The Hague vs Surabaya
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Surabaya is ~73% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Surabaya
Indonesia
COL+Rent
13.8
Rent Index
6.2
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
11.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $231 | +$1,315 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $156 | +$1,058 |
| Groceries | $319 | $152 | +$167 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $2 | +$17 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $9 | +$84 |
| Utilities | $179 | $35 | +$144 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Surabaya |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $314/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $457/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $552/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Surabaya | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $407/mo | -$1,093 |
| $2,000/mo | $542/mo | -$1,458 |
| $3,000/mo | $813/mo | -$2,187 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Surabaya for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Surabaya is approximately 73% more affordable than The Hague when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Surabaya's 13.8 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $231/month in Surabaya — giving Surabaya a $1,315/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $15,780 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Surabaya ($152/mo) reflect Surabaya's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $2 show Surabaya offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Surabaya offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $457 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.