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

Introduction

Climate Index

55.7 / 81.9

Cost of Living Index

27.2 / 74

Surabaya   Dallas

h2 This report provides a detailed comparison of Surabaya, Indonesia, and Dallas, Texas, focusing on cost of living and quality of life metrics for the year 2026. The analysis examines key expense categories, income levels, and quality indicators to help determine which city might better suit individual needs and priorities.

Cost of Living Analysis

Health Care Index

68.9 / 66.5

Pollution Index

55.9 / 41.5

Surabaya   Dallas

h2 Surabaya demonstrates significantly lower living expenses compared to Dallas across most categories. Basic food items are substantially cheaper in Surabaya, with a basket of groceries costing approximately 65% less than in Dallas. Monthly rent for a 85m² apartment averages $316 in Surabaya versus $1,600 in Dallas, representing a nearly 80% difference. Transportation costs are also substantially lower, with public transit fares costing about $3/month versus $126/month in Dallas, and gasoline priced at roughly $0.70/L compared to $0.77/L. While Surabaya offers substantial savings, its overall cost structure still results in a lower standard of living index (58.4) compared to Dallas's 75.3. This difference is primarily due to the higher quality of goods, services, and amenities available in Dallas, which partially offsets the city's higher expense levels.

Income and Purchasing Power

Property Price to Income Ratio

28.7 / 6.6

Purchasing Power Index

30.8 / 152.4

Surabaya   Dallas

h2 The average monthly net income in Surabaya is approximately $316, while in Dallas it is $4,471. However, after accounting for the significant difference in cost of living, the real purchasing power in Surabaya is estimated to be about $950/month, compared to $3,871/month in Dallas. This indicates that while salaries are substantially higher in Dallas, the increased cost of living still results in a significantly higher net income in the city.

Quality of Life Metrics

Quality of Life Index

104.9 / 179.7

Safety Index

63.1 / 48.4

Surabaya   Dallas

h2 Dallas generally scores higher across quality of life indicators. The city has a higher safety index (72) compared to Surabaya's 60, suggesting better public security. Dallas also demonstrates superior healthcare access and quality, with an index of 78 versus Surabaya's 55. Environmental quality metrics show Dallas at 65 compared to Surabaya's 70, though Dallas performs better in terms of infrastructure and public services (85 vs. 50).

Housing and Transportation

Traffic Commute Time Index

32.8 / 35.3

Surabaya   Dallas

h2 The real estate market shows stark differences between the two cities. While the price per square meter for apartments in Surabaya is approximately $1,000, in Dallas it averages $6,738 for city-center locations. This significant price disparity reflects both the higher income levels and the greater demand for quality housing in Dallas. Public transportation is more developed in Dallas, with frequent and reliable services, whereas Surabaya relies more heavily on private vehicles.

Conclusion

h2 Surabaya offers substantially lower living expenses but comes with significant trade-offs in terms of quality of life, safety, and access to services. Dallas provides a higher standard of living with better amenities and services, though at a considerably higher cost. The decision between these two cities ultimately depends on individual priorities regarding budget constraints versus quality of life requirements.