Indonesia is known for its cheap cost of living.
However, the costs vary greatly depending on where you choose to live.
Many people choose to move to Indonesia for a slower pace of life, natural beauty, and diverse culture, in addition to the low cost of living.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Indonesia
The cheapest places to live in Indonesia include:
- Banyuwangi
- Kudus
- Yogyakarta
- Solo
- Metro
- Cirebon
- Purwokerto
- Sibolga
- Probolinggo
- Singaraja
1. Banyuwangi
Cost of Living: $188
Banyuwangi has a very low cost of living.
You can live well for about $188 per month for a family of four here.
You can expect to pay about $62 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and $186 for a 3 bedroom apartment in the city center.
The minimum wage in Banyuwangi is $164 per month.
If you earn more than minimum wage, you can support a family easily in Banyuwangi.
Banyuwangi is the easternmost city in Java.
It’s known as the sunrise of Java because the sun rises first here.
You’ll find lots of natural beauty, including southern beaches that border the Indian Ocean, and mountain ranges.
2. Kudus
Cost of Living: $192
The average cost of living in Kudus is $192 for a family of four.
The average cost of a nice hotel in the city is $24 per night.
The minimum wage is $156 per month.
It’s a small city, so residents enjoy a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle here.
You’ll find lots of religious attractions and a thriving culture.
The majority of the population is Javanese.
However, there’s an Arab neighborhood as well as an Indonesian Chinese minority population.
3. Yogyakarta
Cost of Living: $427
A single person can live well in Yogyakarta for $427 per month.
A family of four will need about $1217 to live in the city.
Rent and utilities range from $187 for a single person to $510 for a family.
The average salary in Yogyakarta is $1,023 per month or $12,281 per year.
This means that the average job can support a family reasonably well.
Yogyakarta is the heart of Javanese culture, and the city has a rich history.
It’s well known for many arts, including ballet, batik textiles, drama, and silversmithing.
It’s also the only place in Indonesia that’s still ruled by a monarchy.
It’s a midsized city that is calmer and less populated than the capital of Jakarta.
4. Solo
Cost of Living: $124
The average cost of living in Solo is $124 per month for a single person and about $218 a month for a family of four.
If you want to live near Yogyakarta, Solo is an excellent option with a very inexpensive cost of living.
Solo is also known as Surakarta.
The average salary in Solo is $3,110 per year or $260 per month.
Solo offers a balanced experience.
You’ll find a small city with a relaxed atmosphere but plenty of entertainment and shopping options.
5. Metro
Cost of Living: $194
Metro is located on Sumatra Island.
It’s the second largest city in the Lampung province.
The average cost of living is $194 for a family.
However, if you want to live a U.S.-style life, you can expect to pay $422 for a single person, or $1,100 for a family of four.
This is surprising because Metro is a relatively large city with plenty of modern amenities.
The minimum wage in Metro is $164 per month, and the average salary for a salesperson is $280 per month.
Metro’s goal is to become a destination for students and families.
They are currently upgrading many aspects of the city.
This includes education, security, cleanliness, and public spaces.
One notable initiative is the addition of many new parks.
6. Cirebon
Cost of Living: $124
An individual can live in Cirebon for as little as $124 a month.
Expats can expect to spend about $495 for a single person, or $1300 per month for a family of four.
Rent and utilities cost $204 for a one-bedroom and $397 for a family of four.
The minimum wage is $153. The average salesperson can expect to earn about $204 per month in Cirebon.
Cirebon is on the northern coast of Java.
It’s well known for being multicultural.
You’ll find Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese, Indian, Arab, and European influences here.
It’s the fourth largest city on the Northern Java coast.
You’ll find historic architecture, including Keraton Kasepuhan, which features a royal main house and museums.
Sunyaragi Cave is another great place to visit.
This isn’t an actual cave.
Instead, it is architecture that is meant to resemble a cave.
It was built for the sultans of Cirebon.
7. Purwokerto
Cost of Living: $124
The average cost of living in Purwokerto is $124 for a single person inside the city.
Individuals living outside the city can get by on a bit less.
Purwokerto is known as a “student city” because it has several private and public universities.
More than 50,000 students call the city home.
You can rent a dorm room for just $270-$550 a year, or $22 to $49 per month.
You can rent a two-bedroom house for $550 to $1,500 per year, or $49 to $125 per month.
The minimum wage in Purwokerto is $137 per month, which means one person can support themselves on a minimum wage salary.
Purwokerto is known as the least expensive major city in Indonesia.
It’s located in Central Java, and you can reach other areas of Java by train.
The train station is near the city center.
In addition to catering to students, Purwokerto is a popular retirement destination.
You’ll find a window into the heart and soul of Indonesia, particularly Javanese culture.
Natural attractions include Mount Slamet and Lake Baturraden at the foot of the mountain.
Purwokerto also boasts its unique cuisine with Javanese and European influences, particularly Dutch.
8. Sibolga
Cost of Living: $93
Sibolga offers an incredibly inexpensive destination, with a cost of living of just $93 per month for a single person.
It’s located in the Northern region of the Sumatra province.
The minimum wage in Sibolga is $175, so a single person can live quite comfortably on minimum wage.
The average salary is slightly higher, at $185 per month.
Sibolga is the main port city in Northern Sumatra.
You can get to the island of Nias from here.
Nias is well known for megalithic structures and its rolling surf.
You’ll find mountains in the Northern part of the city.
The city center is located on the waterfront, and the port is in the southeast part of the city.
9. Probolinggo
Cost of Living: $205
A family can live modestly in Probolinggo for just $205.
If you want to live a luxurious lifestyle, expect to pay about $469 for an individual or $1,205 for a family of four.
The minimum wage is $196 per month so you can get by on a minimum wage salary.
The average salary is $260 per month.
Probolinggo is a small port city located in East Java.
It’s a compact city, encompassing just 35 square miles.
It’s home to about 200,000 people.
The majority of the population is Madurese or Javanese.
Probolinggo is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet calm lifestyle.
It’s near Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, which features two active volcanoes.
Another important attraction is the Probolinggo Museum.
The museum features more recent Dutch artifacts, as well as ancient artifacts dating back to the ancient Hindu-Buddha kingdom.
10. Singaraja
Cost of Living: $194
Singaraja is located in Bali.
Bali is a popular tourist destination, so some areas have a higher cost of living than most of Indonesia.
However, Singaraja offers all the charm of Bali at a very affordable price of $194 for a family living modestly.
The average cost of living for a Westerner in Bali is $873 per month for a single person and $2,700 for a family.
The average salary is $290 a month, so it can be difficult if you don’t plan to live inexpensively.
Singaraja is near Lovina Beach, which is a favorite tourist spot.
It features a blend of cultures.
You’ll find the largest Chinese temple in Bali and an Arab district.
History lovers shouldn’t miss Gedong Kirtya.
This historic library features more than 3,000 Balinese manuscripts.
You’ll also find historic Hindu temples nearby.
Indonesia Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Indonesia Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are things in Indonesia so cheap?
There are a few reasons why Indonesia is inexpensive.
First, it has lots of natural resources.
Energy and production costs are low thanks to the rich natural environment.
Wages are also lower, which helps keep costs low.
Lastly, Indonesia has a less materialistic culture than Western countries, which means there’s less demand for products and services.
What is the housing problem in Indonesia?
Like any country, Indonesia does have its struggles and concerns.
One of the biggest problems here is housing.
The demand for housing is higher than the supply in many areas.
Existing housing is often poor quality due to inexpensive and low-quality materials.
The infrastructure in many rural areas is also lacking, contributing to the problem.
Is the cost of living cheaper in Indonesia than in the U.S.?
Yes, the cost of living in Indonesia is an average of 61% lower than in the U.S.
Rent is typically 80% cheaper in Indonesia.
Of course, living costs in some areas are even lower than this.
Is poverty a problem in Indonesia?
Poverty is an issue in Indonesia.
The poverty rate is 9.4%, and unemployment is 3.5%.
This is less than the U.S., which has a poverty rate of 11% and an unemployment rate of 3.9%.
