City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Thessaloniki vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Thessaloniki
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 27.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Thessaloniki.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Thessaloniki | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $475 | $656 | $181 |
| Groceries | $403 | $515 | $112 |
| Dining Out | $306 | $81 | +$225 |
| Transportation | $39 | $31 | +$8 |
| Utilities | $206 | $119 | +$87 |
| Other / Misc | $71 | $98 | $27 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Thessaloniki
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$750
per month
Only $750/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Thessaloniki — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Thessaloniki on $1,500/month?
Living in Thessaloniki on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$475 to rent, $403 to groceries, $306 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,500/month?
In Surabaya, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $656 rent, $515 groceries, $81 dining.
Is Thessaloniki or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Thessaloniki 27.6 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Thessaloniki worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Thessaloniki equals ~$750/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.