Indonesia is a dream destination for many expatriates, attracted by its tropical climate, vibrant culture, and relatively affordable cost of living. Whether you choose to live on the beaches of Bali, in the bustling metropolis of Jakarta, or in quieter cities like Yogyakarta, the country offers a variety of experiences that cater to different budgets. However, before packing your bags, it is crucial to understand the cost of living in Indonesia to anticipate your expenses accurately.
This guide aims to help you plan your monthly budget in Indonesia by reviewing key expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, and leisure. With this information, you will not only be able to manage your finances effectively but also enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this enchanting country.
1. Housing: A Major Expense for Expats
Housing is often the biggest expense for expatriates in Indonesia, especially in large cities like Jakarta or tourist hotspots like Bali. However, there are numerous options, ranging from modern apartments to villas with swimming pools and traditional Indonesian houses.
Jakarta: A Bustling Metropolis
In the capital, housing costs vary significantly depending on the location and type of accommodation:
- A furnished one-bedroom apartment in central Jakarta costs between 6 to 12 million IDR (350€–700€) per month.
- In suburban areas, prices drop to 3 to 6 million IDR (175€–350€).
- For families, houses or villas in prime neighborhoods like Kemang or Pondok Indah can range from 15 to 30 million IDR (870€–1,740€) per month.
Bali: A Popular Expat Destination
With a constant influx of tourists and expats, Bali has a diverse real estate market:
- A villa with a swimming pool in popular areas like Canggu or Ubud costs between 10 to 25 million IDR (580€–1,450€) per month.
- In less touristy areas like Amed or Negara, prices drop significantly.
Additional Expenses
Besides rent, expect for the cost of living in Indonesia, to pay for monthly utilities, including water, electricity, and internet, which range between 1 to 2 million IDR (€60–€120) depending on your consumption.
2. Food: A Balance Between Local and Imported Choices
Food expenses in Indonesia vary depending on your dietary habits. If you embrace local cuisine, your budget can remain quite low, whereas imported goods and high-end restaurants will significantly increase your costs.
Eating Local: Affordable and Delicious
Indonesia boasts a rich culinary scene with dishes like nasi goreng, sate ayam, and rendang. For reducing the cost of living in Indonesia, we recommend dining at warungs (local restaurants) is budget-friendly, with full meals costing between 20,000 to 50,000 IDR (€1.20–€3). Markets are also a great place to buy fresh produce at low prices.
Imported Products and Supermarkets
If you prefer cooking with Western products, be prepared for higher prices:
- A box of cereal: 70,000 IDR (€4)
- One liter of milk: 25,000 IDR (€1.50)
- Imported cheese: 150,000 IDR+ (€8.70)
Monthly Food Budget
- A single person: 2 to 5 million IDR (€120–€300)
- Families or frequent dining out: Up to 8 million IDR (€465)
3. Transportation: Affordable and Diverse Options
Transportation in Indonesia is generally cheap, but costs vary based on whether you use public transport, ride a scooter, or own a car.
Public Transport
In major cities like Jakarta, modern transport options include:
- TransJakarta Bus & MRT: Fares range between 5,000 to 15,000 IDR (0.30€–0.90€).
- Angkots (minibuses): A low-cost alternative, but less comfortable.
Scooters: The Most Popular Choice
Scooters are the preferred mode of transport, especially in Bali:
- Rental: 700,000 to 1.5 million IDR (40€–90€) per month.
- Purchase: A new scooter costs 15 to 20 million IDR (870€–1,160€).
Cars & Ride-Hailing Apps
- An economy car costs 150 to 250 million IDR (8,700€–14,500€).
- Apps like Gojek and Grab offer rides between 10,000 to 50,000 IDR (0.60€–3€).
4. Healthcare: A Crucial Consideration
Talking about the cost of living in Indonesia, Indonesia’s public healthcare system is low-cost but often inadequate for expats. Private clinics and hospitals are preferred due to their higher quality.
Medical Costs
- Private hospital consultation: 300,000 to 700,000 IDR (18€–40€).
- Dental cleaning: 500,000 IDR (29€).
Health Insurance
- International health insurance: 1 to 3 million IDR (60€–180€) per month.
5. Education: Expensive but High Quality
If you have children, education can be a significant expense.
International Schools
Prestigious institutions like Jakarta Intercultural School or Bali International School charge tuition fees between 100 to 300 million IDR (5,800€–17,400€) per year.
Additional Costs
- Uniforms, books, extracurriculars: 5 to 10 million IDR (290€–580€) annually.
6. Leisure & Lifestyle: Affordable Entertainment
Leisure activities in Indonesia are generally budget-friendly.
Sports & Fitness
- Gym membership: 300,000 to 800,000 IDR (18€–47€) per month.
- Yoga class in Bali: 150,000 IDR (9€) per session.
Cultural & Outdoor Activities
- Visiting temples, rice fields, or beaches is often free.
- Scuba diving: 500,000 to 1 million IDR (29€–60€) per dive.
7. Monthly Budget Overview
To give you a clearer idea about the cost of living in Indonesia, here’s an estimated budget for an expat in Indonesia:
| Expense | Cost (IDR) | Cost (€) |
| Housing | 6–12 million | 350–700 |
| Food | 2–5 million | 120–300 |
| Transport | 1–2 million | 60–120 |
| Healthcare | 1–3 million | 60–180 |
| Leisure | 1–3 million | 60–180 |
| Total | 10–15 million | 580–870 |
For a more luxurious lifestyle, particularly in Jakarta or Bali, expenses can easily reach 20–30 million IDR (€1,160–€1,740).
To Summarise
The cost of living in Indonesia depends largely on your lifestyle. However, it remains relatively affordable compared to other Southeast Asian countries. By carefully planning your expenses and choosing budget–friendly options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this unique country.
Whether you are a young professional, a family, or a retiree, Indonesia offers an excellent quality of life and a rich cultural experience that can suit a variety of budgets.
After reading all that, you might consider moving to Indonesia. If that is the case, make sure to check our article: Moving to Indonesia: Key Things to Know. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
FAQs
1. Which are the most affordable areas in Bali?
Less touristy areas like Amed, Negara, or Singaraja offer much cheaper housing.
2. Can I find Western products in Indonesia?
Yes, especially in major cities, but they come at a higher cost.
3. Do I need to speak Indonesian to live in Indonesia?
While not essential, learning some Bahasa Indonesia will help with integration and reduce costs.
