Surabaya, Indonesia
Surabaya, Indonesia is an Asia base for digital nomads with a typical solo monthly cost around $1000, average internet around 85 Mbps, and a safety score of 7/10. In our dataset the friendliest months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, while rainy months to plan around are Dec, Jan, Feb. Place feel leans urban with vibes tagged foodie, workhub. Visa: Up to 30 days for most nationalities. Time zone UTC+7.
Key stats for digital nomads
- Cost of living (solo / month): $1000
- Long-term monthly estimate: $750
- Median Airbnb (night): $45 (estimate)
- Internet: 85 Mbps (reliability 7/10 (estimate))
- Power grid stability: 7/10 (estimate)
- Coworking density: Low
- Safety: 7/10 (female safety 6/10)
- Visa: Up to 30 days for most nationalities.
- Timezone: UTC+7
- Language: Indonesian
- Region: Asia
- Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Rainy months: Dec, Jan, Feb
- Avg temperature: 28°C
Vibe tags
- foodie
- workhub
Landscape
- urban
Why go
- Second largest city
- Authentic
Trade-offs
- Hot
- Less tourist friendly
Quick answers
How much does it cost to live in Surabaya as a digital nomad?
About $1000 a month for a solo nomad, based on Nomad Spin's data. For longer stays, our long-term monthly estimate is $750. The median Airbnb estimate is $45 a night, which matters most if you book short stays instead of a monthly rental.
Is the internet in Surabaya good enough for video calls?
Usually, but keep a backup. Nomad Spin lists average speeds around 85 Mbps with estimated reliability 7/10 and power grid stability 7/10. Coworking density is Low, so do not count on a coworking fallback. Test your own apartment's connection before a long stay.
How long can I stay in Indonesia as a digital nomad?
Up to 30 days for many passports. Nomad Spin lists a visa on arrival for Indonesia; eligibility and length depend on your nationality. Check whether remote work is allowed on that entry. Verify current rules with the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration before you book.
When is the best time to live in Surabaya?
May to September are the best months in Nomad Spin's data. The rainy months to plan around are December to February, and the average temperature is about 28 C. Weather trade-offs we list: hot. Other months carry no weather flag in our data.
Is Surabaya safe for solo female travelers?
It can be, but take extra care. Surabaya scores 7/10 for overall safety and 6/10 for female safety in Nomad Spin's data. LGBTQ+ friendliness scores 3/10. Use normal city precautions and check recent local advice for the area you book.
Who should skip Surabaya as a nomad base?
Skip Surabaya if these listed trade-offs are dealbreakers: hot and less tourist friendly. Its listed strengths are second largest city and authentic. English proficiency scores 3/10 and LGBTQ+ friendliness scores 3/10 in our data. Expect about $1000 a month in our data.
Find your next base
Compare Surabaya against your budget, internet, and safety floors, then spin the globe for a match, or browse more nomad guides.