City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Surabaya vs Wellington — 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.
Wellington
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 50.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Wellington.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $830 | $174 |
| Groceries | $515 | $253 | +$262 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $135 | $54 |
| Transportation | $31 | $69 | $38 |
| Utilities | $119 | $88 | +$31 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $125 | $27 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Wellington equivalent
$5,533
per month
You'd need $5,533/mo in Wellington 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 Wellington on $1,500/month?
In Wellington, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $830 rent, $253 groceries, $135 dining.
Is Surabaya or Wellington cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Wellington 50.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Wellington?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$5,533/mo in Wellington using COL adjustment.