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Cost of Living: Indonesia vs Australia

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

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Indonesia is 75.0% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 92.1% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $25 in Indonesia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 92.1%

Indonesia is 92.1% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 91.3%

Indonesia is 91.3% cheaper

Property Prices 83.4%

Indonesia is 83.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 75.0%

Indonesia is 75.0% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +6.0%

Is Indonesia cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Indonesia is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Indonesia are 75.0% lower than in Australia.

Where Indonesia is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 92.1% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 91.3% cheaper
  • Property Prices 83.4% cheaper

Where Indonesia is more expensive:

  • Transportation 6.0% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Indonesia: 1.84 $ Australia: 16.22 $
88.7% cheaper in Indonesia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Indonesia: 302.33 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
78.1% cheaper in Indonesia

Monthly public transport pass

Indonesia: 9.59 $ Australia: 97.35 $
90.1% cheaper in Indonesia

1 liter of milk

Indonesia: 1.28 $ Australia: 1.53 $
16.3% cheaper in Indonesia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Indonesia is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 75.0% 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

75.0%

Indonesia is 75.0% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

61.7%

Indonesia is 61.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Markets

70.5%

Indonesia is 70.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

92.1%

Indonesia is 92.1% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

6.0%

Indonesia is 6.0% more expensive than Australia in this category

Household Utilities

59.7%

Indonesia is 59.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

64.4%

Indonesia is 64.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

56.6%

Indonesia is 56.6% cheaper than Australia in this category

Childcare

56.1%

Indonesia is 56.1% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

38.4%

Indonesia is 38.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

73.4%

Indonesia is 73.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Property Prices

83.4%

Indonesia is 83.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

91.3%

Indonesia is 91.3% cheaper than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Indonesia Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 1.84 $ 16.22 $ 88.7%
Indonesia is 88.7% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 15.37 $ 77.88 $ 80.3%
Indonesia is 80.3% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 3.35 $ 9.73 $ 65.6%
Indonesia is 65.6% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.79 $ 3.48 $ 48.6%
Indonesia is 48.6% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.56 $ 2.62 $ 78.6%
Indonesia is 78.6% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.28 $ 2.16 $ 87.0%
Indonesia is 87.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.45 $ 1.51 $ 70.2%
Indonesia is 70.2% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 6.65 $ 5.69 $ 16.9%
Indonesia is 16.9% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.23 $ 1.29 $ 150.4%
Indonesia is 150.4% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 12.18 $ 7.97 $ 52.8%
Indonesia is 52.8% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 4.02 $ 1.43 $ 181.1%
Indonesia is 181.1% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.28 $ 1.53 $ 16.3%
Indonesia is 16.3% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.21 $ 2.45 $ 50.6%
Indonesia is 50.6% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.91 $ 2.05 $ 55.6%
Indonesia is 55.6% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.60 $ 4.31 $ 62.9%
Indonesia is 62.9% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 7.82 $ 8.89 $ 12.0%
Indonesia is 12.0% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 3.29 $ 8.44 $ 61.0%
Indonesia is 61.0% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 9.45 $ 13.88 $ 31.9%
Indonesia is 31.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.66 $ 3.19 $ 16.6%
Indonesia is 16.6% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.45 $ 2.75 $ 47.3%
Indonesia is 47.3% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.87 $ 2.93 $ 36.2%
Indonesia is 36.2% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.29 $ 4.30 $ 70.0%
Indonesia is 70.0% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.38 $ 2.47 $ 44.1%
Indonesia is 44.1% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.14 $ 2.14 $ 0.0%
Indonesia is 0.0% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 0.90 $ 2.22 $ 59.5%
Indonesia is 59.5% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 9.59 $ 97.35 $ 90.1%
Indonesia is 90.1% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 2.46 $ 31.15 $ 92.1%
Indonesia is 92.1% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.31 $ 2.92 $ 89.4%
Indonesia is 89.4% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.61 $ 3.89 $ 84.3%
Indonesia is 84.3% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.37 $ 1.88 $ 80.3%
Indonesia is 80.3% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 3.07 $ 37.90 $ 91.9%
Indonesia is 91.9% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.80 $ 1.18 $ 32.2%
Indonesia is 32.2% cheaper
New Economy Car 24,595.10 $ 28,829.12 $ 14.7%
Indonesia is 14.7% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 30,040.35 $ 22,658.59 $ 32.6%
Indonesia is 32.6% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 70.82 $ 175.90 $ 59.7%
Indonesia is 59.7% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 4.58 $ 26.66 $ 82.8%
Indonesia is 82.8% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 23.77 $ 52.98 $ 55.1%
Indonesia is 55.1% cheaper
Gym Membership 23.18 $ 47.43 $ 51.1%
Indonesia is 51.1% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 7.72 $ 16.59 $ 53.5%
Indonesia is 53.5% cheaper
Movie Ticket 3.07 $ 14.28 $ 78.5%
Indonesia is 78.5% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 103.45 $ 1,570.69 $ 93.4%
Indonesia is 93.4% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,005.30 $ 12,354.33 $ 51.4%
Indonesia is 51.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 42.41 $ 71.57 $ 40.7%
Indonesia is 40.7% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 28.28 $ 50.87 $ 44.4%
Indonesia is 44.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 68.95 $ 102.13 $ 32.5%
Indonesia is 32.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 66.43 $ 109.73 $ 39.5%
Indonesia is 39.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 302.33 $ 1,381.57 $ 78.1%
Indonesia is 78.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 180.80 $ 1,095.96 $ 83.5%
Indonesia is 83.5% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 802.10 $ 2,332.99 $ 65.6%
Indonesia is 65.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 453.50 $ 1,729.44 $ 73.8%
Indonesia is 73.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,239.15 $ 6,794.53 $ 81.8%
Indonesia is 81.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 736.23 $ 5,084.33 $ 85.5%
Indonesia is 85.5% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 306.60 $ 3,619.71 $ 91.5%
Indonesia is 91.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 9.34 6.35 47.1%
Indonesia is 47.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Indonesia

Australia

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

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