Living Costs · Indonesia
Cost of Living in Indonesia for Freelancers
From Bali's coworking hubs to Jakarta's business districts — what freelancers actually spend each month.
Indonesia is Southeast Asia's freelancer capital. Bali alone hosts thousands of remote workers. But costs vary wildly between islands — and understanding the real numbers helps you price your work correctly and avoid burning through savings.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Comfortable | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR / villa) | Rp 2.5–5 jt | Rp 5–12 jt | Rp 15–35 jt |
| Food & groceries | Rp 1.5–3 jt | Rp 3–6 jt | Rp 7–12 jt |
| Internet & phone | Rp 300–500 rb | Rp 500 rb–1 jt | Rp 1–2 jt |
| Transport (scooter/Grab) | Rp 500 rb–1 jt | Rp 1–3 jt | Rp 3–6 jt |
| Coworking / utilities | Rp 500 rb–1.5 jt | Rp 1.5–3 jt | Rp 3–5 jt |
| Total per month | Rp 5.3–11 jt | Rp 11–25 jt | Rp 29–60 jt |
Budget (~Rp 5–11 juta/month): Local room (kos-kosan), warung meals, scooter transport. Very doable outside Bali's tourist zones.
Comfortable (~Rp 11–25 juta/month): Private apartment or modest villa in Canggu/Ubud, mid-range restaurants, occasional Grab car. The sweet spot for most freelancers.
Premium (~Rp 29–60 juta/month): Private pool villa in Seminyak or upscale Jakarta apartment, daily restaurant meals, car rental, gym, premium coworking.
City-by-City Comparison
| City | Comfortable Monthly |
|---|---|
| Jakarta (SCBD, Kemang) | Rp 15–30 jt |
| Bali (Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak) | Rp 12–25 jt |
| Bandung | Rp 8–15 jt |
| Yogyakarta | Rp 6–12 jt |
| Surabaya / Medan | Rp 8–15 jt |
Bali is the most popular freelancer hub but no longer the cheapest — Canggu rents have surged. Yogyakarta and Bandung offer dramatically lower costs with good internet and a growing creative scene. If you're earning in USD or EUR, even the budget tier is very affordable.
Don't Forget: You Owe Tax Too
Indonesia gives freelancers three tax options. The PPh Final 0.5% on gross turnover is often the cheapest for those earning under Rp 4.8 billion/year. The progressive UU HPP system (5%–35%) may be better if you have significant business expenses. Use our calculator to compare all three methods with your actual income.
Bottom Line
A comfortable freelancer life in Indonesia costs Rp 11–25 juta/month in popular areas like Bali and Jakarta. Provincial cities cut that nearly in half. Add your tax obligation on top — which could be as low as 0.5% of gross revenue under PPh Final.
Coworking Spaces Compared
Working from cafes is fine for a week, but if you're staying long-term, coworking spaces pay for themselves in reliable internet, air conditioning, and networking.
Bali Coworking Options
Outpost (Canggu & Ubud): The most popular freelancer hub. Hot desk starts at Rp 1.2 jt/month, dedicated desk Rp 2.5 jt. Two locations — Canggu's is newer with a pool; Ubud's is quieter. Internet is reliable (50+ Mbps) and the community is excellent for networking. Day pass: Rp 120 rb.
Dojo Bali (Canggu): A classic — one of Bali's first coworking spaces. Open-plan setup with a pool, cafe, and events. Monthly membership Rp 1.5 jt, day pass Rp 150 rb. Internet is solid but can slow during peak hours when the space is full.
Tropical Nomad (Berawa, Canggu): Newer, quieter, and slightly cheaper. Monthly hot desk Rp 900 rb–1.2 jt. A good option if Outpost and Dojo feel too crowded or touristy.
Jakarta Coworking Spaces
GoWork (multiple locations): Indonesia's largest coworking chain. Hot desk Rp 1 jt/month, dedicated desk Rp 2 jt. Locations in SCBD, Kuningan, and Kelapa Gading. Professional vibe, meeting rooms, and good internet. Best for freelancers who want a serious work environment.
WeWork (SCBD, Tokopedia Tower): Premium option at Rp 2.5–3.5 jt/month for a hot desk. High-end finishes, craft coffee, networking events. Only makes sense if you're earning Rp 30 jt+/month or need to impress clients.
Cafe working alternative: Many Bali cafes cater to digital nomads with strong WiFi and power outlets. Milk & Madu, Crate Cafe, and The Shady Shack in Canggu are popular. Expect to buy a meal or two (Rp 80–150 rb) for hours of work time. Not a permanent solution, but great for variety.
Healthcare & Insurance Costs
Healthcare in Indonesia ranges from excellent (private hospitals in Jakarta and Bali) to basic (public puskesmas). As a freelancer, you need to plan for this.
BPJS Kesehatan (Public Insurance)
Indonesia's national health insurance scheme. For freelancers (PBPU category), contributions are based on self-declared income: Class III: Rp 42 rb/month, Class II: Rp 100 rb, Class I: Rp 150 rb. Covers basic care at public hospitals but has long wait times and limited specialist access. Still, it's mandatory — and worth having for emergencies.
Private International Insurance
Most foreign freelancers and higher-earning locals opt for private insurance. Popular options:
- Cigna Global: $80–150/month for a basic international plan with outpatient and inpatient cover. Widely accepted at Bali and Jakarta international clinics.
- Allianz Worldwide Care: $100–200/month depending on deductible and region. Good coverage at SOS Medika and BIMC hospitals.
- AXA Mandiri: Local plan with international coverage. Rp 500 rb–1.5 jt/month. Good if you're staying in Indonesia long-term.
Clinics for Freelancers
Bali: BIMC Hospital (Kuta) and SOS Medika (Nusa Dua) are the go-to options for foreigners. A general consultation runs Rp 500 rb–1 jt. Jakarta: MRCCC Siloam and Pondok Indah Hospital are top-tier. A specialist visit is Rp 500 rb–1.5 jt.
Pharmacies: Apotek chain stores are everywhere. Most common medications are available without prescription. Bring a basic supply of any prescription meds from home — some brands aren't available locally.
Visa & Legal Costs
Visa rules for freelancers in Indonesia have changed significantly. Here's what you need to budget for:
| Visa Type | Upfront Cost | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| B211A Social Visa | $150–250 | 60 days + 4×30 day extensions | Most common for freelancers. Requires visa agent — DIY is not practical. |
| Single-entry tourist | $35 | 30 days | Can extend once for 30 more days. Cheaper but short. |
| B211A extension (per 30 days) | $50–75 | +30 days | Agent handles everything; you just show up for photos. |
| KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) | $300–800 | 12 months | For serious long-term stay. Usually requires a sponsor company. |
| Visa run (nearest border) | $100–200 | 2–3 days | Flight to Singapore/KL + hotel + visa. Some freelancers do this every 60 days. |
Visa agents are almost mandatory: The Indonesian immigration system is complex and bureaucracy-heavy. Most freelancers use a visa agent (found in any Bali or Jakarta expat Facebook group). Services cost $50–100 per application/extension and save you hours of queuing and form-filling.
Realistic annual visa budget: If you're on a B211A social visa doing 60-day entries with extensions, budget $500–1,000 per year for visa costs. KITAS is cheaper long-term if you can qualify. Don't risk overstaying — the fine is Rp 1 jt/day and it can get you banned from re-entry.
Sample Monthly Budgets by Freelance Role
What you spend depends on where you live and what you earn. Here's how three freelancers would budget differently:
The Digital Nomad Developer in Bali (Rp 30 jt/month gross)
Based in Canggu: Villa share (private room) Rp 5 jt | Mostly eating out Rp 5 jt | Coworking (Outpost) Rp 1.5 jt | Scooter rental + fuel Rp 1 jt | Gym Rp 600 rb | Visa costs (amortized) Rp 1 jt | Entertainment + travel Rp 3 jt | Total living: Rp 17.1 jt/month. PPh Final 0.5% adds Rp 150 rb. Savings: ~Rp 12.7 jt/month. Living the Bali dream while saving 40% of income.
The Freelance Writer in Yogyakarta (Rp 10 jt/month gross)
Based in Jogja (local lifestyle): Kos-kosan (boarding room) Rp 1.2 jt | Warung meals + cooking Rp 1.5 jt | Cafe working (no coworking) Rp 500 rb | Bicycle + occasional Gojek Rp 200 rb | Internet + phone Rp 400 rb | Entertainment Rp 500 rb | Total living: Rp 4.3 jt/month. PPh Final: Rp 50 rb. Savings: ~Rp 5.6 jt/month. Ultra-low cost of living with good quality of life in a creative city.
The Senior Consultant in Jakarta (Rp 60 jt/month gross)
Based in SCBD/Kemang: Premium 1BR apartment Rp 12 jt | Dining out + business meals Rp 8 jt | Premium coworking (WeWork) Rp 3.5 jt | Car rental + driver Rp 6 jt | International health insurance Rp 2 jt | Entertainment Rp 5 jt | Total living: Rp 36.5 jt/month. Progressive tax (UU HPP) adds ~Rp 5 jt. Savings: ~Rp 18.5 jt/month. High-end lifestyle with substantial savings.
The key insight: Even in pricier Bali, a freelancer earning Rp 30 jt/month lives extremely well and saves nearly half their income. At Rp 10 jt/month (roughly $600 USD), Yogyakarta offers a comfortable life with meaningful savings — something impossible in most Western countries.
Transportation Costs
Getting around in Indonesia runs the gamut from pennies-per-kilometer scooter rides to pricey car rentals. Your transport budget depends heavily on which island you're on.
Scooter — The Default Choice
Monthly rental (Bali): Rp 600 rb–1.2 jt for a standard automatic (Honda Vario, Yamaha NMax). Longer rentals (3+ months) can be negotiated down to Rp 400–700 rb/month. Jakarta: Rp 500 rb–1 jt/month. Fuel: Rp 10–15 rb/liter for Pertalute (standard). A full tank is Rp 50–80 rb and lasts 4–7 days of city riding. Budget Rp 200–400 rb/month for fuel.
Buying a scooter: A used Honda Vario (2018–2020) costs Rp 10–18 jt. A new one: Rp 22–28 jt. If you're staying 6+ months, buying then selling is often cheaper than renting. Just make sure the seller transfers the STNK (registration) to your name or a trusted local friend's.
Helmet and safety: A decent helmet costs Rp 150–500 rb. It's legally required and practically essential — Bali traffic is chaotic, and Jakarta's is legendary. Rain gear (jas hujan) is a must during wet season (November–March).
Ride-Hailing (Gojek & Grab)
Indonesia's ride-hailing duopoly is cheap and convenient. Gojek (motorcycle): Rp 5–15 rb for short trips (2–3 km), Rp 20–50 rb for medium distances (8–12 km). Grab Car: Rp 15–40 rb short, Rp 50–150 rb medium distance. Monthly budget for a freelancer relying on Gojek: Rp 500 rb–1.5 jt.
Pro tip: GoFood and GrabFood have free delivery promos constantly. Many freelancers in Bali use this instead of cooking — ordering Nasi Goreng or Mie Ayam via GoFood costs Rp 25–50 rb delivered, often cheaper than going out. Set up a Gojek account with a local SIM on arrival.
Domestic Travel
Flights: Jakarta–Bali: Rp 500 rb–1.5 jt one-way (1.5 hours). Bali–Yogyakarta: Rp 300–800 rb. Ferries: Bali to Lombok: Rp 50–150 rb (2–4 hours). For freelancers wanting to island-hop while working, these costs are very manageable. Budget Rp 1–3 jt/month if you travel domestically regularly.
Food & Dining Costs
Indonesian food is incredible and cheap. Here's what you'll pay at different levels:
| Category | Price | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Warung (local food stall) | Rp 15–30 rb | Nasi goreng, gado-gado, ayam bakar, soto |
| Street food (kaki lima) | Rp 5–20 rb | Satay, sate padang, pisang goreng, martabak |
| Mid-range local restaurant | Rp 40–100 rb | Rendang, ikan bakar, nasi padang set |
| Cafe / Western restaurant (Bali) | Rp 80–200 rb | Buddha bowl, sandwich, smoothie bowl, pasta |
| Fine dining (Seminyak / Ubud) | Rp 300–800 rb | Merah Putih, Locavore, Sarong |
| Specialty coffee | Rp 30–60 rb | Latte or flat white at Bali specialty cafes |
| Bintang beer (local bar) | Rp 30–60 rb | Large bottle at a local warung |
The warung strategy: Many freelancers in Bali and Jakarta have a "warung langganan" (regular food stall) where they eat daily. A nasi bungkus (rice wrapped in banana leaf with sides) costs Rp 10–20 rb and is enough for a meal. If you eat at warungs for daily lunch and cook breakfast at home, your daily food cost can be under Rp 50 rb/day.
Bali's health food scene: Bali has an unusually developed health food scene due to the wellness tourism industry. Smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and organic salads cost Rp 70–150 rb at Canggu cafes (Milk & Madu, Crate Cafe). Many freelancers spend more on food in Bali than Jakarta because of this Western food premium — budget accordingly.
Groceries: Local pasar (traditional market) prices are 30–50% lower than supermarkets. A week of vegetables, tofu, tempe, rice, and eggs runs Rp 100–200 rb at a pasar. Supermarkets like Grand Lucky or Ranch Market (Bali) cater to expats and charge for imported goods — stick to local markets for daily essentials.