Surabaya vs Malang – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Surabaya, Indonesia and Malang, Indonesia? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Surabaya has a monthly cost of $2,080, which is 19.5% higher than Malang's $1,740.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Surabaya offers 50 Mbps, while Malang provides 50 Mbps – making Malang's connection 0.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Surabaya is currently 31°C ⛈️, while Malang is experiencing 25°C 🌧️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Surabaya has a safety score of 74.0 , while Malang scores 76.0 .

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Overall
Malang wins
Quality of Life
Malang wins
Cost
Malang wins
Malang is 6% better
Climate
Malang wins
Malang is 21% better
Infrastructure
Social
Malang wins
Malang is 10% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Surabaya | Malang | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $2,080 | $1,740 | +19.5% |
Daily Average | $69 | $58 | per day |
Housing
Item | Surabaya | Malang | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $250.00 per month | $180.00 per month | +38.9% |
Daily Life
Item | Surabaya | Malang | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $1.20 per cup | $1.20 per cup | 0.0% |
Beer | $1.50 per pint | $1.50 per pint | 0.0% |
Meal (Inexpensive) | $2.00 per meal | $1.80 per meal | +11.1% |
Transportation
Item | Surabaya | Malang | Difference |
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Utilities
Item | Surabaya | Malang | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Surabaya vs Malang
Malang ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 3.0% higher than Surabaya overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $2,080 vs $1,740
- Daily Expenses: $69 vs $58
- Malang is 19.5% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: Malang leads with 0% faster connection
- Public Transport: Malang has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Surabaya Wins In:
- No significant advantages found
Malang Wins In:
- Cost of Living (6% better)
- Air Quality (21% better)
- Culture (10% better)
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose Malang if you prioritize cost effectiveness and Cost of Living. However, Surabaya might be preferable if Cost of Living is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.
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