Cost Of Living For a Student in Malang 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Malang

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

Students in Malang spend around 11M IDR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1.6M IDR or as high as 70M IDR. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Malang?

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

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Malang 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 2.5M IDR with expenditure ranging from 380,000 IDR to 17M 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 Malang ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 420,000 IDR with 64,000 IDR and 2.8M 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 110,000 IDR to 4.9M IDR in a month on commuting with 740,000 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 Malang is 2.1M IDR. The cost of groceries can range between 320,000 IDR to 14M 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 Malang 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 96,000 IDR to 4.2M IDR with 630,000 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 80,000 IDR to 3.5M IDR with 530,000 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 2M IDR per month with 300,000 IDR being the minimum spent amount and 13M IDR being the maximum.

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 Malang

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Malang?

Around 52% of surveyed students think that living in Malang is affordable with proper budgeting while 48% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Malang

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 options54%

Few low-cost options46%

Based on the survey, 54% of the students living in Malang have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 46% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

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 of Malang whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes52%

No48%

Based on the survey, 48% of the students living in Malang said that they don't have an emergency fund while 52% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Indonesia

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 Malang 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 Indonesia 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 Malang

Rent Cost in Malang

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1.8M IDR

2.6M IDR

7M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$110

$170

$450

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2.6M IDR

4.2M IDR

11M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$170

$270

$670

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3.5M IDR

5.3M IDR

14M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$220

$330

$890

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

4.2M IDR

7M IDR

19M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$270

$450

$1,200

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

8.4M IDR

21M IDR

42M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$530

$1,300

$2,700

Townhouse monthly rent cost

7M IDR

11M IDR

30M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$450

$670

$1,900

House monthly rent cost

8.4M IDR

21M IDR

42M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$530

$1,300

$2,700

Villa monthly rent cost

11M IDR

26M IDR

42M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$670

$1,700

$2,700

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Malang ranges between 1.8M IDR and 7M IDR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 2.6M IDR to 11M IDR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 3.5M IDR and 14M IDR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 4.2M IDR to 19M IDR. The average rent of a townhouse in Malang is around 11M IDR while house rental costs can be as high as 21M IDR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 11M IDR to 42M IDR per month.

Apartment and house prices in Malang

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

350M IDR

530M IDR

1,100M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$22,000

$33,000

$67,000

1-bedroom apartment price

420M IDR

700M IDR

2,600M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$27,000

$45,000

$170,000

2-bedroom apartment price

700M IDR

2,100M IDR

4,200M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$45,000

$130,000

$270,000

3-bedroom apartment price

2,300M IDR

3,500M IDR

11,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$150,000

$220,000

$670,000

Townhouse price

3,000M IDR

7,000M IDR

26,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$190,000

$450,000

$1.7M

House price

3,500M IDR

21,000M IDR

30,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$220,000

$1.3M

$1.9M

Villa price

4,200M IDR

23,000M IDR

35,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$270,000

$1.5M

$2.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in Malang can range from 350M IDR to 1,100M IDR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 420M IDR to 2,600M IDR. A villa can cost you 23,000M IDR on average with prices ranging from 4,200M IDR to 35,000M IDR.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Malang can be x96 to x189 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x96 multiples of the average monthly salary in Malang.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Malang is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 19% to 37% 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.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Malang

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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

64,000 IDR

420,000 IDR

2.8M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.1

$27

$180

Internet and cable cost

110,000 IDR

220,000 IDR

300,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$7.1

$14

$19

Mobile phone bill and charges

90,000 IDR

150,000 IDR

450,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.7

$9.5

$28

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 420,000 IDR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 110,000 IDR to 300,000 IDR with 220,000 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 Malang is around 5.6%. This means that people pay 5.6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.8% to 9.4% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Malang

Prices and cost of goods and services in Malang

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

Fast food combo meal price

22,000 IDR

45,000 IDR

75,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.4

$2.8

$4.7

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Malang is approximatly 45,000 IDR with meal cost ranging from 22,000 IDR to 75,000 IDR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

72,000 IDR

110,000 IDR

220,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.6

$6.9

$14

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 72,000 IDR and 220,000 IDR with 110,000 IDR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Malang.

Fine dining meal for one price

140,000 IDR

220,000 IDR

870,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$9.2

$14

$55

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 140,000 IDR to 870,000 IDR with the average cost being 220,000 IDR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Malang.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

19,000 IDR

30,000 IDR

45,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.2

$1.9

$2.8

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Malang is around 30,000 IDR. Price ranges between 19,000 IDR and 45,000 IDR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

15,000 IDR

18,000 IDR

22,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.95

$1.1

$1.4

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Malang is 18,000 IDR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 22,000 IDR and the minimum being 15,000 IDR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

11,000 IDR

15,000 IDR

22,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.71

$0.95

$1.4

A dozen eggs costs around 15,000 IDR on average with 11,000 IDR and 22,000 IDR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

25,000 IDR

33,000 IDR

47,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.6

$2.1

$3

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Malang is between 25,000 IDR and 47,000 IDR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 33,000 IDR.

Pack of beef price

30,000 IDR

45,000 IDR

90,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.9

$2.8

$5.7

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 45,000 IDR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

12,000 IDR

16,000 IDR

23,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.76

$1

$1.5

A bag of rice in Malang costs around 16,000 IDR on average with prices rangeing between 12,000 IDR and 23,000 IDR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

4,500 IDR

6,000 IDR

11,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.28

$0.38

$0.71

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 4,500 IDR to 11,000 IDR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

8,000 IDR

10,000 IDR

17,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.51

$0.66

$1.1

A bag of apples costs 10,000 IDR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Malang is around 24%. This means that students spend 24% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 30% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students