Data last updated: August 2026

Bangkok, ThailandSurabaya, Indonesia

You would need around 58.1% less money in Surabaya, Indonesia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Bangkok, Thailand.

Overall Cost of Living

58.1%

Surabaya, Indonesia is cheaper than Bangkok, Thailand

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A670 USD
City B283 USD
Difference-57.8%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A85 USD
City B36 USD
Difference-57.6%

Average Net Salary

City A637 USD
City B274 USD
Difference-57.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Bangkok, Thailand to Surabaya, Indonesia? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Surabaya, Indonesia is 58.1% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Surabaya, Indonesia's center costs around 283 USD, which is a staggering 57.8% less than in Bangkok, Thailand. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Bangkok, Thailand and Surabaya, Indonesia is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Surabaya, Indonesia to maintain your current lifestyle in Bangkok, Thailand.

USD

You need in Surabaya, Indonesia

267 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Bangkok, Thailand to Surabaya, Indonesia and investing the 58% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 8.7 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Bangkok, Thailand budget to local Surabaya, Indonesia prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing283 USD
Groceries36 USD
Utilities & Internet19 USD

Investment Planner

You save 387 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Surabaya, Indonesia.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~65,016 USD in 10 years.