Cost of Living: Indonesia vs Singapore

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

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Indonesia is 89.0% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 94.8% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $11 in Indonesia for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 94.8%

Indonesia is 94.8% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 92.4%

Indonesia is 92.4% cheaper

Rent Per Month 88.7%

Indonesia is 88.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 89.0%

Indonesia is 89.0% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

Is Indonesia cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Indonesia is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Indonesia are 89.0% lower than in Singapore.

Where Indonesia is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 94.8% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 92.4% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 88.7% cheaper

Where Indonesia is more expensive:

No significant cost disadvantages found.

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Indonesia: 1.84 $ Singapore: 10.90 $
83.1% cheaper in Indonesia

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Indonesia: 302.33 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
90.4% cheaper in Indonesia

Monthly public transport pass

Indonesia: 9.59 $ Singapore: 93.46 $
89.7% cheaper in Indonesia

1 liter of milk

Indonesia: 1.28 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
57.5% cheaper in Indonesia

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Indonesia is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 89.0% on living expenses by choosing Indonesia over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

89.0%

Indonesia is 89.0% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

59.4%

Indonesia is 59.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Markets

72.8%

Indonesia is 72.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

81.1%

Indonesia is 81.1% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

79.7%

Indonesia is 79.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

55.2%

Indonesia is 55.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

49.8%

Indonesia is 49.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

75.7%

Indonesia is 75.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Childcare

80.3%

Indonesia is 80.3% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

42.0%

Indonesia is 42.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

88.7%

Indonesia is 88.7% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

94.8%

Indonesia is 94.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

92.4%

Indonesia is 92.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Indonesia Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 1.84 $ 10.90 $ 83.1%
Indonesia is 83.1% 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 $ 7.79 $ 57.0%
Indonesia is 57.0% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 1.79 $ 4.88 $ 63.3%
Indonesia is 63.3% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.56 $ 1.68 $ 66.7%
Indonesia is 66.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.28 $ 1.22 $ 77.0%
Indonesia is 77.0% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.45 $ 1.52 $ 70.4%
Indonesia is 70.4% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 6.65 $ 2.00 $ 232.5%
Indonesia is 232.5% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.23 $ 2.49 $ 29.7%
Indonesia is 29.7% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 12.18 $ 10.00 $ 21.8%
Indonesia is 21.8% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 4.02 $ 2.21 $ 81.9%
Indonesia is 81.9% more expensive
Milk (1L) 1.28 $ 3.01 $ 57.5%
Indonesia is 57.5% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.21 $ 2.35 $ 48.5%
Indonesia is 48.5% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.91 $ 2.92 $ 68.8%
Indonesia is 68.8% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 1.60 $ 3.35 $ 52.2%
Indonesia is 52.2% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 7.82 $ 19.37 $ 59.6%
Indonesia is 59.6% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 3.29 $ 11.15 $ 70.5%
Indonesia is 70.5% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 9.45 $ 15.21 $ 37.9%
Indonesia is 37.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 2.66 $ 4.57 $ 41.8%
Indonesia is 41.8% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.45 $ 2.97 $ 51.2%
Indonesia is 51.2% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 1.87 $ 4.51 $ 58.5%
Indonesia is 58.5% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.29 $ 2.71 $ 52.4%
Indonesia is 52.4% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 1.38 $ 2.39 $ 42.3%
Indonesia is 42.3% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.14 $ 2.20 $ 2.7%
Indonesia is 2.7% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 0.90 $ 1.86 $ 51.6%
Indonesia is 51.6% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 9.59 $ 93.46 $ 89.7%
Indonesia is 89.7% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 2.46 $ 13.05 $ 81.1%
Indonesia is 81.1% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.31 $ 1.56 $ 80.1%
Indonesia is 80.1% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.61 $ 3.58 $ 83.0%
Indonesia is 83.0% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.37 $ 0.78 $ 52.6%
Indonesia is 52.6% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 3.07 $ 16.28 $ 81.1%
Indonesia is 81.1% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.80 $ 2.22 $ 64.0%
Indonesia is 64.0% cheaper
New Economy Car 24,595.10 $ 140,192.38 $ 82.5%
Indonesia is 82.5% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 30,040.35 $ 128,887.54 $ 76.7%
Indonesia is 76.7% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 70.82 $ 158.22 $ 55.2%
Indonesia is 55.2% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 4.58 $ 18.54 $ 75.3%
Indonesia is 75.3% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 23.77 $ 37.95 $ 37.4%
Indonesia is 37.4% cheaper
Gym Membership 23.18 $ 115.77 $ 80.0%
Indonesia is 80.0% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 7.72 $ 12.22 $ 36.8%
Indonesia is 36.8% cheaper
Movie Ticket 3.07 $ 11.68 $ 73.7%
Indonesia is 73.7% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 103.45 $ 1,272.43 $ 91.9%
Indonesia is 91.9% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 6,005.30 $ 29,780.50 $ 79.8%
Indonesia is 79.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 42.41 $ 80.91 $ 47.6%
Indonesia is 47.6% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 28.28 $ 42.93 $ 34.1%
Indonesia is 34.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 68.95 $ 105.33 $ 34.5%
Indonesia is 34.5% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 66.43 $ 126.28 $ 47.4%
Indonesia is 47.4% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 302.33 $ 3,140.74 $ 90.4%
Indonesia is 90.4% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 180.80 $ 2,267.71 $ 92.0%
Indonesia is 92.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 802.10 $ 6,205.41 $ 87.1%
Indonesia is 87.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 453.50 $ 3,723.55 $ 87.8%
Indonesia is 87.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 1,239.15 $ 22,697.92 $ 94.5%
Indonesia is 94.5% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 736.23 $ 15,076.91 $ 95.1%
Indonesia is 95.1% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 306.60 $ 4,151.48 $ 92.6%
Indonesia is 92.6% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 9.34 3.17 194.6%
Indonesia is 194.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Singapore. 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 Singapore 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 Singapore

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Indonesia

Singapore

  • 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.

Explore more

Cost of living in Indonesia Cost of living in Singapore

Related comparisons