Data last updated: August 2026

Johannesburg, South AfricaSurabaya, Indonesia

You would need around 49.1% less money in Surabaya, Indonesia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Overall Cost of Living

49.1%

Surabaya, Indonesia is cheaper than Johannesburg, South Africa

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A531 USD
City B283 USD
Difference-46.7%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A84 USD
City B36 USD
Difference-57.1%

Average Net Salary

City A1,712 USD
City B274 USD
Difference-84.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Johannesburg, South Africa 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 49.1% 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 46.7% less than in Johannesburg, South Africa. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:To securely access your home banking and streaming services while living abroad, grab a reliable VPN like NordVPN before relocating.Check out NordVPN

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Johannesburg, South Africa 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 Johannesburg, South Africa.

USD

You need in Surabaya, Indonesia

871 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Johannesburg, South Africa to Surabaya, Indonesia and investing the 49% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 7.4 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Johannesburg, South Africa 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 248 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 ~41,664 USD in 10 years.