A Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Jakarta for Expats

A practical guide for expatriates planning their life and budget in Jakarta.

Jakarta is a city full of contrasts, a place where modern skyscrapers rise beside traditional markets, and where international lifestyles blend with rich local culture. For many expatriates, Jakarta offers exciting opportunities, professional growth, and a comfortable urban life.

Yet, before moving here, it’s essential to understand one thing clearly: the cost of living in Jakarta for expats. Whether you’re relocating for work, joining your family, or exploring a new adventure, knowing what to expect will help you plan your budget and adapt easily.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to Work in Indonesia as a Foreigner

Living Comfortably in Jakarta, How Much Does It Really Cost?

From housing and transportation to food, healthcare, and international schools, your monthly budget will depend on your lifestyle and location. Let’s dive into the main living expenses you’ll want to plan for.

1. Accommodation in Jakarta

For most expats, rent is usually the biggest monthly expense. Jakarta offers a wide range of housing options, from serviced apartments in the city center to more affordable shared houses or colivings in suburban areas. Popular neighborhoods among expats include Kemang, Senopati, Kuningan, Menteng, and SCBD all known for their central locations and expat-friendly facilities.

A one-bedroom apartment in a prime area like Kuningan or Senopati typically costs between Rp9.000.000 to Rp18.000.000 per month, depending on the building’s age, size, and amenities. Meanwhile, similar units outside the central business district, such as in Cilandak or Kebayoran Baru can be found for around Rp6.000.000 to Rp11.000.000 per month.

If you prefer a more flexible living option, platforms like Rukita offer fully furnished co-living rooms complete with housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and utilities. Prices usually start from around Rp3.000.000, making it an easy and practical choice for expats who want to settle in quickly without the hassle of setting up everything from scratch.

2. Transportation costs in Jakarta

Getting around Jakarta can be a mixed experience, convenient at times, but also challenging due to traffic. Most expats rely on ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab for daily commuting. A typical short trip within the city center costs around Rp15.000 – Rp45.000, while longer rides can go up to Rp120.000 –Rp160.000, depending on distance and time of day.

If you plan to drive, car rentals with a driver generally range from Rp8.000.000 – Rp13.000.000 per month, depending on the vehicle type and service agreement.

Public transportation has also improved significantly in recent years with the MRT, LRT, and TransJakarta bus systems offering more affordable and predictable options for daily travel. MRT and TransJakarta fares usually range between Rp5.000 – Rp15.000 per trip, making them budget-friendly alternatives for navigating the city.

3. Food and dining out

One of the best parts about living in Jakarta is its food scene. You can easily grab a local meal like nasi goreng or soto ayam for just around Rp15.000 – Rp30.000 at a warung or food stall. On the other hand, dining out at mid-range restaurants will cost you around Rp150.000 – Rp300.000 per person, while international restaurants or hotel dining can reach Rp800.000 or more depending on the venue.

Groceries can be relatively affordable if you buy local products, but imported goods like certain cheeses, cereals, or wines are significantly more expensive due to import taxes. A typical grocery budget for a single person ranges between Rp2.000.000 – Rp5.000.000 per month, depending on your preferences and how often you buy imported items.

4. Healthcare and insurance

Jakarta has many private hospitals and international clinics with English-speaking doctors, especially in areas like Kemang, Kuningan, and Menteng. Basic consultations usually start from around Rp300.000–Rp600.000, while specialist visits or emergency services can cost significantly more.

Expats are strongly advised to have health insurance that covers both routine checkups and emergencies. Many international companies provide health coverage for employees, but if you’re moving independently, you can expect to pay around Rp1.500.000 – Rp3.000.000 per month for private insurance plans.

5. Education and international schools

If you’re moving to Jakarta with family, education will likely be one of your biggest considerations. The city offers several well-regarded international schools following American, British, Australian, or IB curricula, such as Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), British School Jakarta, and AIS Indonesia.

Tuition fees vary widely but generally range from Rp125.000.000 – Rp400.000.000 per year, depending on the school and grade level. Some schools offer sibling discounts or corporate sponsorship programs, but education will still be a significant part of your annual budget.

6. Leisure and lifestyle

Jakarta’s expat community is active and diverse, offering plenty of options to enjoy your free time. From high-end gyms and rooftop bars to golf clubs and yoga studios, there’s always something happening. Gym memberships start from around Rp600.000 per month, while a night out in a central area, including dinner and drinks can cost between Rp500.000 – Rp1.000.000 per person.

If you enjoy short weekend getaways, destinations like Bali, Bandung, or Yogyakarta are easily accessible by plane or train, making it convenient to take a quick break from the city’s busy pace.

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Overall, Jakarta offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Asian cities like Singapore or Hong Kong, especially if you adapt to local habits and explore beyond imported goods. For a single expat, a comfortable monthly budget typically ranges between Rp15.000.000 – Rp30.000.000, depending on your housing choice, lifestyle, and personal spending habits.

With its mix of opportunities, culture, and convenience, Jakarta can be both exciting and manageable for expats who plan their finances wisely. And if you’re looking for a smooth transition into local living, coliving options like Rukita make it easy to find a fully furnished, ready-to-move-in home while connecting with a vibrant and welcoming community in the city.

Want to find a comfortable, modern, and strategically located apartment to stay in? Rukita offers many kinds of apartments that you can rent to live a more comfortable life.

Don’t forget to download Rukita app via Google Play Store or App Store or visit www.rukita.co. Follow Rukita’s Instagram account @rukita_indo, X account @rukita_id, and TikTok account @rukita_id to get the most recent information and other interesting deals!