Cost of Living in Indonesia
- International Property Alerts
- August 26, 2025
Many people say the cost of living in Indonesia is low compared to Western countries. That means you can live comfortably without spending too much money. Things like rent, food, and travel are much cheaper here. For example, you can rent a small apartment for about $300 to $500 a month, enjoy a tasty meal for just $2 to $5, and ride a local bus for less than a dollar.
Because of these prices, many foreigners see Indonesia as a great place to live or retire. If you’re exploring international property, Indonesia offers many affordable choices near beaches, cities, or quiet towns where your money goes further.
Why the Cost of Living in Indonesia Appeals to Expats
Easy Life with Lower Costs
Many expats love how simple and affordable life can be here. The cost of living in Indonesia is much lower than in Western countries, so people can enjoy nice homes, good food, and fun activities without spending too much. It’s one of the best countries to live in if you want comfort without high prices.
Big City Life in Jakarta
Jakarta is busy and modern, with big malls, offices, and restaurants everywhere. Living here costs more than other cities, but it’s still cheaper than many capitals around the world. The cost of living in Indonesia in Jakarta includes higher rent and dining prices, but it also comes with more job options and city comfort.
Island Living in Bali
Bali gives a peaceful island lifestyle with beaches, rice fields, and sunshine every day. Many people come here to relax or work online. Even though it’s popular, Bali’s cost of living in Indonesia stays affordable if you live like locals, eating at small warungs and renting local homes.
Great for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads choose Indonesia because they can work from cafés or co-living spaces while spending less. Fast internet, friendly people, and low daily costs make it perfect for remote work.
A Home for Retirees
Retirees also find Indonesia a friendly and peaceful place to live. They can have a nice home, eat good food, and enjoy sunny days without spending too much. Everything from housing to travel costs less here, so their money lasts longer. Many people choose retirement in Indonesia because it’s safe, warm, and filled with kind people. They can relax, explore beaches, and live comfortably while still saving money every month.
Accommodation Costs in Indonesia
City Center Apartments
In big cities, many people live in apartments close to offices, shops, and restaurants. The cost of living in Indonesia for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $300 to $500 each month. In Jakarta, it can be a bit more because it’s the capital city and very busy. Living in the city means you can walk or take short rides to most places, but it costs more than smaller towns.
Outside City Centers
If you live a little farther from the main areas, things get much cheaper. The cost of living in Indonesia outside city centers is around $250 to $300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Many locals and expats choose these places because they are quieter and have more space. It’s also easier to find friendly neighbors and local food spots.
Alternative Housing Options
You don’t always have to rent an apartment. There are other choices for housing in Indonesia, such as:
- Guesthouses: Great for short stays, often between $300–$600 per month.
- Co-living spaces: Shared homes where digital nomads stay, usually including Wi-Fi and cleaning services.
- Private rentals: Small homes or villas that you can rent long-term, sometimes for less than city apartments.
Examples: Bali and Solo
- Bali: You can find cozy private rooms or small villas for around $400 to $600 per month near the beaches.
- Solo: In smaller cities like Solo, the cost of living in Indonesia is much lower. You can rent a nice one-bedroom home for about $200 to $250 per month and still be close to local markets and schools.
Accommodation takes up most of your budget, but prices stay low compared to many other countries. Whether you choose a busy city or a calm island, the cost of living in Indonesia gives you many options that fit your lifestyle and savings.
Food and Grocery Prices in Indonesia
Local Meals Are Cheap and Tasty
Eating in Indonesia is both fun and affordable. You can find delicious local meals like fried rice, noodles, or chicken satay for only $2 to $5 each. Small food stalls called warungs serve homemade meals that taste great and cost very little. Many people eat out every day because it’s often cheaper than cooking at home.
Monthly Grocery Costs
If you prefer to cook, groceries are also easy on the wallet. One person usually spends around $100 to $150 per month on food. You can buy rice, eggs, chicken, fruits, and vegetables at local stores or markets. Fresh food is available all year because of Indonesia’s warm weather, so you always have healthy choices.
Eating Out at Mid-Range Restaurants
When you want a fancier meal, restaurants offer many tasty options. A nice dinner for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs $10 to $30. You can enjoy pizza, pasta, or local dishes in a clean and comfy place without spending too much. It’s perfect for a weekend treat or date night.
Fresh Markets and Imported Food
Fresh markets in Indonesia are full of color and flavor. You can buy local fruits like mangoes, bananas, and papayas for very low prices. Imported food, like cheese or chocolate from other countries, costs more because of shipping fees. That’s why locals prefer local brands to save money while eating healthy and fresh.
Food is one of the biggest reasons people love the cost of living in Indonesia. Whether you cook at home or eat out, it’s easy to enjoy tasty meals every day without spending much. The cost of living in Indonesia for food stays low, and it gives everyone the chance to eat well on any budget.
Transportation and Daily Travel Costs
Affordable Public Transport
Getting around Indonesia is easy and cheap.
- Local buses and commuter trains usually cost under $1 per ride.
- Many people use them every day to go to work or school.
- They are safe, clean, and help you save money.
This is one big reason why the cost of living in Indonesia stays low for everyone.
Ride-Hailing Apps
If you don’t want to wait for the bus, you can book a ride with your phone.
- Go-jek and Grab are the most popular apps.
- A short motorbike ride starts at $0.25 per kilometer.
- Car rides cost a little more, but they are still cheap.
- You can pay through the app and even tip your driver.
Using ride-hailing apps makes daily travel easy and keeps the cost of living in Indonesia low for expats and locals.
Owning a Motorbike
Many people buy a motorbike because it’s fast and affordable.
- A small new motorbike costs about $700 to $1,000.
- Gas is about $1 per liter.
- You’ll also spend a little for oil changes and small repairs.
Motorbikes are great for short trips and help you enjoy the low cost of living in Indonesia even more.
Owning a Car
Cars are more expensive and harder to maintain.
- Buying a car can cost several thousand dollars.
- You’ll also pay for gas, parking, and repairs.
- Traffic in cities like Jakarta can be slow and busy.
That’s why most people prefer motorbikes or public transport unless they have a family or travel long distances.
When thinking about things to consider when moving abroad, transport costs matter a lot. So, the good news is that in Indonesia, getting around doesn’t break your budget. Whether you take the bus, ride a Go-jek, or own a motorbike, travel stays easy and affordable.
Utilities, Internet, and Mobile Data Costs
Paying for Electricity and Water
When you live in a house or apartment, you need to pay for things like electricity, water, and gas. These are called utilities. In big cities, this usually costs about $100 every month. If you use air conditioning or take long showers, the bill can go up. But in smaller towns, it’s cheaper because people use less. This is one reason why the cost of living in Indonesia is not too high.
Internet for Work and Fun
Most people in Indonesia use the internet at home. It helps you watch videos, do school work, or call your family. The internet costs about $22 to $30 every month. In big cities like Jakarta and Bali, the internet is fast and works well. That’s why many people say the cost of living in Indonesia is great for people who work online or study from home.
Using Your Phone and Mobile Data
You can use your phone to go online with mobile data. Many people in Indonesia buy a SIM card and load it with data. It’s very cheap! You can get enough data for one month for only $5 to $10. You can use your phone to text, watch YouTube, or get a ride on Go-jek.
Cities vs. Small Towns
In big cities, everything works well, fast internet and no power cuts. But in small towns or faraway places, the internet may be slow, and the power might go out sometimes. Where you live can change your total cost of living in Indonesia, so think carefully before picking a place.
Paying for utilities, internet, and your phone doesn’t cost too much in Indonesia. Everything is much cheaper than in most other countries. That’s another reason why many people love the cost of living in Indonesia.
Healthcare and Education Costs in Indonesia
Public and Private Hospitals
In Indonesia, people can go to public or private hospitals when they are sick.
- Public hospitals are cheaper, but you might wait longer to see a doctor.
- Private hospitals cost more, but you get help faster and many doctors speak English.
A simple doctor visit at a private hospital can cost about $20 to $50, while public clinics are much cheaper. This helps keep the cost of living in Indonesia lower for families and visitors.
Hospitals in Big Cities
In big cities like Jakarta and Bali, there are large international hospitals.
- They have modern equipment and clean rooms.
- Many nurses and doctors speak English.
- These hospitals cost more, but they make people feel safe.
Healthcare in Indonesia is getting better every year, which makes it easier for foreigners to live here comfortably.
Health Insurance and Medicine
Many people buy health insurance to help pay for doctor visits or medicine.
- Insurance keeps you from spending too much money when you get sick.
- You can buy medicine at local drugstores, and local brands are often much cheaper than foreign ones.
Taking care of your health helps you enjoy life and keeps your cost of living in Indonesia under control.
Schools for Kids
Families who move to Indonesia can choose from many kinds of schools:
- Public schools teach in Bahasa Indonesia and cost very little.
- Private schools are more expensive but have smaller classes.
- International schools teach in English and follow global programs.
Cost of International Schools
International schools can be very expensive. Some charge tens of thousands of dollars each year. These schools have nice classrooms, sports fields, and teachers from around the world. Parents who want to save money often choose smaller local schools instead. But even with these costs, the cost of living in Indonesia is still much lower than in most Western countries.
Health and education in Indonesia are good and improving every year. You can find care and schools that fit your budget easily. Whether you go to a local doctor or an international school, the cost of living in Indonesia stays low, making it a comfortable place for families and retirees to live.
Comparing Living Costs by City in Indonesia
The cost of living in Indonesia can be very different depending on where you stay. Some cities are big and busy, while others are small and quiet. It’s good to know how much things cost before you decide where to live.
Here’s a simple table to help you compare:
City | Average Monthly Cost | What It’s Like |
Jakarta | $600–$800 | The capital city, very busy and modern. Homes and food cost more here. |
Bandung | About 25% cheaper than Jakarta | A cool mountain city with lower prices and friendly people. |
Semarang | Rent ≈ $280; Utilities ≈ $90 | A calm place with low rent and local charm. |
Solo | Around $200 total monthly | One of the cheapest cities to live in Indonesia. |
Bali | Around $1,000 monthly | A beach island that’s popular with travelers and people working online. |
Each city has something special.
- Jakarta is great for jobs and business.
- Bali is perfect if you love the beach and sunshine.
- Bandung, Semarang, and Solo are smaller and cheaper, good for quiet living.
If you’re learning how to start a new life in a new country, Indonesia gives you lots of choices. You can live well on a small budget, enjoy good food, and make new friends easily. The cost of living in Indonesia stays low, so you can have a happy and comfortable life wherever you choose to stay.
Cost of Living in Indonesia for Expats vs. Locals
What Locals Can Buy
People who live in Indonesia, called locals, earn and spend money in Indonesian Rupiah. They buy food, clothes, and other things from small shops or markets where prices are low. This means their money goes a long way, and they can buy more for less. For foreigners, the cost of living in Indonesia feels cheap because their money is usually worth more than the local money.
Different Ways of Living
Locals and expats live a little differently.
- Locals often cook at home, eat simple meals, and ride motorbikes or buses.
- Expats might eat at restaurants, buy more imported food, and rent apartments with extra space.
Even though expats spend more, the cost of living in Indonesia is still much lower than in countries like the U.S. or Australia. Both locals and expats can live happily here without needing too much money.
Imported and Local Products
Items that come from Western countries, like cheese or cereal, can be expensive because they have to be shipped from far away. But local products: like rice, noodles, and tropical fruits, are much cheaper and just as good. One of the fun facts in Indonesia is that you can live very well by buying local food and goods instead of imported ones.
Locals and expats both enjoy life in Indonesia, even though they spend their money differently. Locals live simply, while expats sometimes like extra comfort. Still, the cost of living in Indonesia stays low, which makes it a great place for anyone who wants to save money and live comfortably.
Tips to Manage Your Living Costs in Indonesia
- Shop at local markets: Buying food from small markets is cheaper than going to big supermarkets. You can get rice, fruits, and vegetables for less money.
- Use buses or ride apps: Taking the bus, train, or a Go-jek ride costs less than owning a car. It’s easy, safe, and helps you save money on the cost of living in Indonesia.
- Rent for a long time: If you stay in one place for many months, the landlord might give you a discount. That means you’ll pay less rent every month.
- Pay with bank transfers: Many stores and restaurants take digital payments. It’s safer than carrying cash and helps you see where your money goes.
Watch your spending with apps: You can use free phone apps to track how much you spend each week. This helps you plan your budget and enjoy the low cost of living in Indonesia without worry.
Conclusion
Living in Indonesia is a great choice for people who want comfort without spending too much. You can enjoy good food, friendly people, and a relaxed lifestyle while keeping your expenses low. The cost of living in Indonesia is one of the biggest reasons why so many expats, retirees, and digital nomads decide to move here. From housing to transportation, most things are affordable and easy to manage.
If you want to learn more about living or investing here, you can contact us anytime for help and advice. We can guide you in finding great opportunities that match your budget and lifestyle.
FAQs
1. How much money do I need to live comfortably in Indonesia?
Most people can live comfortably on $800 to $1,200 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. Smaller cities cost less, while Bali and Jakarta are more expensive.
2. Is food expensive in Indonesia?
No, food is very affordable. Local meals cost only $2 to $5, and groceries for one person are usually $100 to $150 per month.
3. What is the average rent in Indonesia?
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center costs around $300 to $500 per month, while outside the city, it’s closer to $250.
4. Is healthcare good in Indonesia?
Yes, healthcare in Indonesia is improving. Public hospitals are cheaper, but private and international hospitals offer faster service with English-speaking doctors.
5. Is Indonesia a good place for expats and retirees?
Yes, many expats and retirees love Indonesia for its warm weather, friendly locals, and low cost of living in Indonesia, which makes it easy to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
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