Living · Indonesia

Surabaya

Cost of living, housing, transport and neighborhoods in Surabaya.

East Java · Asia ·UTC+7
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Very LowCost
Caution: moderateSafety
LimitedEnglish
IDR RpCurrency
9,000,000Population

Safety is a general editorial assessment, not an official rating — check the official travel advisories for Indonesia before travelling.

City Overview

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second city and largest eastern port, capital of East Java — a center of industry, trade, shipping and the navy (the "City of Heroes"). From a colonial port it has grown into eastern Indonesia’s commerce and manufacturing center, well-served by its port and airport, with very low living costs. The industry, trade and port city of eastern Indonesia.

Cost of Living Snapshot

1BR Apartment Rp4,100,000–8,150,000/mo (centre); Rp3,000,000–6,000,000/mo (outer)
Dining Out Rp25,000–70,000 (casual); Rp150,000–400,000 (restaurant for 2)
Monthly Transport Monthly pass ~Rp300,000
Monthly Groceries Rp1,500,000–3,500,000/mo (groceries)
USD Reference: Approx. USD 230–460/mo (1BR centre)· at 2026-10-09 FX rates
Full Cost of Living Report →

Source: Richbay editorial estimate — indicative, not guaranteed Estimate baseline: 2026-06-21 · Actual costs vary by location, timing, and personal lifestyle.

Getting Around

Buses (Suroboyo Bus) + ride-hailing (Gojek/Grab) + motorbikes. Juanda Airport (SUB, Indonesia’s 2nd-busiest). Motorbike/taxi in the city; notable congestion.

Location & maps

Surabaya on external map services. We don't load a map until you ask for one.

Surabaya Indonesia

Housing & Neighborhoods

City Center Centre/Tunjungan (core)
International Hub Gubeng/Darmo (upscale/livable)
Quiet & Residential West Surabaya/Citraland (new district/residential)
Budget-Friendly Outer/industrial (value)

Why Live Here

  • Indonesia’s 2nd city; largest eastern port
  • Industry, trade & navy center
  • Eastern-Indonesia commerce center; very low cost

Plan your move

Frequently asked questions

How are the cost figures estimated?

Cost figures are Richbay editorial estimates of typical rent, food and transport, normalised to USD — indicative, not guaranteed. Verify locally before relying on them.

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