Cost of Living in Surabaya, Indonesia
Indonesia · Asia
$900
Monthly Cost
avg/person
30
Cost Index
NYC=100
25
Rent Index
NYC=100
60
Quality of Life
Moderate
54
Safety Index
Moderate
2.9M
Population
IDR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $2 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $11 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $3.8 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $2.8 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3.8 |
| Cappuccino | $2.4 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.75 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.38 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.15 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.75 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.65 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $2.3 |
| Beef (1kg) | $5.7 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.48 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.73 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.65 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.57 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.37 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $17 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.67 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $34500 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24500 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $58 |
| Mobile Plan | $7.5 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $17 |
| Fitness Club/month | $33 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $400/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $245/mo |
| 3BR Center | $960/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $560/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,300/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,250/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $580 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 9.5% |
View Cost of Living in Indonesia
Cost of Living in Surabaya — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Surabaya, Indonesia is approximately $900 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Surabaya has a cost index of 30, making it around 70% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Surabaya costs around $245/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $960/month. The rent index is 25 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Surabaya scores 60/100 on the quality of life index and 54/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 60/100. The climate index is 52/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Surabaya is approximately $580/month. With a purchasing power index of 46/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is IDR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Surabaya
The average monthly salary in Surabaya is approximately $580. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $900, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 46/100.
Healthcare Costs in Surabaya
Healthcare quality in Surabaya is rated 60/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Surabaya
Surabaya has a quality of life score of 60/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Surabaya
Students living in Surabaya should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Surabaya
Expats moving to Surabaya often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Surabaya, Indonesia is approximately $900 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 30 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Surabaya
Living in Surabaya offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 30 and a quality of life score of 60/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $580 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Surabaya provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Indonesia and around the world.
Key Facts About Surabaya
- Average Monthly Cost: $900
- Cost Index: 30
- Rent Index: 25
- Average Salary: $580
- Quality of Life: 60/100
- Safety Score: 54/100
- Country: Indonesia
- Currency: IDR
Is Surabaya Expensive?
Surabaya has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Surabaya compare to other cities?
Surabaya is located in Asia with a population of approximately 2.9M. At a cost index of 30 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Surabaya stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Surabaya?
The average cost of living in Surabaya, Indonesia is approximately $900 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 30 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Surabaya?
Rent in Surabaya varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 25 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Surabaya alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Surabaya expensive to live in?
Surabaya has a cost index of 30 compared to New York City (100). At 30, Surabaya is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $900.
What is the quality of life in Surabaya?
Surabaya has a quality of life index of 60/100 and a safety index of 54/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a moderate quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Surabaya compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Surabaya with any city worldwide. Surabaya's cost index is 30 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Surabaya?
Many residents live comfortably in Surabaya with a monthly budget of around $900 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Surabaya good for expats?
Surabaya is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Surabaya?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $900 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Surabaya.
Is Surabaya cheaper than New York?
Yes, Surabaya has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Surabaya?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Surabaya.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Surabaya
Cheapest Ways to Live in Surabaya
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Surabaya typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $245/month compared to $400/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Is Surabaya Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 46/100 and a quality of life score of 60/100, Surabaya is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 30 relative to New York City, Surabaya remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Indonesia has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Surabaya Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Surabaya", "Surabaya monthly expenses 2026", and "is Surabaya affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $900, a safety score of 54/100, and healthcare rated 60/100, Surabaya offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Indonesia.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026