Cost Comparison 2025

BrisbanevsJakarta

Australia
Indonesia

Overall

💰

-45.1%

Brisbane is 45.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-61.5%

Housing is 61.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-56.3%

Restaurants 56.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-35.9%

Food shopping 35.9% less

Comparing the cost of living between Brisbane, Australia and Jakarta, Indonesia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Brisbane is more affordable than Jakarta by approximately 45.1%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Brisbane are higher than in Jakarta by 160%. A one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane's city center costs around A$2,200, while the same in Jakarta is approximately IDR 8,000,000.

Dining out in Brisbane is notably more expensive compared to Jakarta. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs A$20 in Brisbane versus IDR 35,000 in Jakarta.

Public transportation in Brisbane is more affordable, with monthly passes at A$175 compared to IDR 150,000 in Jakarta.

Purchasing power in Brisbane is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Jakarta.

Grocery shopping in Brisbane is more expensive by approximately 56%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Brisbane can expect to spend approximately A$791 per month (excluding rent), while in Jakarta, the same lifestyle would cost around IDR 3,350,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about A$2,769 monthly in Brisbane versus IDR 11,725,000 in Jakarta. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Brisbane, Australia
Jakarta, Indonesia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
A$2,200
IDR 8,000,000
1BR Outside Center
A$1,700
IDR 4,500,000
3BR City Center
A$3,800
IDR 18,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
A$20
IDR 35,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
A$100
IDR 250,000
Cappuccino
A$5
IDR 35,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
A$10
IDR 40,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
A$2
IDR 20,000
Bread (500g)
A$3
IDR 15,000
Eggs (12)
A$5
IDR 25,000
Cheese (1kg)
A$11
IDR 120,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
A$5
IDR 5,000
Monthly Pass
A$175
IDR 150,000
Taxi Start
A$5
IDR 7,500
Gasoline (1L)
A$2
IDR 10,000

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
A$180
IDR 1,200,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
A$80
IDR 400,000
Mobile Minute
A$0
IDR 1,500

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Jakarta to Brisbane, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Brisbane to Jakarta requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Brisbane

Cost of Living Index82
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index102

Jakarta

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brisbane more expensive than Jakarta?

No, Brisbane is approximately 45.1% cheaper than Jakarta. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Brisbane compared to Jakarta?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 69% of your Jakarta salary when living in Brisbane. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Jakarta, you'd need about $34,454 in Brisbane for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Brisbane and Jakarta?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 160%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Brisbane offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Brisbane provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Brisbane if you prioritize earning potential, or Jakarta for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Brisbane vs Jakarta?

In Brisbane, a single person needs approximately A$2,491 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about A$5,569. In Jakarta, these figures are IDR 7,850,000 for singles and IDR 21,725,000 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Brisbane and Jakarta in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Jakarta to maintain your lifestyle from Brisbane

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers