Data last updated: August 2026

Phuket, ThailandSurabaya, Indonesia

You would need around 59.9% less money in Surabaya, Indonesia to maintain the same standard of living you have in Phuket, Thailand.

Overall Cost of Living

59.9%

Surabaya, Indonesia is cheaper than Phuket, Thailand

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A720 USD
City B283 USD
Difference-60.7%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A69 USD
City B36 USD
Difference-47.8%

Average Net Salary

City A510 USD
City B274 USD
Difference-46.3%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Phuket, 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 59.9% 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 60.7% less than in Phuket, 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 Phuket, 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 Phuket, Thailand.

USD

You need in Surabaya, Indonesia

205 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Phuket, Thailand to Surabaya, Indonesia and investing the 60% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 9.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Phuket, 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 437 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 ~73,416 USD in 10 years.