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

Osaka, a major metropolis in Japan, stands in stark contrast to Surabaya, a vibrant city in Indonesia. This comparison examines their cost of living and quality of life metrics for 2026, highlighting key differences and similarities.

Housing and Accommodation

Climate Index

84.3 / 55.7

Cost of Living Index

43.6 / 27.2

Osaka   Surabaya

h2 Osaka offers significantly more expensive housing options compared to Surabaya. The average price per square meter for an apartment in Osaka city center is substantially higher, reflecting its status as a leading global city. While Osaka's property prices are high, they are relatively balanced with its income levels. In contrast, Surabaya presents much more affordable housing options. The average apartment price per square meter in Surabaya's city center is considerably lower, making homeownership and renting more accessible. However, the lower property prices in Surabaya are significantly outpaced by the city's higher property price-to-income ratio, indicating that housing remains a substantial financial burden for many residents despite the lower nominal costs.

Daily Living Expenses

Health Care Index

82.2 / 68.9

Pollution Index

45.1 / 55.9

Osaka   Surabaya

h2 Beyond housing, the overall cost of living in Osaka is substantially higher than in Surabaya. Food, transportation, utilities, and leisure expenses collectively create a more expensive environment in Osaka. Daily groceries, while more expensive than in Surabaya, are offset by higher wages and potentially better value for certain goods. Transportation costs in Osaka, including public transit and fuel, are considerably higher than in Surabaya. Conversely, Surabaya offers significantly lower daily expenses across most categories. Basic groceries, dining out, transportation, and utilities are all substantially cheaper in Surabaya, making it an attractive option for those seeking to stretch their budget further.

Income and Economic Context

Property Price to Income Ratio

10.2 / 28.7

Purchasing Power Index

130.4 / 30.8

Osaka   Surabaya

h2 Income levels between the two cities differ dramatically. The average monthly net income in Osaka is substantially higher than in Surabaya, reflecting Japan's developed economy and higher cost of living. This higher income helps offset many of the city's expenses. Surabaya's average monthly net income is considerably lower, reflecting Indonesia's developing economy. However, the city's lower cost of living, particularly outside the premium housing market, means that the purchasing power for the average earner in Surabaya is higher than in Osaka.

Quality of Life Metrics

Quality of Life Index

184.8 / 104.9

Safety Index

67.1 / 63.1

Osaka   Surabaya

h2 Quality of life metrics paint a clear picture of the two cities. Osaka scores significantly higher on most quality indices, including safety, healthcare, climate comfort, and environmental cleanliness. Its advanced infrastructure, reliable public services, and high standard of living contribute to a generally preferred quality perception among international indices. Surabaya scores considerably lower on most quality indices. While it may have specific advantages in certain areas, its safety ratings, healthcare quality, and climate indices are notably lower than those in Osaka, reflecting the challenges often faced by rapidly developing cities.

Summary and Conclusion

Traffic Commute Time Index

34.6 / 32.8

Osaka   Surabaya

h2 In summary, Osaka represents a high-cost, high-quality lifestyle option with a strong economy and advanced infrastructure. Surabaya offers a significantly lower cost of living but with substantial trade-offs in terms of safety, healthcare quality, and environmental comfort. The choice between these two cities depends entirely on individual priorities – whether the advantages of a developed metropolis justify the higher costs or whether the lower expenses in Surabaya align with one's tolerance for lower quality metrics.