Bandung
Surabaya

Bandung vs Surabaya — Cost of Living Comparison

Bandung
Indonesia
VS
Surabaya
Indonesia
Estimated average living costs are ~15% lower in Bandung

Bandung

$780

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,500,000

Safety

60/100

Quality

52/100

Cost
22
Safety
60
Life
52

Surabaya

$900

avg. monthly cost

Population

2,900,000

Safety

58/100

Quality

50/100

Cost
24
Safety
58
Life
50

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~15% lower in Bandung

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Bandung

$780

estimated per month

Surabaya

$900

estimated per month

Difference

+15.4%

Monthly savings

$120

Yearly savings

$1,440

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$86,538

+$11,538/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBandungSurabayaDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$250.00$300.00
+20.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$140.00$160.00
+14.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$580.00$680.00
+17.2%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$320.00$380.00
+18.8%
ItemBandungSurabayaDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$1.30$1.50
+15.4%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$12.00$14.00
+16.7%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$3.50$3.80
+8.6%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.35$1.40
+3.7%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.90$1.00
+11.1%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.65$0.70
+7.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.30$1.40
+7.7%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.60$2.80
+7.7%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00$3.20
+6.7%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.90$1.00
+11.1%
ItemBandungSurabayaDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$12.00$15.00
+25.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.20$0.25
+25.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.35$0.40
+14.3%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.20$0.22
+10.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.85$0.85
0.0%
ItemBandungSurabayaDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$50.00$55.00
+10.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$5.00$5.00
0.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$18.00$20.00
+11.1%
ItemBandungSurabayaDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$10.00$12.00
+20.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$13.00$15.00
+15.4%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$4.00$4.00
0.0%
ItemBandungSurabayaDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$20.00$22.00
+10.0%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$2.80$3.00
+7.1%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$1.60$1.80
+12.5%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.20$2.50
+13.6%
ItemBandungSurabayaDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$32.00$35.00
+9.4%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$16.00$18.00
+12.5%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$58.00$60.00
+3.4%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Bandung vs Surabaya

Is Bandung or Surabaya more expensive?
Surabaya is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 24 compared with 22 for Bandung.
How much cheaper is Bandung than Surabaya?
Living in Bandung is around 8% cheaper than Surabaya, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Bandung and Surabaya?
Bandung scores 22 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Surabaya scores 24 — where New York City equals 100.