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Cost of Living: India vs Indonesia

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

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in India is 31.3% cheaper than Indonesia. The biggest difference is in Salaries And Financing, where costs are 77.2% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Indonesia, you would spend about $69 in India for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Childcare 68.8%

India is 68.8% cheaper

Mobile and Internet 57.7%

India is 57.7% cheaper

Rent Per Month 42.2%

India is 42.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 31.3%

India is 31.3% cheaper than Indonesia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Salaries And Financing +77.2%
  • Other Expenses +67.1%
  • Property Prices +26.2%

Is India cheaper than Indonesia?

Yes, India is cheaper than Indonesia

Overall, living costs in India are 31.3% lower than in Indonesia.

Where India is cheaper:

  • Childcare 68.8% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 57.7% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 42.2% cheaper

Where India is more expensive:

  • Salaries And Financing 77.2% more expensive
  • Other Expenses 67.1% more expensive
  • Property Prices 26.2% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

India: 2.94 $ Indonesia: 1.84 $
59.8% more expensive in India

1-bedroom apartment in city center

India: 186.57 $ Indonesia: 302.33 $
38.3% cheaper in India

1 liter of milk

India: 0.71 $ Indonesia: 1.28 $
44.5% cheaper in India

1 liter of gasoline

India: 1.21 $ Indonesia: 0.80 $
51.2% more expensive in India

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, India is indeed cheaper than Indonesia. You would save approximately 31.3% on living expenses by choosing India over Indonesia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

31.3%

India is 31.3% cheaper than Indonesia

Restaurants

6.3%

India is 6.3% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Markets

24.3%

India is 24.3% cheaper than Indonesia in this category

Other Expenses

67.1%

India is 67.1% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Transportation

32.4%

India is 32.4% cheaper than Indonesia in this category

Household Utilities

41.9%

India is 41.9% cheaper than Indonesia in this category

Mobile and Internet

57.7%

India is 57.7% cheaper than Indonesia in this category

Sports And Leisure

18.9%

India is 18.9% cheaper than Indonesia in this category

Childcare

68.8%

India is 68.8% cheaper than Indonesia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

35.4%

India is 35.4% cheaper than Indonesia in this category

Rent Per Month

42.2%

India is 42.2% cheaper than Indonesia in this category

Property Prices

26.2%

India is 26.2% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Salaries And Financing

77.2%

India is 77.2% more expensive than Indonesia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item India Indonesia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 2.94 $ 1.84 $ 59.8%
India is 59.8% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 14.10 $ 15.37 $ 8.3%
India is 8.3% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 4.11 $ 3.35 $ 22.7%
India is 22.7% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 1.89 $ 1.79 $ 5.6%
India is 5.6% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.43 $ 0.56 $ 23.2%
India is 23.2% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.17 $ 0.28 $ 39.3%
India is 39.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.34 $ 0.45 $ 24.4%
India is 24.4% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 6.83 $ 6.65 $ 2.7%
India is 2.7% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 5.03 $ 3.23 $ 55.7%
India is 55.7% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 13.66 $ 12.18 $ 12.2%
India is 12.2% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 3.35 $ 4.02 $ 16.7%
India is 16.7% cheaper
Milk (1L) 0.71 $ 1.28 $ 44.5%
India is 44.5% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 0.51 $ 1.21 $ 57.9%
India is 57.9% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.72 $ 0.91 $ 20.9%
India is 20.9% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 0.98 $ 1.60 $ 38.8%
India is 38.8% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 5.38 $ 7.82 $ 31.2%
India is 31.2% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 3.17 $ 3.29 $ 3.6%
India is 3.6% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 7.89 $ 9.45 $ 16.5%
India is 16.5% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.17 $ 2.66 $ 18.4%
India is 18.4% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 0.74 $ 1.45 $ 49.0%
India is 49.0% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.09 $ 1.87 $ 41.7%
India is 41.7% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 0.56 $ 1.29 $ 56.6%
India is 56.6% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 0.42 $ 1.38 $ 69.6%
India is 69.6% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 0.48 $ 2.14 $ 77.6%
India is 77.6% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.54 $ 0.90 $ 40.0%
India is 40.0% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 10.10 $ 9.59 $ 5.3%
India is 5.3% more expensive
Cigarettes (20 pack) 4.11 $ 2.46 $ 67.1%
India is 67.1% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.35 $ 0.31 $ 12.9%
India is 12.9% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 0.94 $ 0.61 $ 54.1%
India is 54.1% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 0.29 $ 0.37 $ 21.6%
India is 21.6% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 1.76 $ 3.07 $ 42.7%
India is 42.7% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.21 $ 0.80 $ 51.2%
India is 51.2% more expensive
New Economy Car 14,097.83 $ 24,595.10 $ 42.7%
India is 42.7% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 22,853.17 $ 30,040.35 $ 23.9%
India is 23.9% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 41.16 $ 70.82 $ 41.9%
India is 41.9% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 3.88 $ 4.58 $ 15.3%
India is 15.3% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 8.10 $ 23.77 $ 65.9%
India is 65.9% cheaper
Gym Membership 16.39 $ 23.18 $ 29.3%
India is 29.3% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 7.63 $ 7.72 $ 1.2%
India is 1.2% cheaper
Movie Ticket 3.52 $ 3.07 $ 14.7%
India is 14.7% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 70.01 $ 103.45 $ 32.3%
India is 32.3% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 1,837.12 $ 6,005.30 $ 69.4%
India is 69.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 26.01 $ 42.41 $ 38.7%
India is 38.7% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 27.00 $ 28.28 $ 4.5%
India is 4.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 46.38 $ 68.95 $ 32.7%
India is 32.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 33.79 $ 66.43 $ 49.1%
India is 49.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 186.57 $ 302.33 $ 38.3%
India is 38.3% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 117.36 $ 180.80 $ 35.1%
India is 35.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 433.32 $ 802.10 $ 46.0%
India is 46.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 267.86 $ 453.50 $ 40.9%
India is 40.9% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,618.49 $ 1,239.15 $ 30.6%
India is 30.6% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 875.39 $ 736.23 $ 18.9%
India is 18.9% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 550.89 $ 306.60 $ 79.7%
India is 79.7% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 9.01 9.34 3.5%
India is 3.5% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Indonesia. Enter your monthly expenses in India 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 India 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 India vs Indonesia

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

Cultural Cost Differences

India

  • Higher fuel costs indicate different transportation preferences.

Indonesia

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.

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 India Cost of living in Indonesia

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