Cost Of Living For a Student in Surabaya 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Surabaya

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

Students in Surabaya spend around 12M IDR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1.8M IDR or as high as 78M IDR. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Surabaya?

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

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Surabaya 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 2.8M IDR with expenditure ranging from 420,000 IDR to 19M 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 Surabaya ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 470,000 IDR with 71,000 IDR and 3.1M 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 120,000 IDR to 5.5M IDR in a month on commuting with 820,000 IDR being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 3% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 9%.

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 Surabaya is 2.3M IDR. The cost of groceries can range between 350,000 IDR to 16M IDR. Students spend on average about 24% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 28% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Surabaya allocate 7% to 13% 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 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 110,000 IDR to 4.7M IDR with 700,000 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 88,000 IDR to 3.9M IDR with 590,000 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 2.2M IDR per month with 340,000 IDR being the minimum spent amount and 15M 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 Surabaya

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Surabaya?

Around 58% of surveyed students think that living in Surabaya is affordable with proper budgeting while 42% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Surabaya

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 options60%

Few low-cost options40%

Based on the survey, 60% of the students living in Surabaya have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 40% 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 Surabaya whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes58%

No42%

Based on the survey, 42% of the students living in Surabaya said that they don't have an emergency fund while 58% 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 Surabaya 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 Surabaya

Rent Cost in Surabaya

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

1.9M IDR

2.9M IDR

7.8M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$120

$180

$490

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

2.9M IDR

4.7M IDR

12M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$180

$300

$740

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

3.9M IDR

5.8M IDR

16M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$250

$370

$990

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

4.7M IDR

7.8M IDR

21M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$300

$490

$1,300

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

9.3M IDR

23M IDR

47M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$590

$1,500

$3,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

7.8M IDR

12M IDR

33M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$490

$740

$2,100

House monthly rent cost

9.3M IDR

23M IDR

47M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$590

$1,500

$3,000

Villa monthly rent cost

12M IDR

29M IDR

47M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$740

$1,800

$3,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Surabaya ranges between 1.9M IDR and 7.8M IDR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 2.9M IDR to 12M IDR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 3.9M IDR and 16M IDR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 4.7M IDR to 21M IDR. The average rent of a townhouse in Surabaya is around 12M IDR while house rental costs can be as high as 23M IDR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 12M IDR to 47M IDR per month.

Apartment and house prices in Surabaya

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

390M IDR

580M IDR

1,200M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$25,000

$37,000

$74,000

1-bedroom apartment price

470M IDR

780M IDR

2,900M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$30,000

$49,000

$180,000

2-bedroom apartment price

780M IDR

2,300M IDR

4,700M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$49,000

$150,000

$300,000

3-bedroom apartment price

2,600M IDR

3,900M IDR

12,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$160,000

$250,000

$740,000

Townhouse price

3,300M IDR

7,800M IDR

29,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$210,000

$490,000

$1.8M

House price

3,900M IDR

23,000M IDR

33,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$250,000

$1.5M

$2.1M

Villa price

4,700M IDR

26,000M IDR

39,000M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$300,000

$1.6M

$2.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Surabaya can range from 390M IDR to 1,200M IDR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 470M IDR to 2,900M IDR. A villa can cost you 26,000M IDR on average with prices ranging from 4,700M IDR to 39,000M IDR.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Surabaya can be x107 to x209 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x107 multiples of the average monthly salary in Surabaya.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Surabaya is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 41% 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 Surabaya

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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

71,000 IDR

470,000 IDR

3.1M IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.5

$30

$200

Internet and cable cost

110,000 IDR

210,000 IDR

290,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$6.8

$14

$18

Mobile phone bill and charges

86,000 IDR

140,000 IDR

430,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.5

$9.1

$27

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 470,000 IDR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 110,000 IDR to 290,000 IDR with 210,000 IDR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 140,000 IDR but can range between 86,000 IDR and 430,000 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 Surabaya is around 6.2%. This means that people pay 6.2% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.1% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Surabaya

Prices and cost of goods and services in Surabaya

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

Fast food combo meal price

21,000 IDR

43,000 IDR

72,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.4

$2.7

$4.5

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Surabaya is approximatly 43,000 IDR with meal cost ranging from 21,000 IDR to 72,000 IDR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

75,000 IDR

110,000 IDR

220,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.7

$7.1

$14

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 75,000 IDR and 220,000 IDR with 110,000 IDR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Surabaya.

Fine dining meal for one price

150,000 IDR

220,000 IDR

900,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$9.5

$14

$57

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 150,000 IDR to 900,000 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 Surabaya.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

18,000 IDR

29,000 IDR

43,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.1

$1.8

$2.7

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Surabaya is around 29,000 IDR. Price ranges between 18,000 IDR and 43,000 IDR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

14,000 IDR

17,000 IDR

21,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.91

$1.1

$1.4

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Surabaya is 17,000 IDR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 21,000 IDR and the minimum being 14,000 IDR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

11,000 IDR

14,000 IDR

21,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.68

$0.91

$1.4

A dozen eggs costs around 14,000 IDR on average with 11,000 IDR and 21,000 IDR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

24,000 IDR

32,000 IDR

45,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.6

$2

$2.8

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Surabaya is between 24,000 IDR and 45,000 IDR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 32,000 IDR.

Pack of beef price

29,000 IDR

43,000 IDR

86,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.8

$2.7

$5.5

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 43,000 IDR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

12,000 IDR

16,000 IDR

22,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.73

$1

$1.4

A bag of rice in Surabaya costs around 16,000 IDR on average with prices rangeing between 12,000 IDR and 22,000 IDR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

4,300 IDR

5,700 IDR

11,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.27

$0.36

$0.68

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 4,300 IDR to 11,000 IDR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

7,700 IDR

10,000 IDR

17,000 IDR

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.49

$0.64

$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 Surabaya is around 27%. This means that students spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students