City Guide 2026
Indonesia
Living in Surabaya
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,045
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
63/100
Moderate
Avg Temperature
28°C
82°F average
Tourist Visa
30 days
DN visa available
Internet Speed
50 Mbps
Good
Cost of Living in Surabaya
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $525 | $341 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,500 | $975 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$200/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Surabaya
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
27.2°
Feb
27.3°
Mar
27.5°
Apr
28°
May
28.1°
Jun
27.6°
Jul
27.2°
Aug
27.4°
Sep
28°
Oct
28.6°
Nov
28.9°
Dec
28.2°
Air Quality (AQI)
68
Moderate
Avg Rain Days/mo
10
days per month
Beach Distance
0 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
35 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Surabaya
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
50 Mbps
Cultural Score
38/100
Nightlife
50/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
55/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Tax Overview in Indonesia
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: good
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 15% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 30% |
| Dividend Tax | 15% |
| Interest Income | 5% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 15% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Expatriate Foreign-Sourced Income Exemption
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Surabaya?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Surabaya costs approximately $1,045-1,672/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $525/month.
Is Surabaya safe for expats?
Surabaya has a safety index of 63/100 (higher is safer). Surabaya has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 75/100.
What is the weather like in Surabaya?
Surabaya has an average annual temperature of 28°C (82°F). The warmest months reach 28.9°C and the coolest drop to 27.2°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 68.
What is the internet speed in Surabaya?
Average internet speed in Surabaya is 50 Mbps, which is good enough for most remote work needs. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Indonesia?
Indonesia uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 15% (long-term) and dividends at 15%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Expatriate Foreign-Sourced Income Exemption) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a digital nomad visa in Surabaya?
Yes, Indonesia offers a digital nomad visa valid for 12 months. The residency pathway is: KITAP is generally available after holding a KITAS for 5 consecutive years..
Is Surabaya good for digital nomads?
Surabaya has decent internet at 50 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is moderate at 55/100. The cost of living index is 26/100 (NYC = 100), making it very affordable for remote workers.
Can You Retire on $X in Surabaya?
Run the FIRE math for Surabaya against the most-searched portfolio milestones — honest yes/no/tight verdicts with the numbers behind them.
Compare Surabaya with other cities
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