Cost of Living in Jakarta (2026): What Expats Should Budget
Jakarta is Indonesia’s political and commercial centre and a key base for regional operations in Southeast Asia. It attracts multinational companies, investors, and professionals looking to access the country’s large domestic market.
Cost of Living Comparison – Major Asian Cities
Source: Numbeo – Cost of Living Index by City (Asia, current).
“The idea that Jakarta is a “cheap” city is only partly accurate. Day-to-day local expenses can be low, but costs increase quickly when expats opt for international-standard housing, private healthcare, Western food, and international schools. Two households with similar incomes can end up with very different monthly budgets.”
In Jakarta, cost of living is not driven by fixed systems or regulations. It is driven by lifestyle choices. How you live matters more than where you live.
Jakarta’s cost of living is defined by sharp contrasts between local affordability and international-standard lifestyles.
Factors Affecting Cost of Living
Expat vs local lifestyle differences
Local prices for food, transport, and services are low, but most expats operate in a separate cost bracket. Imported groceries, Western restaurants, private hospitals, and international schools significantly increase monthly spending.
Location and commute tolerance
Living close to business districts such as Sudirman or SCBD reduces commute time but raises rent. Moving further out lowers housing costs but often increases time spent in traffic, which is a major trade-off in Jakarta.
Household size and dependants
Costs rise sharply with dependants. Education, larger housing, transport arrangements, and healthcare coverage all scale quickly for families.
Use of domestic help and private services
Domestic help, drivers, and household services are common and affordable by expat standards, but they add recurring monthly costs that do not exist in many other cities.
Reliance on imported goods
Imported food, alcohol, household items, and personal care products are expensive and sometimes inconsistent in supply. The more imported your consumption, the higher your overall budget.
In Jakarta, traffic is the hidden cost that turns cheap rent into expensive time.
A Real-World Budget Scenario
A single expat working in Sudirman, renting a one-bedroom apartment, using ride-hailing, and eating local during the week can live comfortably on a moderate budget.
A family of four in Pondok Indah with two children in international school, a car and driver, and Western grocery habits may spend three to four times more each month.
Suburban comfort in Pondok Indah comes with higher rents but space, privacy, and easier family living.
Accommodation
See our briefing on Jakarta’s neighbourhoods: the good and bad
Most expats live in apartments, landed houses, or serviced apartments. Apartments are common in central areas, while landed houses are more typical in suburban neighbourhoods such as Pondok Indah or BSD. Serviced apartments appeal to short-term arrivals or those seeking convenience.
Popular expat areas include SCBD, Sudirman, Kemang, Pondok Indah, and BSD City. Rental prices vary widely depending on building quality, age, and proximity to offices and international schools.
Beyond rent, additional housing costs often include service charges, electricity, maintenance, and occasional building-related fees. These are frequently overlooked when budgeting. Don’t forget to ask about service charges and AC costs, which can be substantial and are not always included in advertised rent.
Pondok Indah and Kemang have a surprisingly good pizza scene
Food
Local dining options such as warungs and food courts are inexpensive and widely available. Many meals cost only a few pounds. Western and mid-range restaurants are far more expensive, particularly in central and expat-heavy areas. Alcohol is heavily taxed and priced accordingly, making nightlife and socialising a notable expense. Grocery costs depend heavily on shopping habits. Local markets and Indonesian products are affordable, while imported items can cost several times more than in their country of origin.
Eating local most of the time is one of the most effective ways to control monthly spending.
Transportation
Jakarta’s public transport system has improved, but coverage remains limited for many expats. MRT and bus networks are useful in certain corridors but do not replace private transport for most daily needs.
Ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek are widely used and relatively affordable. Many families opt for a car with a driver, which adds a predictable but significant monthly cost.
The main friction is traffic. Lower rent often comes with longer, more exhausting commutes. In Jakarta, time is often the hidden cost of cheaper housing.
Utilities
Electricity costs are driven largely by air conditioning usage. Larger units and poor insulation increase bills. Water quality varies by area and building, and many households use filtration systems.
Internet and mobile connectivity are generally reliable in central areas but can vary in older buildings or outer suburbs.
Utility costs are moderate by international standards but fluctuate depending on property type and usage habits.
Healthcare
Indonesia has a public healthcare system, but most expats rely on private hospitals and clinics. Jakarta has several reputable private hospitals offering international-standard care.
Private healthcare costs are lower than in many Western countries but can still be significant without insurance. Comprehensive health insurance, often including medical evacuation, is strongly recommended.
Out-of-pocket costs are manageable for routine care but less predictable for major treatment.
Education
See out Ultimate Guide to Jakarta’s International Schools
Local schools are affordable but of of course rarely suitable for non-Indonesian-speaking children. Most expat families choose international schools such as ISJ, JIS or BSJ offering British, IB or other international curricula.
International school fees are high relative to local incomes and can be comparable to those in other Asian capitals. Additional costs often include registration fees, capital levies, transport, and extracurricular activities. Education is one of the largest cost drivers for expat families in Jakarta.
Entertainment and Leisure
Malls are the primary leisure hubs, offering dining, shopping, cinemas, and gyms. Fitness memberships and social clubs are widely available at moderate cost.
Domestic travel within Indonesia is affordable and popular for short breaks. Nightlife and alcohol-heavy socialising remain relatively expensive.
Free public leisure spaces exist but are more limited than in many global cities.
Other Living Expenses
Domestic help, drivers, and laundry services are common and affordable but add recurring costs. Personal care and grooming range from very cheap local options to premium international salons. Home upkeep, minor repairs, and contingency expenses should be factored into monthly planning.
Taxes and Miscellaneous Costs
Indonesia applies progressive personal income tax rates, with higher top rates than some regional hubs. VAT (PPN) at 11% applies to most goods and services and increases day-to-day spending. Social security contributions (BPJS) are mandatory in some cases, but most expats rely on private insurance for healthcare coverage. Tax administration and compliance can be complex without local advice.
Monthly Budget Estimates
Public cost-of-living data from sources such as Numbeo suggests that a single person’s monthly expenses in Jakarta, excluding rent, are typically under USD 500 when living locally. Expat lifestyles often exceed this range.
Broad monthly estimates:
- Single expat: low to mid range with local habits; significantly higher with Western lifestyle
- Couple: moderate to high depending on housing and dining choices
- Family with children: high, particularly with international school fees
Actual costs vary widely based on lifestyle and location. Prioritise location over property size to reduce commuting time. Eat local strategically while choosing imported items selectively. Optimise transport choices based on daily routines. Negotiate services and contracts, as pricing is often flexible.
Wrap Up
Jakarta offers far more cost flexibility than many major international cities, but far less predictability. Savings often come with trade-offs in convenience, comfort, or time. As one relocation consultant in Jakarta puts it: “Jakarta is affordable if you adapt to how the city works. It becomes expensive when expats try to replicate a Western lifestyle without compromise.” For expats who understand these trade-offs and budget accordingly, Jakarta can offer a high quality of life at a cost well below other regional hubs.
ISJ is Jakarta's leading British international school for children aged 2–13, delivering the gold-standard English National Curriculum. Driven by our hand-picked teachers from top UK independent schools, our pupils consistently achieve remarkably high academic results. To see how Jakarta’s leading British school for children aged 2 to 13 uses singing to enrich learning, build confidence, and create a joyful, connected school community book a school tour.