TL;DR — Indonesia has the lowest Cost of Living Index in this 10-country selection (26.1, NYC=100) and the best raw Expat Value Score (1.63). Bali has become one of the world’s most iconic digital nomad destinations, while Jakarta offers a major metropolitan experience at a fraction of Western costs. For a foreign income earner, Indonesia delivers some of the highest purchasing power in the world.
Key Data — Indonesia at a Glance
| Indicator | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GNI per capita (PPP, USD) | 16,010 | World Bank 2024 |
| Cost of Living Index (NYC=100) | 26.1 | Numbeo 2024 |
| Rent Index (NYC=100) | 9.1 | Numbeo 2024 |
| Groceries Index | 33.6 | Numbeo 2024 |
| Restaurant Index | 15.3 | Numbeo 2024 |
| Local Purchasing Power Index | 29.3 | Numbeo 2024 |
| Expat Value Score | 1.63 | Calculated (CoL÷GNI/k) |
Sources: World Bank Open Data — NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD; Numbeo Cost of Living Rankings 2024.
Cost of Living by Category
🏠 Housing
Indonesia has the lowest Rent Index in this selection (9.1). Bali has its own premium tier for villas, but conventional apartments remain very affordable.
| City / Area | Est. 1-bed apartment/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bali (Seminyak / Canggu) | ~$500–900 | Nomad premium, villa culture |
| Bali (Ubud / local areas) | ~$250–500 | More affordable, quieter |
| Jakarta (South Jakarta expat areas) | ~$500–800 | Capital premium |
| Jakarta (local areas) | ~$200–400 | |
| Yogyakarta | ~$150–350 | Cultural capital, very affordable |
| Medan / Surabaya | ~$150–300 | Large cities, low costs |
Rent Index: 9.1 (NYC=100) — Numbeo 2024. Lowest in this 10-country selection.
🍽️ Food
Indonesia shares Vietnam’s distinction of having the lowest Restaurant Index in this selection (15.3). Warung (local food stalls) serve complete meals for $1–3.
| Item | Est. monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Warung meals (daily) | ~$1–3/meal | Nasi goreng, gado-gado, soto |
| Local restaurant | ~$3–8 | |
| Western restaurant (4x/month) | ~$40–80 | |
| Groceries | ~$120–220 | Local produce cheap; imports pricier |
🚌 Transport
| Transport type | Est. monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike (own/rent) | ~$50–100/month | Dominant transport in Bali |
| Gojek / Grab | ~$1–4 per ride | Ubiquitous app-based transport |
| Jakarta MRT / TransJakarta | ~$15–25 | New MRT expanding |
🏥 Healthcare
| Coverage type | Est. monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BPJS (national public insurance) | ~$10–25 | Available to residents |
| Private clinic (expat-standard) | ~$30–70 per visit | Good in Bali, Jakarta |
| International health insurance | ~$40–80 |
🎭 Leisure
| Item | Est. monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gym / yoga | ~$25–60 | Bali has world-class wellness scene |
| Surfing / outdoor activities | ~$30–80 | |
| Restaurants / nightlife | ~$50–100 | |
| Total leisure estimate | ~$80–150 |
Monthly Budget Summary
| Budget type | Est. monthly total | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum (local lifestyle, Java) | ~$400–700 | |
| Comfortable (Bali, Canggu/Ubud) | ~$1,000–1,600 | |
| Comfortable (Jakarta) | ~$900–1,500 | |
| Premium Bali villa lifestyle | ~$1,800–3,000 |
Key Insight
Indonesia’s defining feature is the Bali factor — a globally unique destination that combines world-class surf, yoga, culture and digital nomad infrastructure with prices that are 75% below New York. The island has developed a co-working ecosystem (Dojo, Outpost, Livit) that rivals any city in the world. For non-Bali Indonesia, the gap is even wider: cities like Yogyakarta offer a rich cultural life at some of the lowest costs on the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Bali per month in 2025?
A comfortable digital nomad lifestyle in Canggu or Seminyak costs $1,000–$1,600/month. In Ubud, budget $800–$1,300. These include rent, food (mix of local and Western), transport, leisure and coworking. Indonesia’s CoL Index is 26.1 (Numbeo 2024, NYC=100) — the lowest in this selection.
What is the Bali digital nomad visa (Second Home Visa)?
Indonesia introduced a Second Home Visa in 2022 valid for 5–10 years, requiring proof of funds (~$130,000 in a bank account). Many nomads use the Social/Cultural Visa (B211A) which allows 60-day stays extendable to 180 days. A standard tourist visa-on-arrival allows 30 days extendable to 60.
Is Bali getting too expensive for digital nomads?
Bali has seen rising prices in popular nomad areas (Canggu, Seminyak) since 2020. However, Indonesia’s overall CoL Index remains the lowest in this 10-country selection (26.1 vs Vietnam’s 26.4). Moving slightly out of tourist-heavy areas dramatically reduces costs. The “Bali premium” is real but contained.
How does Indonesia compare to Vietnam for cost of living?
Indonesia (CoL 26.1) and Vietnam (26.4) are virtually identical in overall cost level — the closest pair in this entire selection. Indonesia has slightly lower rent (9.1 vs 9.9) and restaurants (15.3 vs 15.6). Vietnam has marginally lower groceries (31.8 vs 33.6). The choice between them comes down to lifestyle preferences, not cost.
Is Indonesia safe for expats?
Bali and the main tourist and expat areas of Java (Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya) are considered safe for expat life. Standard precautions apply. Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago (17,000+ islands) and safety varies significantly by location and island.
Explore Further
- Cost of Living by Country 2025 — Global Guide →
- Vietnam vs Indonesia — Full Comparison →
- Colombia vs Indonesia — Full Comparison →
- Cheapest Countries to Live in 2025 →
Last updated: 2025 | Data: World Bank Open Data (NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD) — 2024; Numbeo Cost of Living Rankings 2024 (community data, indicative).