Cost Of Living For a Student in Jakarta 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Jakarta

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Jakarta?

Students in Jakarta spend around 15M IDR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 2.3M IDR or as high as 170M IDR. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Jakarta?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Jakarta typically spend from 12% to 23% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 17% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 3.7M IDR with expenditure ranging from 550,000 IDR to 41M IDR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Jakarta ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 540,000 IDR with 82,000 IDR and 6M IDR being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 150,000 IDR to 11M IDR in a month on commuting with 1M IDR being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 4% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 10%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Jakarta is 2.9M IDR. The cost of groceries can range between 430,000 IDR to 32M IDR. Students spend on average about 23% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 17% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Jakarta allocate 6% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 110,000 IDR to 8.4M IDR with 760,000 IDR being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 110,000 IDR to 7.9M IDR with 710,000 IDR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 2.7M IDR per month with 410,000 IDR being the minimum spent amount and 30M IDR being the maximum.

Low-cost alternatives in Jakarta

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options58%

Few low-cost options42%

Based on the survey, 58% of the students living in Jakarta have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 42% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Jakarta

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Jakarta?

Around 56% of surveyed students think that living in Jakarta is affordable with proper budgeting while 44% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Jakarta

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Jakarta

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

82,000 IDR

540,000 IDR

6M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.2

$35

$380

Internet and cable cost

140,000 IDR

280,000 IDR

370,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$8.8

$18

$23

Mobile phone bill and charges

90,000 IDR

150,000 IDR

450,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.7

$9.5

$29

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 540,000 IDR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 140,000 IDR to 370,000 IDR with 280,000 IDR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 150,000 IDR but can range between 90,000 IDR and 450,000 IDR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Jakarta is around 7.1%. This means that people pay 7.1% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.5% to 12% depending on salary and location.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes56%

No44%

Based on the survey, 44% of the students living in Jakarta said that they don't have an emergency fund while 56% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy51%

We asked student guardians and parents in Jakarta whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 49% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 51% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 39% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 61% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance39%

Easily manages finances61%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Jakarta

Rent Cost in Jakarta

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

2.5M IDR

3.8M IDR

10M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$160

$240

$640

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3.9M IDR

6.2M IDR

16M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$250

$400

$990

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

5.3M IDR

8M IDR

21M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$340

$510

$1,400

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

6.5M IDR

11M IDR

30M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$420

$690

$1,900

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

12M IDR

31M IDR

62M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$790

$2,000

$4,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

10M IDR

15M IDR

44M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$650

$970

$2,800

House monthly rent cost

13M IDR

31M IDR

63M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$790

$2,000

$4,000

Villa monthly rent cost

15M IDR

38M IDR

61M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$970

$2,400

$3,900

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Jakarta ranges between 2.5M IDR and 10M IDR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 3.9M IDR to 16M IDR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 5.3M IDR and 21M IDR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 6.5M IDR to 30M IDR. The average rent of a townhouse in Jakarta is around 15M IDR while house rental costs can be as high as 31M IDR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 15M IDR to 61M IDR per month.

Apartment and house prices in Jakarta

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

530M IDR

800M IDR

1,600M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$34,000

$51,000

$100,000

1-bedroom apartment price

650M IDR

1,100M IDR

4,100M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$42,000

$69,000

$260,000

2-bedroom apartment price

1,000M IDR

3,000M IDR

6,100M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$64,000

$190,000

$390,000

3-bedroom apartment price

3,500M IDR

5,200M IDR

16,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$220,000

$330,000

$990,000

Townhouse price

4,600M IDR

11,000M IDR

40,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$290,000

$680,000

$2.5M

House price

5,500M IDR

33,000M IDR

47,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$350,000

$2.1M

$3M

Villa price

6,500M IDR

36,000M IDR

54,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$420,000

$2.3M

$3.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Jakarta can range from 530M IDR to 1,600M IDR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 650M IDR to 4,100M IDR. A villa can cost you 36,000M IDR on average with prices ranging from 6,500M IDR to 54,000M IDR.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Jakarta can be x140 to x274 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x140 multiples of the average monthly salary in Jakarta.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Jakarta is around 36%. This means that people pay 36% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 24% to 48% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Jakarta

Prices and cost of goods and services in Jakarta

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

26,000 IDR

53,000 IDR

88,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.7

$3.3

$5.6

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Jakarta is approximatly 53,000 IDR with meal cost ranging from 26,000 IDR to 88,000 IDR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

92,000 IDR

140,000 IDR

280,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.8

$8.7

$17

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 92,000 IDR and 280,000 IDR with 140,000 IDR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Jakarta.

Fine dining meal for one price

180,000 IDR

260,000 IDR

1.1M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$11

$17

$67

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 180,000 IDR to 1.1M IDR with the average cost being 260,000 IDR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Jakarta.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

23,000 IDR

36,000 IDR

54,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.4

$2.3

$3.4

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Jakarta is around 36,000 IDR. Price ranges between 23,000 IDR and 54,000 IDR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

18,000 IDR

22,000 IDR

28,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.2

$1.4

$1.7

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Jakarta is 22,000 IDR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 28,000 IDR and the minimum being 18,000 IDR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

13,000 IDR

17,000 IDR

26,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.83

$1.1

$1.7

A dozen eggs costs around 17,000 IDR on average with 13,000 IDR and 26,000 IDR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

31,000 IDR

41,000 IDR

58,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2

$2.6

$3.7

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Jakarta is between 31,000 IDR and 58,000 IDR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 41,000 IDR.

Pack of beef price

38,000 IDR

57,000 IDR

110,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.4

$3.6

$7.3

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 57,000 IDR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

14,000 IDR

19,000 IDR

27,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.88

$1.2

$1.7

A bag of rice in Jakarta costs around 19,000 IDR on average with prices rangeing between 14,000 IDR and 27,000 IDR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

5,300 IDR

7,100 IDR

13,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.34

$0.45

$0.84

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 5,300 IDR to 13,000 IDR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

9,600 IDR

13,000 IDR

21,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.61

$0.80

$1.3

A bag of apples costs 13,000 IDR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students