Lima vs. Surabaya: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Economic Overview

Climate Index

97.7 / 55.7

Cost of Living Index

35.2 / 27.2

Lima   Surabaya

h2 Lima, the capital of Peru, demonstrates a higher GDP per capita at $15,300 compared to Surabaya's $13,900. However, Surabaya exhibits a significantly higher GDP growth rate at 5.05% versus Lima's 5.5%. The average monthly net salary in Lima is $1,050, substantially higher than Surabaya's $299. This disparity in income, coupled with Lima's lower mortgage interest rate of 5.5% compared to Surabaya's 7.5%, presents contrasting economic landscapes for potential investors or long-term residents.

Accommodation Costs

Health Care Index

58.8 / 68.9

Pollution Index

84.4 / 55.9

Lima   Surabaya

h2 Housing represents a significant difference between the two cities. While Lima's mortgage interest rate is lower, Surabaya offers substantially more affordable property prices. A 3-bedroom apartment in Lima's city center averages $315 per month in rent, whereas in Surabaya, the same accommodation averages $310 per month. Outside the city center, Lima's 3-bedroom apartments cost $263 per month, still higher than Surabaya's $113. The price per square meter for apartments is also considerably lower in Surabaya ($1,130) compared to Lima ($1,700).

Food and Transportation Expenses

Property Price to Income Ratio

14.7 / 28.7

Purchasing Power Index

52.3 / 30.8

Lima   Surabaya

h2 Daily living expenses present a clear contrast. Basic groceries for a family of four cost approximately $126 per month in Lima, compared to $72 in Surabaya. Fast food meals are cheaper in Surabaya, with a combo meal averaging $1.48 versus $4.20 in Lima. Transportation costs also favor Surabaya, with a monthly public transport pass costing $3.33 compared to $20 in Lima. Fuel prices are significantly lower in Surabaya at $0.76 per liter compared to Lima's $1.20.

Utilities and Entertainment

Quality of Life Index

91.9 / 104.9

Safety Index

29.9 / 63.1

Lima   Surabaya

h2 Monthly utility bills for an 85m² apartment are higher in Lima ($70) than in Surabaya ($65). However, entertainment expenses are substantially lower in Surabaya. A cinema ticket costs $0.89 in Surabaya versus $12.10 in Lima. Monthly gym membership is also much more affordable in Surabaya at $5.00 compared to $20 in Lima.

Quality of Life Indicators

Traffic Commute Time Index

51.2 / 32.8

Lima   Surabaya

h2 Surabaya scores higher on the overall quality of life index (104.89) compared to Lima (91.86). The city environment in Surabaya is notably cleaner, with a pollution index of 55.91 versus Lima's 115.3. Commute times are considerably shorter in Surabaya (32.84 minutes) than in Lima (115.3 minutes). While Lima performs better in basic infrastructure metrics, Surabaya offers advantages in environmental quality and daily commute duration.

Childcare and Education

h2 Childcare costs are significantly lower in Surabaya, with a monthly preschool fee of $230 compared to $450 in Lima. Annual primary school tuition is also more affordable in Surabaya at $2,525 compared to Lima's $4,500. These differences in education costs further contribute to the overall lower cost of living in Surabaya.