Indonesia is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. Indonesia is also a popular destination for tourists, digital nomads, and expats due to its affordable cost of living. In this article, we will explore the cost of living in Indonesia, including currency, comparisons to the UK and USA, breakdown of costs, and common forms of payment.
Local Currency in Indonesia
The local currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). One Rupiah is divided into 100 sen, but due to inflation, sen are no longer in circulation. There are coins in denominations of 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 Rupiah, and banknotes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 Rupiah.
Cost of Living in Indonesia Compared to the UK and USA
The cost of living in Indonesia is generally much lower than that of the UK and the USA. According to Numbeo, a website that compares cost of living in different countries, the cost of living index in Indonesia is 32.52, while the UK is 69.08, and the USA is 76.86. This means that on average, it is much less expensive to live in Indonesia than in the UK or USA.
Breakdown of Costs in Indonesia
The cost of living in Indonesia can vary depending on the location and size of the household. Here is a breakdown of some of the typical costs for singles, couples, and families of four in Indonesia:
Housing
Housing costs in Indonesia can be affordable, especially outside of major cities. In Jakarta, the capital city, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 5,000,000 IDR, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around 15,000,000 IDR. Outside of major cities, the cost of housing can be lower, but still affordable.
Food
Indonesian cuisine is known for being delicious and affordable. Eating out in Indonesia can be very affordable, with a meal at a local restaurant costing around 40,000 IDR per person. Grocery shopping can also be affordable, with a loaf of bread costing around 10,000 IDR and a liter of milk costing around 20,000 IDR.
Utilities
The cost of utilities in Indonesia varies depending on the size of the household and the location. On average, electricity, water, and gas bills for a family of four in a major city can add up to around 2,000,000-3,000,000 IDR per month. Internet and mobile phone plans are also very affordable, with a typical plan costing around 200,000-300,000 IDR per month.
Leisure
Indonesia offers a variety of leisure activities, from visiting beautiful beaches to exploring national parks and attending cultural events. Many activities in Indonesia can be affordable or even free, such as visiting a public park or museum. Paid activities such as visiting a spa, taking a tour, or attending a concert can cost between 50,000-200,000 IDR per person.
Transport
Public transportation in Indonesia is very affordable, with a one-way ticket on a bus or train costing around 3,000-10,000 IDR. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also very affordable, with a typical 10-kilometer ride costing around 50,000-100,000 IDR. Owning a car in Indonesia can be expensive due to high taxes and gasoline prices.
Clothing
The cost of clothing in Indonesia varies depending on the brand and quality. Affordable clothing options can be found at local markets, with t-shirts costing around 50,000 IDR and jeans costing around 150,000-300,000 IDR. High-end designer clothing can be more expensive, with a designer dress costing around 2,000,000 IDR or more.
Household Goods
Household goods such as furniture, appliances, and electronics can be affordable in Indonesia, especially if purchased locally. New items can also be reasonably priced, with a new refrigerator costing around 2,000,000-5,000,000 IDR and a new television costing around 3,000,000-10,000,000 IDR.
Common Forms of Payment in Indonesia
Cash is still widely used in Indonesia, especially for smaller transactions such as purchasing food or taking a public transportation. However, debit and credit cards are becoming more common, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. It is recommended to carry cash for smaller transactions and use cards for larger transactions. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and credit and debit cards are accepted at most major retailers and restaurants.
In conclusion, Indonesia offers an affordable cost of living compared to other countries, especially in terms of food, housing, and leisure activities. Public transportation is very affordable, and household goods can be purchased at a reasonable cost. Cash is still widely used in Indonesia, but debit and credit cards are becoming more common. Indonesia is a great place to live for those looking to save money while enjoying a beautiful and diverse culture.