Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILSurabaya, Indonesia

You would need around 89.0% less money in Surabaya, Indonesia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

89.0%

Surabaya, Indonesia is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B283 USD
Difference-88.2%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B36 USD
Difference-87.7%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B274 USD
Difference-94.7%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL 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 89.0% 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 88.2% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Surabaya, Indonesia

565 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Chicago, IL to Surabaya, Indonesia and investing the 89% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 10.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL 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 2123 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 ~356,664 USD in 10 years.