City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Tokyo vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo may not cover basic costs in Tokyo.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $483 | $437 | +$46 |
| Groceries | $210 | $343 | $133 |
| Dining Out | $71 | $54 | +$17 |
| Transportation | $42 | $20 | +$22 |
| Utilities | $120 | $79 | +$41 |
| Other / Misc | $74 | $67 | +$7 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$333
per month
Only $333/mo in Surabaya matches $1,000/mo in Tokyo — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $1,000/month?
Living in Tokyo on $1,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$483 to rent, $210 to groceries, $71 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,000/month?
In Surabaya, $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $437 rent, $343 groceries, $54 dining.
Is Tokyo or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Tokyo worth in Surabaya?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$333/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.