Curious about where to settle as a digital nomad in Indonesia? Let’s break down the cost of living in Bali, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta to help you decide.
Indonesia is a dream destination for remote workers, offering tropical vibes, vibrant culture, and affordable living. But not all cities are created equal. In this guide, we compare the cost of living in three popular cities for digital nomads: Bali, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta.
We’ll cover housing, food, transport, internet, coworking spaces, and lifestyle costs – so you can choose the best fit for your remote working adventure.
1. Accommodation
| City | Monthly Rent (1-BR Apartment) | Coliving/Guesthouse |
| Bali | $400 – $800 | $200 – $500 |
| Yogyakarta | $150 – $300 | $100 – $200 |
| Jakarta | $300 – $700 | $200 – $400 |
Bali offers the most variety in villas and coliving spaces, perfect for those seeking community. Yogyakarta is the most affordable. Jakarta has many modern apartments in the city center.
2. Food & Dining
| City | Local Meals (per day) | Western Food (avg meal) | Monthly Groceries |
| Bali | $4 – $7 | $8 – $15 | $150 – $250 |
| Yogyakarta | $2 – $5 | $6 – $10 | $100 – $150 |
| Jakarta | $3 – $6 | $8 – $12 | $150 – $200 |
You’ll find cheap eats everywhere, but Bali caters well to expats with international cuisines. Yogyakarta is unbeatable for traditional food lovers on a budget.
3. Transportation
| City | Scooter Rental (monthly) | Ride-Hailing Apps (avg trip) | Public Transport |
| Bali | $60 – $100 | $1.50 – $3 | Limited |
| Yogyakarta | $40 – $80 | $1 – $2 | TransJogja ($0.25) |
| Jakarta | $50 – $90 | $1.50 – $3 | MRT/Busway ($0.30) |
Jakarta has the most developed public transport. Bali and Yogya rely more on scooters or ride apps.
4. Internet & Coworking Spaces
| City | Internet Speed (avg) | Coworking Space (monthly) |
| Bali | 50 – 100 Mbps | $100 – $200 |
| Yogyakarta | 30 – 50 Mbps | $50 – $100 |
| Jakarta | 50 – 100 Mbps | $80 – $150 |
All three cities have solid internet, but Bali has the most coworking spaces tailored for remote workers.
5. Lifestyle & Leisure
| City | Fitness/Yoga Membership | Entertainment/Leisure |
| Bali | $40 – $100 | Beach clubs, diving, spas |
| Yogyakarta | $20 – $50 | Temples, hiking, art cafés |
| Jakarta | $30 – $70 | Malls, cinemas, nightlife |
Your lifestyle costs will depend on what you enjoy. Bali leans toward wellness and nature, Yogya is cultural, and Jakarta is urban and modern.
Estimated Total Monthly Cost
| City | Budget Lifestyle | Comfortable Lifestyle |
| Bali | $800 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Yogyakarta | $500 – $800 | $900 – $1,200 |
| Jakarta | $700 – $1,000 | $1,300 – $1,800 |
- Choose Bali if you want beach life, community vibes, and modern digital nomad amenities.
- Choose Yogyakarta if you’re on a budget and love culture, tradition, and a slower pace.
- Choose Jakarta if you want to be in a buzzing urban hub with business opportunities.
Wherever you go, Indonesia welcomes you with open arms, rich culture, and a lower cost of living than many Western countries.
Ready to live your digital nomad dream in Indonesia?
➡️ Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) or Apply Now
