Are you currently living in Europe, but dreaming about living in Indonesia for a while? Collecting money is part of the first steps in making your dreams a reality. It would be useful to create a budget for yourself. In this way, you can make a good estimation of what you need in terms of financing. Though, when do you know if you have sufficient money to survive in Indonesia? In order to help you in creating a feasible budget plan, we will present you with more insights on the cost of living in Yogyakarta, Indonesia by means of this blog.

Along with many other Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia has a lower cost of living compared to European countries. In Indonesia you will pay with the Indonesian Rupiah, if you are used to prices in Europe, you’d probably be surprised with the relatively low costs. However, these costs tend to vary throughout the country, large cities or famous places like Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya have higher costs of living compared to places such as Yogyakarta and Flores. In the end, the monthly cost of living also really depends on your lifestyle and type of accommodation. To give you an idea of how much you will spend during your time in Indonesia, we broke down the cost of living based on our experience of living in Yogyakarta:

Housing

Housing will be one of the largest expenses you have when living in Indonesia. Nevertheless, compared to for example the Netherlands it is still very affordable. The housing prices vary a lot depending on the type of property and its location. When you decide to come to Yogyakarta. There are several possibilities, such as homestays, luxurious villas, rental houses, or homestay for an Indonesian family. Homestays are houses that you share with several people. It is cozy, the rooms are basic and clean, but meet the western standards the price range for a room in a homestay will be around: 100 -200 euros per month. Another option would be a room in a luxurious villa with a swimming pool. Most of the time, you will share this accommodation with other (western) people, but in most cases you will have your own bathroom, the price range will be around: 200 – 350 euros per month. Are you planning on living in Indonesia for a year then it would be an idea to have a look into rental houses, an unfurnished house with 3 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bedroom will be around 1800 – 2200 euros a year. Lastly, if you would like to integrate yourself more in the culture and get to know the language faster is it a nice option to stay in a Homestay of an Indonesian family, price range: 100 – 150 euros per month.

Homestay: 100 – 200 euros per month
Luxurious villa: 200 – 350 euros per month
Rental house: 1800 – 2200 euros per month
Homestay at Indonesian family: 100 – 150 euros per month

Transportation

When you arrive in Jakarta you could choose to take a train to Yogyakarta, this journey will take around 7 hours, the seats are very comfortable, the view is amazing and that for only €10. In Yogyakarta city itself public transport is available, however most people who live here for a while choose to rent a motorbike. A month’s bike rent costs approximately €35, excluding the gasoline which is around €2 per tank. You don’t like driving your own motorbike? Taxis are approximately €1,50 per 5KM, though we would highly recommend motorbike taxis over car taxis as it is simply faster. Motorbike rides are offered by gojek or grab these rides costs approximately €0,70 per 5KM.

Train Jakarta to Yogyakarta: €10
Monthly motorbike rent: €35
Full motorbike tank: €2
Taxi (5 kilometer): €1,50
Motorbike taxi (5 kilometer): €0,70

Food and beverage

As mentioned before, prices can vary throughout Indonesia. In Yogyakarta you can enjoy a filling meal at a small Warung, for just €1,50 to €3. In larger restaurants the Indonesian food will cost you around €3 to €5. Although Indonesian food is amazing, every now and then enjoying some Western food is not bad either. When you choose to go for a western restaurant prices will be more expensive – around €3 to €10. In Yogyakarta there are many nice bars where you can consume delicious cold beers along with some live music. When ordering a 620ml Bintang beer the price will be around €3.

Small warung: €1,50 to €3
Large warung: €3 to €5
Western restaurant: €3 to €10
Beer 620ml: €3

Activities

Lastly, the many natural attractions Yogyakarta offers, such as beaches, waterfalls and beautiful viewpoints are mostly free of cost. However, entrance fees for the famous temples Borobudur and Prambanan will cost you around €25. In the city itself you have many nice swimming pools, entrance fees can vary between €2 to €6. Feeling you deserve some relaxation? You should get a massage! It would cost you around €8. Gym memberships vary from €15 to €35 per month depending on the location and facilities. Seeking to explore island life? A weekend trip from Yogyakarta to Karimunjawa will cost you around €100.

Borobudur/Prambanan temple: €25
Swimming Pool entrance: €2 – €6
Massage: €8
Gym Membership: €15 to €35 per month
Trip to Karimunjawa: €100

We hope to have given you some more insights on the cost of living in Indonesia. At intern Indonesia we offer internship, minor, research and volunteer work opportunities in Yogyakarta, Sumatra, Bali and more places. Interested in living in Indonesia for a while? Have a look into our website or send an email for more information.

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