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Surabaya🇮🇩

Indonesia · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Timezone
Asia/Jakarta
Nomad community
Small

City metrics

📊 Data estimated — figures are based on published regional averages and are updated quarterly. Last verified: May 24, 2026

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$300/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$200/mo
COL index32 (vs Switzerland=101)
Cheap meal$3.00
Mid-range meal for 2$9.00
Monthly groceries~$150

Infrastructure

Internet speed45 Mbps
Healthcare index55/100
Coworking spaces~8

Lifestyle

Safety index58/100
Air quality75 AQI — Moderate
Walkability52/100
Climate score75/100
English proficiencylow
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Visa easemedium
Budget score85/100
Lifestyle score65/100
Overall nomad score
60/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

This Indonesian hub offers genuine affordability for nomads on a budget. You can snag a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center for just $300, or even $200 outside of it. Eating out is incredibly cheap, with a basic meal around $3. Groceries will set you back about $150 a month, making your overall cost of living pleasantly low. It suits those who prioritize extreme cost savings over a bustling expat scene. The nomad community is small, and English proficiency is generally low, so embrace the local culture and Bahasa Indonesia. Internet speeds are decent at 45 Mbps, but don't expect Singapore-level infrastructure. The climate is great, and safety is reasonable. The honest caveat? If you crave a large, English-speaking expat network and endless coworking options (there are only 8), Surabaya might feel a bit isolating.

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Who this suits

Budget nomad

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Surabaya.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Surabaya as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Surabaya averages around $300 per month, and the overall cost-of-living index sits at 32 (vs Switzerland = 101). Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Surabaya safe for digital nomads?+

Surabaya scores 58/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.

How fast is the internet in Surabaya?+

Headline average internet speed in Surabaya is around 45 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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