Indonesia is a prime destination for expatriates looking to settle in Asia in a rapidly growing country with breathtaking landscapes. This vast archipelago, famous for its beaches, majestic volcanoes, and ancient temples, also offers an attractive cost of living Indonesia for those considering relocation. In this guide, Foyer Global Health provides you with a detailed overview of the cost of living in Indonesia.
Overview of the Average Cost of Living in Indonesia
| Net monthly salary | €846 |
| Rent price of an apartment in the city center (Jakarta) | Between €697 and €1162 / month |
| Purchase price of an apartment per m2 in the city center | €1322 on average |
| Gasoline (1L) | €0.76 |
| Mobile phone plan | Between €5 and €20/ month |
| Budget for mobile telecommunications services | Between €1,81 and €8,48 / month |
| The Cost of living Indonesia compared to other European countries is significantly lower. | 52% lower on average than in France |
Indonesian Currency and Exchange Rates
The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah. Its local symbol is “Rp” but its international ISO code is “IDR”. In Indonesia, the currency is divided into seven banknotes of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 IDR. There are also four coins with values of 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 IDR.
As of today, 1 IDR equals 0.000057 EUR, or 17,629.19 IDR for 1 EUR (as of July 24, 2024).
Rental and Real Estate Purchases in Indonesia
The Indonesian real estate market is booming, especially in the residential sector. Housing costs vary depending on the island and the city. To give you a global vision, here is the average cost of living for accommodation in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and on the island of Bali.
| Housing | Price in Jakarta | Price in Bandung | Price in Surabaya | Price in Bali |
| Rent bedroom apartment city center | €380 | €219 | €239 | €1 038 |
| Rent bedroom apartment outside the city center | €230 | €115.91 | €148.49 | €909 |
| Average purchase price per m2 | From €565 to €3,390 | From €250 to €1,200 | From €735 to €2,975 | From €500 to €2,765 |
Utility costs are added to living costs:
- Electricity per kWh: 14,441 IDR (€0.082)
- Gas per liter: 13,810 IDR (€0.78)
Average Budget for Groceries
The price of food in Indonesia is affordable throughout the country. On average, living in Indonesia requires a grocery budget that is considerably lower than in Europe. Here are some average prices of basic foods:
- Water (1.5 L): €0.40
- Milk (1 L): €1.16
- Rice (1 kg): €0.80
- Dozen eggs: €1.46
- Red meat (1 kg) : €7.26€
- Chicken fillets (1 kg) : €2.96€
- Tomatoes (1 kg) : €1.14
- Onions (1 kg) : €1.94
- Potatoes (1 kg) : €1.18
- Bananas (1 kg) : €1.28
- Apples (1 kg) : €2.40€
Transport Prices in Indonesia
There are many modes of transport in Indonesia, each with its advantages and costs:
- Bus: a city trip will cost on average between 3,500 and 10,000 IDR (€0.20 to €0.57)
- Taxi: the average price of a trip is 9,000 IDR (€0.51).
- Bemo: these typical Indonesian minibuses can accommodate around ten passengers for trips costing on average between 2,000 and 5,000 IDR (€0.11 and €0.28).
- Metro: in Jakarta and Palembang, residents use the metro (MRT Jakarta) to get around the city. Trip fares range from 4,000 to 14,000 IDR (€0.23 to €0.79).
- Train : it is possible to travel around the islands of Java and Sumatra by train. This means of transport is generally used for journeys of more than 6 hours, with fares starting from IDR 215,000 (EUR 12.71).
- Moto-taxi: typical of certain Asian countries, this means of transport generally costs between IDR 1,850 and IDR 10,500 (EUR 0.10 and EUR 0.59).
- Car: drivers can travel by car. Expect to pay IDR 13,460 (EUR 0.76) per litre of gas.
Healthcare System in Indonesia
Regarding healthcare, here is a list of average prices for certain medical services:
| Prestations médicales | Prix moyen |
| Consultation with a general practitioner | 350,000 IDR (€19.81) |
| Consultation with a specialist | 875,000 IDR (€49.53) |
| Consultation with a dentist | 500 000 IDR (€28.30) |
| Home consultation | 2 000 000 IDR (€113.21) |
| Child birth in a public hospital | 8 830 000 IDR (€500) |
| Consultation with an osteopath | 750 000 IDR (€42.47 ) |
In Indonesia, each resident is subject to universal health insurance. However, the public healthcare system in Indonesia relies on limited public infrastructure supported by the private medical sector. To benefit from quality healthcare, it is recommended to take out private health insurance.
Cost of Education in Indonesia
In Indonesia, education is mandatory for all children starting at the age of 7. For preschool, the average monthly budget is 1,742,168 IDR (€98.65) per child. For an international primary school, the annual budget is 98,023,061 IDR (€5,550).
Parents can enroll their child at the Lycée Français in Jakarta for French education abroad. Here are the tuition fees:
- Elementary: 132,872,000 IDR (€7,523)
- Middle School: 170,680,000 IDR (€9,660)
- High School (Grades 11-12): 181,033,000 IDR (€10,250)
- Final Year (Grade 12): 198,492,000 IDR (€11,240)
Telecommunications Services
The price of mobile plans in Indonesia is significantly lower than in many other European countries, while the price difference for internet subscriptions is less pronounced.
- Mobile plan with 10 GB+ of data per month: budget of 73,000 IDR (€4.24) in Indonesia.
- Internet subscription of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data: budget of 410,000 IDR (€23.50) in Indonesia.
Indonesia has a robust telecommunications infrastructure, with competitive prices for both mobile and internet services. Major cities like Jakarta and Surabaya have widespread coverage, ensuring reliable connectivity. For digital nomads and expatriates, the affordable telecommunications services make Indonesia an attractive destination for both work and leisure.
Sports and Leisure in Indonesia
Indonesia offers a wide range of sports and leisure activities suitable for all tastes. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, enjoy water sports, or prefer relaxing in nature, there is something for everyone. Here is an overview of the average prices to enjoy these activities in Indonesia.
- Gym membership: Between 200,000 IDR and 1,000,000 IDR (€11.32 to €56.61) per month. Gyms are generally well-equipped, especially in large cities like Jakarta and Surabaya.
- Tennis court rental (1 hour on weekends): Around 150,000 IDR (€8.50). Tennis clubs are mainly found in big cities, but you can also find them in some luxury resorts on islands like Bali.
- Swimming pool entry (1 day): Around 50,000 IDR (€2.83). Many pools are located in hotel complexes or public leisure centers, especially in Jakarta and Bali.
- Yoga class (1 session): Around 100,000 IDR (€5.66). Yoga is particularly popular in Bali, where many studios offer classes in a serene tropical setting.
- Scuba diving excursion: Around 1,200,000 IDR (€67.93) per session, equipment included. The dive sites around islands like Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands are among the best in the world.
- Surfboard rental (1 day): Around 150,000 IDR (€8.50). Bali is a world-renowned surfing destination, offering waves for all levels.
- Cinema (ticket per person): Around 50,000 IDR (€2.83). Big cities like Jakarta and Surabaya have modern cinemas offering a variety of films, often in the original version with subtitles.
- Hiking in national parks: Prices vary depending on the park, but entrance to national parks, like Komodo Park, will cost on average 200,000 IDR (€11.32) per person. Indonesia is full of natural parks perfect for nature lovers.
In short, whether you are a sports enthusiast or just enjoy outdoor relaxation, Indonesia offers a wide range of leisure activities at relatively affordable prices, whether in Jakarta, Bali, or other cities in the country.
Cost of Living in Bali in 2024
It is impossible to talk about Indonesia without thinking of Bali. This island has become a preferred destination for expatriates thanks to its idyllic setting, tropical climate, and endless beaches. Far from being just a vacation spot, Bali has complete infrastructures ideal for living (International schools, universities, hospitals, museums…).
However, living in Bali requires a certain budget. Excluding rent:
- A single person will need around 10,428,160 IDR (€594.98) per month.
- A family of four can live comfortably on 36,806,508 IDR (€2,100).
Note : If you want to live here as a family, you can send your child to the Lycée Français de Bali for an average annual school fee of IDR 122,868,750, or around EUR 7,013.
The budget for rent, groceries, and leisure on the island is one of the highest in Indonesia. By comparison, the cost of living in Bali is 64% higher than in Jakarta.
You will need €3,735 in Bali to maintain the same standard of living as in Jakarta, where €2,276 is sufficient.
In conclusion, Indonesia represents an affordable and attractive option for those looking to live in Southeast Asian countries. Whether you are an expatriate seeking a high quality life in a city like Jakarta, or a digital nomad looking for adventures in Bali, the cost of living Indonesia remains relatively low compared to other countries, particularly the United States. With competitive prices for real estate, groceries, and transportation, it is no surprise that so many people are considering moving to Indonesia and living in Indonesia. However, it is essential to plan well and research the specific costs Indonesia associated with your destination to ensure a seamless experience. Expats can find more information about the Indonesia on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.