Data last updated: August 2026

Houston, TXSurabaya, Indonesia

You would need around 84.9% less money in Surabaya, Indonesia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Houston, TX.

Overall Cost of Living

84.9%

Surabaya, Indonesia is cheaper than Houston, TX

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,664 USD
City B283 USD
Difference-83.0%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A250 USD
City B36 USD
Difference-85.6%

Average Net Salary

City A4,689 USD
City B274 USD
Difference-94.2%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Houston, TX 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 84.9% 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 83.0% less than in Houston, TX. 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 Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX.

USD

You need in Surabaya, Indonesia

708 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Houston, TX to Surabaya, Indonesia and investing the 85% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 10.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Houston, TX 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 1381 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 ~232,008 USD in 10 years.