In 2021, Jakarta ranked among the 25 most expensive cities in the world, according to the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2021. Placing 20th, Jakarta emerged as one of the most expensive cities for the upper class.

As a metropolitan city, living in Jakarta is indeed quite costly. However, it all depends on individual lifestyles and needs. So, how about now? Is the cost of living in Jakarta still considered high?

Cities with the Highest Cost of Living in Indonesia

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) published a 2022 cost of living survey listing the 10 cities with the highest average monthly household consumption expenditure. Household consumption is a key component of Indonesia's economy and contributes significantly to the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

High household consumption contributes to economic growth and has the potential to boost overall economic performance. The value of household consumption is driven by high spending and basic goods prices. When prices rise in an area, household consumption values increase, leading to a higher cost of living.

According to BPS, the top 3 cities with the highest living costs in Indonesia based on average monthly household consumption are:

1. Jakarta
   Jakarta tops the list. In 2022, the monthly cost of living reached IDR 14.88 million.
2. Bekasi, West Java
   Bekasi ranked second, with a monthly cost of living of IDR 14.33 million.
3. Surabaya
   The monthly living cost in Surabaya reached IDR 13.35 million.

However, whether the cost of living is considered expensive or affordable is subjective and depends on each individual's lifestyle. If you earn a minimum income, living an expat-style life in Jakarta is unrealistic. Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that living in Jakarta requires significant financial resources. This metropolitan city offers both opportunities and challenges. Although the minimum wage (UMP) in DKI Jakarta is relatively high at IDR 5,067,381 per month, daily expenses are also substantial.

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How Much Does It Cost to Live in Jakarta?

If you're a foreigner planning to move to Jakarta, it’s important to estimate the cost of living to ensure you can support yourself while pursuing opportunities. Here are some key expenses to consider:

Accommodation

Finding a place to stay is fundamental when moving to a new city. Families may benefit from living together at minimal or no cost. However, single individuals often choose boarding houses (kost) near their offices or campuses. Prices vary depending on location and amenities.

• Basic kost near campus: IDR 500,000 – IDR 850,000/month
• Exclusive kost near campus: IDR 1,000,000 – IDR 2,000,000/month
• Basic kost near office areas: IDR 1,500,000 – IDR 1,800,000/month
• Exclusive kost near office areas: IDR 2,000,000 – IDR 4,000,000/month

Daily Food

Food expenses vary depending on lifestyle choices. Eating at a warteg (street food stall) or cooking at home is cheaper, while dining in restaurants is more expensive.

• One meal at a warteg: IDR 20,000
• Daily meals at a warteg: IDR 60,000
• Monthly food budget (warteg): IDR 1,800,000

Transportation

Choosing accommodation close to your workplace or campus can reduce transport costs. Jakarta’s public transport options include TransJakarta, buses, MRT, trains, and online ojek (motorcycle taxis).

• TransJakarta: IDR 3,500/trip
• Commuter Line: IDR 6,000/trip
• MRT: IDR 3,000 – IDR 14,000/trip
• Online ojek: IDR 3,000/km (+IDR 3,000 during peak hours)
• Public transport (angkot): IDR 4,000/trip

Daily Personal Needs

Personal needs such as toiletries, laundry, and phone credit are also part of living expenses.

• Toiletries: IDR 100,000/month
• Laundry: IDR 8,000/kg
• Phone credit: IDR 100,000/month

Entertainment

Budgeting for leisure like snacks, outings, and OTT subscriptions is important, but it should be managed wisely to avoid overspending.

• Coffee or snack: IDR 50,000
• OTT subscription (e.g., Netflix): IDR 60,000
• Hanging out at a café: IDR 100,000
• Movie ticket: IDR 50,000

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Sample Cost of Living Calculation in Jakarta

Tiara is from Bandung and is moving to Jakarta. She currently works at a company with a minimum wage salary. How much will her living costs be?

Income

• Monthly salary: IDR 5,067,381

Expenses

• Kost: IDR 1,500,000
• Food: IDR 1,800,000
• Transport: IDR 3,500 x 2 (round trip) x 30 days = IDR 210,000
• Daily personal needs: IDR 240,000
  • Toiletries: IDR 100,000
  • Laundry: IDR 40,000
  • Phone credit: IDR 100,000
• Entertainment: IDR 460,000
  • Snacks/Coffee: IDR 200,000
  • OTT subscription: IDR 60,000
  • Hanging out: IDR 200,000

Total Monthly Living Costs in Jakarta (Tiara)

• Kost: IDR 1,500,000
• Food: IDR 1,800,000
• Transport: IDR 210,000
• Personal Needs: IDR 240,000
• Entertainment: IDR 460,000
• Total: IDR 4,210,000

Tiara’s monthly expenses in Jakarta are still below her income. However, each person's income and spending differ. You should calculate your own expenses according to your needs. Remember to set aside savings for future goals.

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