Cost of Living: Australia vs Indonesia

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Australia and Indonesia.

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Australia is 346.3% more expensive than Indonesia. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 1,166.3% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Indonesia, you would spend about $446 in Australia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 1,166.3%

Australia is 1,166.3% more expensive

Salaries And Financing 1,047.7%

Australia is 1,047.7% more expensive

Property Prices 501.3%

Australia is 501.3% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 346.3%

Australia is 346.3% more expensive than Indonesia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +1,166.3%
  • Salaries And Financing +1,047.7%
  • Property Prices +501.3%

Is Australia cheaper than Indonesia?

No, Indonesia is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Indonesia are 346.3% lower than in Australia.

Where Indonesia is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 1,166.3% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 1,047.7% cheaper
  • Property Prices 501.3% cheaper

Where Indonesia is more expensive:

  • Transportation 5.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Australia: 16.22 $ Indonesia: 1.84 $
781.5% more expensive in Australia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Australia: 1,381.57 $ Indonesia: 302.33 $
357.0% more expensive in Australia

Monthly public transport pass

Australia: 97.35 $ Indonesia: 9.59 $
915.1% more expensive in Australia

1 liter of milk

Australia: 1.53 $ Indonesia: 1.28 $
19.5% more expensive in Australia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Indonesia is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would spend approximately 346.3% on living expenses by choosing Indonesia over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

346.3%

Australia is 346.3% more expensive than Indonesia

Restaurants

161.4%

Australia is 161.4% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Markets

239.2%

Australia is 239.2% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Other Expenses

1,166.3%

Australia is 1,166.3% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Transportation

5.7%

Australia is 5.7% cheaper than Indonesia in this category

Household Utilities

148.4%

Australia is 148.4% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Mobile and Internet

180.9%

Australia is 180.9% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Sports And Leisure

130.5%

Australia is 130.5% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Childcare

128.0%

Australia is 128.0% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

62.2%

Australia is 62.2% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Rent Per Month

276.1%

Australia is 276.1% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Property Prices

501.3%

Australia is 501.3% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Salaries And Financing

1,047.7%

Australia is 1,047.7% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Australia Indonesia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 16.22 $ 1.84 $ 781.5%
Australia is 781.5% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 77.88 $ 15.37 $ 406.7%
Australia is 406.7% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 9.73 $ 3.35 $ 190.4%
Australia is 190.4% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 3.48 $ 1.79 $ 94.4%
Australia is 94.4% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 2.62 $ 0.56 $ 367.9%
Australia is 367.9% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.16 $ 0.28 $ 671.4%
Australia is 671.4% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.51 $ 0.45 $ 235.6%
Australia is 235.6% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 5.69 $ 6.65 $ 14.4%
Australia is 14.4% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 1.29 $ 3.23 $ 60.1%
Australia is 60.1% cheaper
Mid-Range Wine 7.97 $ 12.18 $ 34.6%
Australia is 34.6% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.43 $ 4.02 $ 64.4%
Australia is 64.4% cheaper
Milk (1L) 1.53 $ 1.28 $ 19.5%
Australia is 19.5% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.45 $ 1.21 $ 102.5%
Australia is 102.5% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.05 $ 0.91 $ 125.3%
Australia is 125.3% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.31 $ 1.60 $ 169.4%
Australia is 169.4% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.89 $ 7.82 $ 13.7%
Australia is 13.7% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 8.44 $ 3.29 $ 156.5%
Australia is 156.5% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 13.88 $ 9.45 $ 46.9%
Australia is 46.9% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.19 $ 2.66 $ 19.9%
Australia is 19.9% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 2.75 $ 1.45 $ 89.7%
Australia is 89.7% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 2.93 $ 1.87 $ 56.7%
Australia is 56.7% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.30 $ 1.29 $ 233.3%
Australia is 233.3% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.47 $ 1.38 $ 79.0%
Australia is 79.0% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.14 $ 2.14 $ 0.0%
Australia is 0.0% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.22 $ 0.90 $ 146.7%
Australia is 146.7% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 97.35 $ 9.59 $ 915.1%
Australia is 915.1% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 31.15 $ 2.46 $ 1,166.3%
Australia is 1,166.3% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.92 $ 0.31 $ 841.9%
Australia is 841.9% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 3.89 $ 0.61 $ 537.7%
Australia is 537.7% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 1.88 $ 0.37 $ 408.1%
Australia is 408.1% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 37.90 $ 3.07 $ 1,134.5%
Australia is 1,134.5% more expensive
Gasoline (1L) 1.18 $ 0.80 $ 47.5%
Australia is 47.5% more expensive
New Economy Car 28,829.12 $ 24,595.10 $ 17.2%
Australia is 17.2% more expensive
New Mid-Range Car 22,658.59 $ 30,040.35 $ 24.6%
Australia is 24.6% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 175.90 $ 70.82 $ 148.4%
Australia is 148.4% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 26.66 $ 4.58 $ 482.1%
Australia is 482.1% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 52.98 $ 23.77 $ 122.9%
Australia is 122.9% more expensive
Gym Membership 47.43 $ 23.18 $ 104.6%
Australia is 104.6% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 16.59 $ 7.72 $ 114.9%
Australia is 114.9% more expensive
Movie Ticket 14.28 $ 3.07 $ 365.1%
Australia is 365.1% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 1,570.69 $ 103.45 $ 1,418.3%
Australia is 1,418.3% more expensive
International School (Yearly) 12,354.33 $ 6,005.30 $ 105.7%
Australia is 105.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 71.57 $ 42.41 $ 68.8%
Australia is 68.8% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 50.87 $ 28.28 $ 79.9%
Australia is 79.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 102.13 $ 68.95 $ 48.1%
Australia is 48.1% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 109.73 $ 66.43 $ 65.2%
Australia is 65.2% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,381.57 $ 302.33 $ 357.0%
Australia is 357.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,095.96 $ 180.80 $ 506.2%
Australia is 506.2% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 2,332.99 $ 802.10 $ 190.9%
Australia is 190.9% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,729.44 $ 453.50 $ 281.4%
Australia is 281.4% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 6,794.53 $ 1,239.15 $ 448.3%
Australia is 448.3% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 5,084.33 $ 736.23 $ 590.6%
Australia is 590.6% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 3,619.71 $ 306.60 $ 1,080.6%
Australia is 1,080.6% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 6.35 9.34 32.0%
Australia is 32.0% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Indonesia. Enter your monthly expenses in Australia to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Australia and Indonesia goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Australia vs Indonesia

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Australia

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.
  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Indonesia

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Australia Cost of living in Indonesia

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