Cost of Living for Indonesian Expatriates in Jakarta: Budgeting Tips & Insights

What is the cost of living for working expatriates in Indonesia (Jakarta)?

[One R] Accommodation
Typically, companies provide accommodation for expatriates, which means this expense is usually covered.

[Two R] Transportation
The accommodation provided by the company is often conveniently located near the office, eliminating daily commuting costs. For personal outings, popular and reliable ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek offer transparent and safe transportation options.

[Three R] Food
Food is one of the most significant expenses when living in Jakarta. However, some companies provide a housekeeper who can handle cooking and cleaning, which can help manage these costs. Dining out can be pricey; for instance, an average meal at a restaurant in areas like Central Park can easily exceed 30 RMB per person.

[Four R] Shopping
Daily essentials are relatively affordable. Beyond the basics, shopping expenses can vary widely depending on individual preferences and lifestyle, making it difficult to generalize.

In summary, if you plan to work in Jakarta, you’ll likely find yourself in vibrant commercial districts where the cost of living is quite high, comparable to that of first-tier cities in China. In many cases, certain items and services may even be more expensive than in China [Face-holding R].