Living Costs in Jakarta, Indonesia: A 2020 Guide

The cost of living in Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and preferences. If you're aiming for a European or American standard of living, you will find that rents, dining out, and other expenses can be quite high. However, for a more modest and potentially more budget-friendly lifestyle, alternative accommodation options such as kost can provide a cost-effective solution.

European and American Standard of Living in Jakarta

For those living up to European and American standards, the cost of living in Jakarta can be significantly higher compared to local standards. This includes expenses such as renting an apartment, dining at restaurants, and using online services like Netflix. As of August 2020, the Indonesian government had implemented an e-commerce tax on applications and subscription products, adding another layer of cost to online transactions.

Rent in Jakarta, Indonesia

Renting an apartment in Jakarta ranges widely based on the size and the amenities. According to our research as of August 2020, a small studio (around 20-30 square meters) can cost approximately Rp. 2 million (136 USD) per month. For a larger apartment, around 60-100 square meters, the cost can range from Rp. 4 million to Rp. 20 million (1360-13600 USD) per month. These figures are just for rental and do not include utilities or other living expenses.

Alternative Accommodation: Kost

For a more budget-friendly option, kost provides a cost-effective solution. Kost is a form of accommodation where you rent a room, much like a shared apartment, but with greater freedom in terms of personal space and activities. The cost of kost can vary from Rp. 800,000 (54 USD) to Rp. 2 million (136 USD) per month, depending on the facilities included (such as internet, in-room bathroom, air conditioning, and room size).

Standard of Living in Jakarta

The range in living standards in Jakarta is broad, with costs differing widely depending on what you consider 'decent living'. Here’s a breakdown based on both European and local views:

European Standard Living Costs

Around Rp. 136,000 (approx. 900 USD) per month for an apartment rent, combined with an additional Rp. 900,000 (approx. 600 USD) per month for dining out three times a day, and an additional Rp. 50,000 (approx. 33 USD) for entertainment like Netflix and internet, the total monthly cost for a European standard of living would be approximately Rp. 1,086,000 (approx. 723 USD).

Indonesian Standard Living Costs

For a more modest living standard, a kost room with basic amenities, dining from small stalls (around Rp. 18,000 (approx. 12 USD) per meal), and additional entertainment like Netflix and internet (around Rp. 50,000 (approx. 33 USD)), the monthly cost would be approximately Rp. 284,000 (approx. 184 USD).

It's important to note that these figures are based on estimates and prices can fluctuate over time. When calculating your budget, consider all factors including utilities, public transportation, and other daily expenses.