Cost of Living in Indonesia for International Students

Indonesia can be an affordable study destination for international students, but the actual cost of living depends heavily on the city, accommodation, lifestyle, and university. Students living in cities such as Depok or Yogyakarta may be able to manage their expenses differently from those living in central Jakarta or other major urban areas. A realistic student budget should cover accommodation, food, transportation, communication, study materials, personal expenses, and unexpected costs.

As a current example, the International Office at Universitas Indonesia estimates monthly living expenses in Depok at about IDR 9.2 million, or approximately US$558, based on its June 2025 exchange-rate calculation. Its estimate includes housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, communication, personal needs, and incidentals. However, another UI page currently gives an estimated monthly cost of approximately US$678, showing why students should treat university estimates as planning guides rather than fixed national prices.

The good news is that Indonesia offers students many ways to control their spending. Accommodation can be shared, inexpensive local food is widely available, and public transportation can reduce daily travel costs. At the same time, students should not underestimate the initial expenses associated with moving abroad.

This guide explains the main costs international students should expect and how to create a realistic budget before choosing a university in Indonesia.

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Indonesia

There is no official single monthly cost that applies to every international student in Indonesia.

A student's expenses depend on:

• City
• University
• Accommodation type
• Food choices
• Transportation
• Personal lifestyle
• Study requirements
• Entertainment
• Travel

For planning purposes, the Universitas Indonesia International Office provides a useful example.

Its current Depok estimate includes:

UI's page converted this amount to approximately US$558 using an exchange rate of IDR 16,484 per US$1 in June 2025.

This is a useful starting point, but students should not assume they will spend exactly IDR 9.2 million every month. Accommodation, food, and personal spending can be substantially different from one student to another.

Accommodation Costs for International Students

Housing is usually one of the largest monthly expenses.

International students can choose from several accommodation options:

• University dormitories
• Boarding houses or kost
• Shared apartments
• Private apartments
• Homestays
• Student residences

The cheapest option is not necessarily the best option. Students should consider the distance from campus, security, utilities, internet, furniture, and whether meals are included.

Boarding Houses

Boarding houses, commonly known as kost, are popular among Indonesian students and can be an economical option for international students.

Universitas Indonesia's Faculty of Communication estimates boarding rooms around its Depok campus at approximately IDR 1 million to IDR 1.5 million per month. It lists apartments around the campus at approximately IDR 2.1 million to IDR 3.7 million per month.

Prices vary according to:

• Room size
• Private or shared bathroom
• Air conditioning
• Location
• Internet
• Furnishings
• Security
• Included utilities

University Dormitories

University accommodation can be convenient because students can live close to classes.

At UI, for example, the university's information page lists its dormitory at approximately IDR 200,000 to IDR 500,000 per month for the specific accommodation described. Availability and eligibility can vary, so students should check the university's current housing rules before using this figure for budgeting.

Food Costs in Indonesia

Food can be one of the more manageable expenses for students if they are comfortable eating local food.

Students can choose between:

• University cafeterias
• Local food stalls
• Warungs
• Restaurants
• Fast food
• Supermarkets
• Cooking at home

The price difference can be substantial.

For example, UI estimates that a meal at restaurants or cafes around its campus can cost around IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000, while food from campus canteens and nearby food stalls can cost approximately IDR 20,000 to IDR 35,000 per meal.

A student who regularly eats inexpensive local meals can therefore spend considerably less than someone who frequently chooses restaurants or international food.

Grocery Costs

Students who have access to a kitchen may be able to reduce food expenses by preparing some meals themselves.

UI estimates weekly grocery shopping for one person at approximately IDR 200,000 to IDR 300,000, depending on individual needs.

A grocery budget can include:

• Rice
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Eggs
• Meat
• Cooking ingredients
• Snacks
• Drinks
• Household products

However, students should compare the cost of groceries with inexpensive local meals. In some areas, eating at local food stalls can be convenient and reasonably priced.

Transportation Costs

Transportation costs depend mainly on where you live.

A student living near campus can save considerably by walking or cycling.

Students living farther away may use:

• Buses
• Trains
• Commuter rail
• Online motorcycle taxis
• Online car services
• Local taxis

UI's current Depok budget allocates approximately IDR 600,000 per month for transportation.

The actual cost can be lower for students who live close to campus.

Choosing Housing Near Campus

Paying slightly more for accommodation near the university can sometimes save money overall.

For example, a student who spends less on transportation and travel time may find that nearby housing is more practical than cheaper accommodation located far away.

When comparing universities, students should therefore consider both the university and the surrounding neighborhood.

Mobile Phone and Internet Costs

Internet access is important for university students.

Students may need mobile data for:

• Communication
• Maps
• Online classes
• University applications
• Banking
• Transportation apps
• Research
• Messaging

UI's estimated monthly budget includes approximately IDR 300,000 for communication and internet.

Students living in accommodation with reliable Wi-Fi may spend less on mobile data.

Books and Study Materials

Academic expenses should also be included in the budget.

Depending on the subject, students may need:

• Textbooks
• Printing
• Photocopying
• Stationery
• Software
• Laboratory materials
• Equipment
• Project materials

UI's current estimate allocates IDR 800,000 per month for books, photocopies, and supplies.

This does not mean every student will spend IDR 800,000 every month. A student studying a course that uses mostly digital resources may spend much less, while laboratory or design students may have higher costs.

Personal Expenses

Personal spending is one of the hardest categories to predict.

It may include:

• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Entertainment
• Fitness
• Social activities
• Personal electronics
• Gifts
• Shopping
• Occasional travel

UI includes approximately IDR 1 million per month for personal monthly needs in its current Depok budget.

Students who create a strict monthly budget can keep this category under control.

Entertainment and Travel

Indonesia has many destinations that attract students, from Bandung and Yogyakarta to Bali and various parts of Sumatra.

Travel can be one of the biggest sources of additional spending.

The University of Indonesia specifically advises students to include extra funds in their budget if they intend to travel to places such as Bandung, Bali, or Sumatra while studying. It also recommends keeping money available for initial establishment costs, textbooks, equipment, transportation, temporary accommodation, and entertainment.

Travel should therefore be treated as a separate budget category rather than assuming it will fit inside everyday living expenses.

Cost of Living in Jakarta

Jakarta is one of Indonesia's most important cities for higher education and employment, but living costs can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood.

Students living in central or highly developed areas may pay more for:

• Accommodation
• Restaurants
• Transportation
• Entertainment

Students who choose shared housing or a boarding house outside the most expensive areas may be able to reduce their monthly expenses.

Students considering Jakarta should therefore compare the university's location with nearby accommodation rather than using a single citywide estimate.

Cost of Living in Depok

Depok is particularly relevant for students attending Universitas Indonesia's main campus.

The city can provide a lower-cost environment than some central Jakarta neighborhoods, and many students live in boarding houses around campus.

UI describes Depok as offering a competitive standard of living at a comparatively low cost and provides an estimated monthly budget of IDR 9.2 million based on its listed categories.

The actual cost can be lower or higher depending on housing and lifestyle.

Cost of Living in Other Student Cities

International students should also consider cities outside Jakarta and Depok.

Cities such as:

• Yogyakarta
• Bandung
• Surabaya
• Malang
• Semarang

have established student populations and universities.

Living expenses can differ considerably between these cities. Accommodation, food, transportation, and personal spending should be researched based on the specific university location.

A student should not assume that the cost of living in Jakarta applies to every Indonesian study destination.

Tuition Fees Are Separate From Living Costs

One important distinction is that the cost of living is not the same as the cost of studying.

Your overall education budget should include:

Total annual budget = tuition + accommodation + food + transportation + study materials + insurance or health costs + visa-related expenses + personal expenses

Tuition can vary substantially by university and program.

For example, Universitas Indonesia's current international program information shows tuition figures ranging from around IDR 17 million to IDR 34 million per semester for certain programs, while other international programs can have different fees.

Therefore, students should always check the tuition for their specific course rather than applying one average fee to all universities.

Initial Expenses When Moving to Indonesia

The first month can be more expensive than a normal month.

International students may need money for:

• Flight tickets
• Visa or immigration expenses
• Temporary accommodation
• Housing deposit
• First month's rent
• Bedding
• Kitchen items
• SIM card
• Transportation
• University registration
• Books
• Clothing
• Basic household supplies

UI specifically recommends that students prepare additional funds for initial establishment costs and temporary accommodation.

A student should therefore arrive with enough money to cover these one-time expenses without relying on the first month's normal budget.

Health and Insurance Expenses

International students should also consider healthcare costs.

Depending on the university and immigration arrangements, students may need:

• Health insurance
• Medical examinations
• Prescription medication
• Routine medical care
• Emergency medical expenses

The exact insurance requirements can depend on the student's university and immigration status.

Students should confirm the current requirements before traveling rather than assuming that ordinary living expenses include healthcare.

How Much Should an International Student Budget Per Month?

There is no single answer, but official university estimates provide useful reference points.

Universitas Indonesia currently provides an estimated monthly living cost of approximately IDR 9.2 million in Depok in one detailed budget. Another UI prospective-student page currently gives approximately US$678 per month as an estimated student living cost.

These differences demonstrate why students should create their own budget.

A practical planning approach is to divide students into three spending levels:

Rather than choosing a number based on a generic article, use the university's location and accommodation options to calculate your expected expenses.

How to Reduce Living Costs in Indonesia

International students can make several simple decisions to reduce their monthly spending.

Choose Affordable Accommodation

A boarding house near campus can be considerably cheaper than a private apartment in a central area.

Eat Local Food

Local food stalls and campus canteens can provide cheaper meals than restaurants and cafes. UI's current figures show a significant difference between inexpensive campus food and restaurant meals.

Share Accommodation

Sharing an apartment or house can reduce the individual housing cost.

Use Public Transportation

Use trains, buses, or other affordable transportation options when practical.

Limit Unplanned Spending

Small purchases can add up quickly. Set a monthly limit for entertainment and personal shopping.

Separate Travel Money

If you want to explore Indonesia, create a separate travel budget instead of taking money from your essential monthly expenses.

Scholarships Can Reduce the Financial Burden

Scholarships can make studying in Indonesia more affordable.

Some scholarships can provide:

• Tuition assistance
• Monthly living allowance
• Accommodation support
• Book allowance
• Travel support
• Health coverage

For example, the Indonesian government's Darmasiswa scholarship guidelines have previously provided a monthly living allowance, along with book and settlement allowances. The exact scholarship terms can change by academic year, so applicants should always check the current official announcement.

Universities can also offer their own scholarships.

For example, Universitas Indonesia currently states that it offers more than 150 scholarships annually, including full-ride options for eligible students.

Part-Time Work and Student Budgeting

Some international students may consider part-time employment to help with expenses, but students should not assume that they can automatically work in Indonesia simply because they hold student status.

Work permissions depend on Indonesian immigration and employment rules.

Students should check the current regulations and their university's guidance before accepting paid work.

The safest approach is to prepare enough funding for your studies without depending on uncertain employment income.

How to Create a Student Budget

Before traveling to Indonesia, make a monthly budget with separate categories.

For example:

This is a planning example, not an official national cost estimate. Students should replace these figures with prices from their chosen city and university.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Indonesia as an international student?

The cost varies by city and lifestyle. Universitas Indonesia currently estimates monthly living expenses in Depok at about IDR 9.2 million in one detailed budget, while its prospective-student page gives approximately US$678 per month as an overall estimate.

Is Indonesia cheap for international students?

Indonesia can be relatively affordable compared with many international study destinations, particularly when students use local accommodation, food, and transportation. However, costs can be higher in major cities and for students with expensive lifestyles.

How much does accommodation cost in Indonesia for students?

Accommodation varies significantly. Around UI's Depok campus, current university information lists boarding rooms at approximately IDR 1 million to IDR 1.5 million per month and apartments at approximately IDR 2.1 million to IDR 3.7 million.

Is food expensive in Indonesia?

Food can be relatively affordable when students eat at local food stalls and campus canteens. UI currently estimates approximately IDR 20,000 to IDR 35,000 for a meal at campus canteens and nearby food stalls around its Depok campus.

Which Indonesian city is cheapest for international students?

There is no universal cheapest city because accommodation and lifestyle differ. Students should compare the specific university area, housing options, food prices, and transportation costs before deciding.

Does tuition come under the cost of living?

No. Tuition is an education expense and should be calculated separately from accommodation, food, transportation, and personal living costs.

Final Thoughts

The cost of living in Indonesia for international students can be manageable, but students need to create a budget based on their actual university and city rather than relying on one national average. Current information from Universitas Indonesia provides a useful benchmark, with a detailed Depok budget of about IDR 9.2 million per month and a separate prospective-student estimate of approximately US$678 per month.

Accommodation is usually one of the biggest expenses, while food and transportation can be controlled through practical choices. Students who live near campus, use affordable local food, share accommodation, and limit unnecessary spending can keep their monthly budget under better control.

Before traveling, calculate tuition separately and prepare additional money for visa-related expenses, initial accommodation, deposits, study materials, healthcare, and emergencies. Also check whether your university offers scholarships or financial assistance.