City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Tokyo vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Tokyo
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 41.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Tokyo.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Tokyo | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $725 | $656 | +$69 |
| Groceries | $316 | $515 | $199 |
| Dining Out | $107 | $81 | +$26 |
| Transportation | $63 | $31 | +$32 |
| Utilities | $180 | $119 | +$61 |
| Other / Misc | $109 | $98 | +$11 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Tokyo
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$499
per month
Only $499/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Tokyo — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Tokyo on $1,500/month?
Living in Tokyo on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$725 to rent, $316 to groceries, $107 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 Tokyo or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Tokyo 41.5 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Tokyo worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Tokyo equals ~$499/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.