TL;DR — Indonesia (CoL Index 26.1) and Morocco (31.4) are both among the cheapest accessible countries globally. Indonesia has the lower absolute CoL Index; Morocco has a significantly lower Rent Index (8.3 vs 9.1) and the highest Expat Value Score in this dataset (3.06 vs 1.63). Indonesia wins on lifestyle (Bali); Morocco wins on European proximity and inflation stability.
Sources: World Bank Open Data — NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD (2024); Numbeo Cost of Living Rankings 2025 (NYC = 100).
Head-to-Head Data Table
| Indicator | Indonesia | Morocco | Winner | Source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GNI per capita (PPP) | $16,010 | $10,260 | Indonesia | World Bank | 2024 |
| Cost of Living Index | 26.1 | 31.4 | Indonesia | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Rent Index | 9.1 | 8.3 | Morocco | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Groceries Index | 18.5 | 21.1 | Indonesia | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Restaurant Index | 33.6 | 33.0 | Morocco (marginal) | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Expat Value Score | 1.63 | 3.06 | Morocco | Calculated | 2025 |
| Inflation | 2.18% | 0.99% | Morocco | World Bank | 2024 |
Housing
| City | 1-bed/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bali (Canggu villa) | ~$700–1,400 | Pool often included |
| Bali (Ubud) | ~$400–800 | Quieter, cheaper |
| Jakarta (central) | ~$500–900 | Business capital |
| Marrakech (Gueliz) | ~$350–600 | Top expat area |
| Casablanca (Maarif) | ~$450–750 | Business hub |
Verdict: Morocco wins on raw rent cost; Indonesia wins on villa lifestyle value (pool included).
Food
| Category | Indonesia | Morocco | Source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries Index | 18.5 | 21.1 | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Restaurant Index | 33.6 | 33.0 | Numbeo | 2025 |
| Local meal | ~$1.50–3.50 | ~$2–5 | Numbeo | 2025 |
Verdict: Indonesia cheaper on groceries; Morocco marginally cheaper on dining out.
Total Monthly Budget Estimates
| Budget Level | Indonesia | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | ~$700–1,000 | ~$600–850 |
| Moderate | ~$1,000–1,500 | ~$900–1,300 |
| Comfortable | ~$1,500–2,200 | ~$1,400–2,000 |
Verdict
| Criterion | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall CoL | Indonesia |
| Rent | Morocco |
| Groceries | Indonesia |
| Inflation | Morocco |
| Expat Value Score | Morocco |
| Lifestyle (Bali) | Indonesia |
| European proximity | Morocco |
| Visa (1yr free) | Morocco (for Europeans) |
Overall: Morocco wins for European expats (proximity, visa-free, stability). Indonesia wins for lifestyle-seekers and Bali enthusiasts. Both offer exceptional value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indonesia or Morocco cheaper?
Indonesia (CoL Index 26.1) is cheaper on consumer prices and groceries. Morocco (Rent Index 8.3) is cheaper on rent. Overall monthly budgets are marginally lower in Morocco. Source: Numbeo 2025.
Which is better for European expats?
Morocco: 2–3 hour flight from Europe, visa-free 90 days, French-speaking, lowest inflation in dataset (0.99%). Indonesia: 12–14 hour flight from Europe, stronger lifestyle appeal (Bali). Morocco wins decisively on European accessibility.
What is Morocco’s Expat Value Score of 3.06?
It means costs are 3x higher relative to local incomes than NYC costs relative to US incomes — indicating maximum purchasing power for foreign-income earners. A foreigner earning $3,000/month in Morocco lives like a local earning $9,000+/month equivalent.
Is Bali or Marrakech better for digital nomads?
Bali: strongest global nomad ecosystem, villa culture, beach lifestyle, growing coworking. Marrakech: cheaper, North African culture, European proximity. Bali leads on nomad infrastructure; Marrakech leads on cost and European accessibility.
Do I need a visa for Indonesia or Morocco?
Most Western nationals enter Indonesia visa-free (30 days) or with an e-visa. Morocco offers 90-day visa-free stays. Indonesia’s E33G Digital Nomad Visa (2023) allows up to 5 years.
Explore Further
Related Countries
- Cost of Living in Indonesia — Complete Data Guide
- Cost of Living in Morocco — Complete Data Guide
- Cost of Living in Vietnam — Complete Data Guide
Major Cities
Comparisons
- Vietnam vs Indonesia Cost of Living — Full Comparison
- Morocco vs Colombia Cost of Living — Full Comparison
Rankings
- Cheapest Countries to Live In — Complete Guide
- Cost of Living for Digital Nomads — Complete Guide
- Cost of Living Index by Country — Complete Rankings
Last updated: 2025 | Sources: World Bank Open Data — NY.GNP.PCAP.PP.CD (2024); Numbeo Cost of Living Rankings 2025 (NYC = 100). General information only.