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Surabaya, Indonesia
Capital City

Follows Indonesia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$860
Retiree Score
94.0
Safety Index
64.0
Healthcare
52 facilities

With a population of 3,018,022 as of 2024, Surabaya is a sprawling metropolis that's not for the faint of heart. The city's rapid growth has outpaced its infrastructure, leading to notorious traffic jams that are a "persistent headache" for residents. And while the government has made Surabaya one of the cleanest and greenest cities in Indonesia, certain neighborhoods remain disorganized. The tax burden is also heavy, as Surabaya is a major financial and commercial hub. Still, the city's status as an educational and economic powerhouse makes it an attractive destination for ambitious strivers seeking opportunity - if they can tolerate the occasional dose of bureaucratic red tape.

Can I afford Surabaya?

$

Surabaya

You could save

2,140/mo

Savings Rate71%

Monthly Costs

Rent $380
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$480

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
71/100
Retiree Score
(i)
94/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
64
Safety
52
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $1
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$1
Meal (Mid-range) $72
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $92
Mobile Plan (mo) $5
Gym (mo) *$20
Cinema Ticket $3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $380
1BR Outside (mo) *$178
3BR Center (mo) $850
3BR Outside (mo) *$480

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Darmok, Graha Famili
Best For
business professionals, families

Expat Life Notes

Indonesia's second city is a major business hub with a more orderly feel than Jakarta, though English is less common.

Pros

  • ✓ High safety for a mega-city
  • ✓ Strategic business location
  • ✓ Excellent healthcare infrastructure

Cons

  • ✗ Very hot climate
  • ✗ Limited expat social scene
  • ✗ Language barrier outside business

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
23°C°C - 33°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1635 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Surabaya

Click any question to expand the answer.

Surabaya has a population of approximately 3,009,286 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $950 per month in Surabaya, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $380/month.

The nearest airport to Surabaya is SUB, approximately 16km away.

Surabaya is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 64.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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