd need $4,511/mo in Tokyo 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 Tokyo on $1,500/month?
In Tokyo, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $725 rent, $316 groceries, $107 dining.
Is Surabaya or Tokyo cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Tokyo 41.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Tokyo?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$4,511/mo in Tokyo using COL adjustment.