Jakarta skyline - Indonesia
Indonesia

Living in Jakarta

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

NomadIQ

8.0/10

Monthly

$895

Safety

4.7/10

Country

Indonesia

Monthly Cost

$895

Internet

120 Mbps

Safety

4.7/10

Rent (1BR)

$375

Living in Jakarta — Quick Take

Best for: Remote workers seeking value

Cost level: Low ($895/mo)

Main downside: Street smarts needed

Quick Facts

Cost of Living

$895/mo

Low
Safety

4.7/10

Variable
Connectivity

120 Mbps

Fast
Housing

$375

Cheap
Avg Salary

$478/mo

City Size

10.7M

Major City
Updated for 2026Based on real cost data

Monthly Living Cost Breakdown

Rent (1 Bedroom)
$375
Rent (Family)
$1,247
Groceries
$300
Transport
$70
Healthcare
$130
Internet
$20
Estimated Total (Single)$895/mo

Who Is Jakarta For?

Online workersGood fit

Infrastructure and costs align well with remote work lifestyles.

Budget-ConsciousStrong fit

Budget-wise, $895/month is competitive globally.

RetireesCould work

Retirement here is feasible given the safety and expense levels.

Want more amenities? Krakow offers a higher standard.

Best Neighborhoods in Jakarta

4 neighborhoods rated for expats and digital nomads — Kemang tops the list at /10

Kemang is one of Jakarta’s most popular expat neighborhoods, known for its international community, cafes, restaurants, coworking spaces, and vibrant social scene, making it ideal for young professionals and digital nomads.

Neighborhood ratings based on expat livability, cost, and lifestyle fit. Data reflects current conditions in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Pros and Cons of Living in Jakarta

Pros

  • Very affordable cost of living - ideal for budget-conscious expats
  • Fast internet (120 Mbps) - great for remote work
  • High NomadIQ score (8/10) - excellent for digital nomads
  • Very affordable rent for 1-bedroom apartments

Cons

  • Safety concerns exist - research specific neighborhoods

Job & Income Overview

Avg Local Salary

$478/mo

Salary-to-Rent Ratio

1.3x

The salary-to-rent picture isn't great—many expats rely on foreign income sources.

On a local salary alone, making ends meet is tight. Remote work or savings bridge the gap.

Cost Insight

The price point in Jakarta leaves room to breathe. This is budget-friendly territory.

That's 327% cheaper than Krakow at $3,823/month.

Common Questions About Jakarta

How much does it cost to live in Jakarta?

About $895/month for one person. Actual costs vary based on habits and neighborhood.

Is Jakarta safe for expats?

Jakarta is variable by neighborhood with a 4.7/10 safety score. Standard precautions apply.

Is Jakarta good for remote workers?

With 120 Mbps average speeds, Jakarta is excellent for remote work. Coworking options exist.

How much is rent in Jakarta?

A 1-bedroom averages $375/month. Prices vary by neighborhood and proximity to center.

Calculate Your Cost in Jakarta

Get personalized estimates based on your lifestyle

Explore More About Jakarta

NomadIQ Score

8.0

out of 10

Excellent

Quick Stats

Safety Score

4.7/10

Internet Speed

120 Mbps

Monthly Cost

$895

Explore Similar Cities

Also in Indonesia

Final Thoughts

Jakarta is highly recommended for digital nomads and expats looking to relocate abroad. With a monthly cost of living around $895, a safety score of 4.7/10, and internet speeds of 120 Mbps, the city offers a balanced package for international residents. Whether you're drawn by the culture, the cost savings, or the lifestyle opportunities, Jakarta deserves a spot on your shortlist. We recommend visiting for a few weeks before making a long-term commitment to ensure it aligns with your personal and professional needs.

Data sources include public cost-of-living datasets, user-reported data, and internal analysis. Last updated: September 2026.