Cost of Living in Indonesia for Single Person & Family in 2024

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Indonesia offers an appealing lifestyle at a relatively low cost compared to many Western countries. However, the cost of living in Indonesia can vary widely based on lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. 

When deciding where to study, work, or even move with your family, it’s crucial to know what financial costs you might encounter.

This guide outlines the living costs in Indonesia and provides insights into important factors that influence living expenses in different cities.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information from various online sources as of September 11th, 2024, with sources listed below.

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Average Cost of Living in Indonesia for International Students

Indonesia is an attractive destination for international students due to its affordable living expenses. 

Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly costs:

Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost (IDR)
Accommodation 4,383,228 IDR
Food and Groceries 125,000 IDR
Transportation 146,124 IDR
Utilities 922,664 IDR

Average Cost of Living in Indonesia for Singles, Couples & Families

The cost of living in Indonesia varies depending on lifestyle choices, location, and accommodation types. 

Here's a general estimate of monthly expenses:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 2,000,000-10,000,000 IDR 150,000-600,000 IDR 5,000,000-40,000,000 IDR
Food 15,000-60,000 IDR/meal 150,000-600,000 IDR /meal 300,000-500,000 IDR/meal
Transportation 120,000-300,000 IDR 240,000-6,000,000 IDR 400,000-1,000,000 IDR
Utilities 510,000-2,125,000 IDR 1,000,000-4,000,000 IDR 2,000,000-8,000,000 IDR
Entertainment 40,000-750,000 IDR/ticket 80,000-1,500,000 IDR/ticket 160,000-3,000,000 IDR/ticket

Cost of Living in Major Cities in Indonesia

The cost of living can differ significantly by city. Below are some examples of living expenses in prominent cities:

 

Cost of Living in Jakarta

The cost of living in Jakarta is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 5,000,000-12,000,000 IDR 6,000,000 - 10,000,000 IDR 10,000,000-45,000,000 IDR
Food 20,000-70,000 IDR/meal 50,000 - 120,000 IDR/meal 200,000-570,000 IDR/meal
Transportation 100,000-500,000 IDR 200,000-1,000,000 IDR 400,000-2,000,000 IDR
Utilities 750,000-2,750,000 IDR 1,400,000-5,000,000 IDR 2,800,000-10,000,000 IDR
Entertainment 50,000-75,000 IDR/ticket 100,000-150,000 IDR/ticket 200,000-300,000 IDR/ticket

Cost of Living in Bali

The cost of living in Bali is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 3,500,000 - 6,500,000 IDR 5,000,000 - 8,000,000 IDR 7,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR
Food 15,000-75,000 IDR/meal 75,000-200,000 IDR/meal 250,000-1,000,000 IDR/meal
Transportation 130,000-133,000 IDR 260,000-266,000 IDR 500,000-600,000 IDR
Utilities 850,000-2,000,000 IDR 1,500,000-4,000,000 IDR 3,000,000-8,000,000 IDR
Entertainment 45,000-90,000 IDR/ticket 90,000-180,000 IDR/ticket 180,000-300,000 IDR/ticket

Cost of Living in Surabaya

The cost of living in Surabaya is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 2,500,000 - 5,000,000 IDR 5,000,000-10,000,000 IDR 4,000,000 - 16,000,000 IDR
Food 15,000-50,000 IDR/meal 150,000-600,000 IDR/meal 300,000-1,200,000 IDR/meal
Transportation 150,000 IDR 300,000 IDR 600,000 IDR
Utilities 600,000 - 2,500,000 IDR 1,200,000 - 50,000,000 IDR 24,000,000 - 10,000,000 IDR
Entertainment 30,000 - 50,000 IDR/ticket 60,000-100,000 IDR/ticket 100,000-200,000 IDR/ticket

Cost of Living in Bandung

The cost of living in Bandung is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 2,500,000 - 6,000,000 IDR 4,000,000 - 10,000,000 IDR 4,500,000-12,000,000 IDR
Food 15,000 - 40,000 IDR/meal 30,000-100,000 IDR/meal 100,000-300,000 IDR/meal
Transportation NA NA NA
Utilities 500,000-900,000 IDR 1,000,000-1,800,000 IDR 2,000,000-3,000,000 IDR
Entertainment 40,000-60,000 IDR/ticket 80,000-100,000 IDR/ticket 160,000-200,000 IDR/ticket

Cost of Living in Medan

The cost of living in Medan is as follows:

Expense Category Singles Couples Families
Accommodation 2,000,000-4,000,000 IDR 4,000,000-8,000,000 IDR 8,000,000-15,000,000 IDR
Food 20,000-60,000 IDR/meal 110,000-200,000 IDR/meal 220,000-400,000 IDR/meal
Transportation NA NA NA
Utilities 1,000,000-1,600,000 IDR 2,000,000-3,200,000 IDR 4,000,000-6,400,000 IDR
Entertainment 45,000-55,000 IDR/ticket 90,000-100,000 IDR/ticket 180,000-200,000 IDR/ticket

Factors Impacting the Cost of Living in Indonesia

Location

Basic necessities and the general cost of living primarily depend on the location. For example, the cost of living is relatively higher in Jakarta and Bali than in other areas of the country.

Lifestyle Choices

Entertainment costs, food expenses, and travel costs differ depending on personal preferences.

Accommodation Type

The cost of rent also depends on the type of accommodation, whether it is an expensive apartment, a small house, or a flat that people share.

Utilities and Internet

These costs may vary depending on the service provider and the level of utilisation.

Healthcare and Education

Public services are cheaper than international and private ones.

What is the Average Income in Indonesia?

The average income in Indonesia varies by profession, location, and industry. The national average monthly salary is approximately 12,200,000 IDR, which can be higher in major cities like Jakarta.

  • Student: An estimated monthly budget of 6,000,000 to 10,000,000 IDR covers basic needs, including accommodation, food, and transportation.

  • Single Individual: Living comfortably in Indonesia may require about 10,000,000 to 20,000,000 IDR monthly depending on lifestyle and location.

  • Couple: A combined monthly income of 15,000,000 to 30,000,000 IDR is typically sufficient to cover living expenses, rent, and occasional leisure activities.

  • Family: A family of four generally needs 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 IDR per month to live comfortably, including costs for housing, food, education, and other essentials.

Here's a chart with the high-demand job categories and their average salaries in Indonesia:

Job Category Average Salary (IDR)
Technical Director $540,000,000.00
Project Director $260,000,000.00
Chef $99,000,000.00
Head of Corporate Strategy $258,000,000.00
Judge $373,000,000.00
Operations Director $450,000,000.00
Country Sales Manager 190,000,000
Chief People Officer 259,000,000
Risk Director 513,000,000
College Professor 150,000,000
Software Developer 400,000,000
Marketing Director 250,000,000

How Expensive is Indonesia Compared to Other Countries?

Compared to some other Asian nations like Japan and Singapore, Indonesia is relatively cheaper on average. Basic expenses such as groceries, dining out, and utilities are much cheaper, making it a popular choice for budget travellers, expats, and digital nomads. 

However, the cost can vary depending on the region, with the outskirts being cheaper than popular tourist destinations like Jakarta or Bali. Overall, Indonesia offers a relatively affordable lifestyle without compromising quality of life.

The table given below gives a comparison of some basic expenses between Jakarta, Indonesia, and other major cities:

City Accommodation (Monthly) Transportation (Monthly) Meal for 2 People (3 courses) Other Expenses (Monthly)
Jakarta Starting 5,000,000 IDR Starting 100,000 IDR Starting 50,000 IDR/meal Starting 750,000 IDR
New York Starting 3,000 USD Starting 200 USD Starting 80 USD Starting 100 USD
London Starting 2000 EUR Starting 200 EUR Starting 100 EUR Starting 200 EUR
Sydney Starting 650 AUD Starting 160 AUD Starting 150 AUD Starting 190 AUD
Madrid Starting 1,000 EUR Starting 50 EUR Starting 60 EUR Starting 150 EUR

Tips for Reducing the Cost of Living in Indonesia

  • Consider living on the outskirts of major cities to save on rent.

  • Buses, trains, and shared rides offer a cost-effective alternative to taxis or private vehicles.

  • Bargaining is commonplace in markets, which can lead to significant savings.

  • Keep an eye on your consumption and select the most economical service providers.

  • Buying foods and groceries from traditional markets can be cheaper than buying them at supermarkets. 

  • Switch off unnecessary lights in the house and use energy-saving appliances to help cut down on electricity bills.

  • You can save money by finding discount applications and enlisting in loyalty programs in the stores you frequently visit.

  • Preparing your meals at home is cheaper than eating out. Try limiting the consumption of foods from restaurants. 

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the cost of living in Indonesia for various groups and includes tips on managing expenses effectively. 

Understanding these costs can help you efficiently plan and budget your life in Indonesia, whether you're a student, single, couple, or family.

FAQs about the Cost of Living in Indonesia