Indonesia · East Java
Living & working in Surabaya
Everything a professional needs to relocate to Surabaya, Indonesia — costs, salaries, visas, neighborhoods, healthcare and more.
Tier
2
Population
2.9M
Cost index
29
1BR rent / mo
$638
Deep dives on Surabaya
Living in Surabaya
Daily life, neighborhoods, and what to expect.
Working in Surabaya
Job market, hiring cycles, and work culture.
Cost of Living in Surabaya
Rent, groceries, transit, utilities in one place.
Rent in Surabaya
Rental prices and tenancy practices.
Healthcare in Surabaya
Public coverage, private insurance, and access.
Schools in Surabaya
International schools, curricula, and admissions.
Best Areas in Surabaya
Where expats and professionals actually live.
Public Transport in Surabaya
Metro, buses, taxis, and commuting times.
Safety in Surabaya
Crime rates, areas to avoid, and emergency contacts.
Internet in Surabaya
Connectivity, average speeds, and providers.
Weather in Surabaya
Climate, seasons, and what to pack.
Taxes in Surabaya
Income tax rates, social contributions, and treaties.
Banking in Surabaya
Opening an account, transfers, and digital banking.
Work Culture in Surabaya
Norms, hours, hierarchy, and communication style.
Moving Checklist in Surabaya
Pre-arrival and first-90-days task list.
Salaries in Surabaya
Software Engineer
$26k – $49k
Data Scientist
$29k – $53k
Product Manager
$32k – $59k
Business Analyst
$20k – $38k
UX / Product Designer
$22k – $41k
Marketing Manager
$21k – $39k
Sales Manager
$23k – $43k
Finance Analyst
$22k – $41k
HR Manager
$20k – $36k
Doctor
$38k – $71k
Nurse
$18k – $34k
Teacher
$14k – $25k
Pilot
$30k – $56k
Chef
$14k – $25k
Electrician
$15k – $28k
Construction Worker
$12k – $22k
Truck Driver
$14k – $27k
Logistics Manager
$21k – $39k
Customer Support
$11k – $21k
Healthcare Worker
$15k – $28k
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FAQs about Surabaya
Is Surabaya a good place to live for expats?+
Surabaya is a Tier-2 city in Indonesia with strong infrastructure for international residents. Moderate English proficiency simplifies daily life for English-speaking professionals.
What is the average cost of living in Surabaya?+
A single professional in Surabaya typically spends around $1,102/month including rent, food, transport and utilities.
How much is rent in Surabaya?+
A central 1-bedroom apartment in Surabaya averages ~$638/month. Suburban areas run 25–40% lower.
What's the population of Surabaya?+
Surabaya has a metro population of approximately 2.9M.
Is Surabaya safe?+
Surabaya's central and residential districts are generally safe with standard urban precautions. Refer to the safety guide for area-specific notes.