Cost Comparison 2025

JakartavsDenver

Indonesia
United States

Overall

💰

+77.8%

Jakarta is 77.8%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+140.0%

Housing is 140.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+122.9%

Restaurants 122.9% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+64.0%

Food shopping 64.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Jakarta, Indonesia and Denver, United States reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Jakarta is more expensive than Denver by approximately 77.8%. 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 Jakarta are lower than in Denver by 58%. A one-bedroom apartment in Jakarta's city center costs around IDR 8,000,000, while the same in Denver is approximately $1,900.

Dining out in Jakarta offers significant savings compared to Denver. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs IDR 35,000 in Jakarta versus $17 in Denver.

Public transportation in Jakarta is more expensive, with monthly passes at IDR 150,000 compared to $114 in Denver.

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

Grocery shopping in Jakarta is more affordable by approximately 39%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Jakarta can expect to spend approximately IDR 3,350,000 per month (excluding rent), while in Denver, the same lifestyle would cost around $616. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about IDR 11,725,000 monthly in Jakarta versus $2,155 in Denver. 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
Jakarta, Indonesia
Denver, United States

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
IDR 8,000,000
$1,900
1BR Outside Center
IDR 4,500,000
$1,500
3BR City Center
IDR 18,000,000
$3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
IDR 35,000
$17
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
IDR 250,000
$80
Cappuccino
IDR 35,000
$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
IDR 40,000
$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
IDR 20,000
$1
Bread (500g)
IDR 15,000
$3
Eggs (12)
IDR 25,000
$4
Cheese (1kg)
IDR 120,000
$11

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
IDR 5,000
$3
Monthly Pass
IDR 150,000
$114
Taxi Start
IDR 7,500
$4
Gasoline (1L)
IDR 10,000
$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
IDR 1,200,000
$130
Internet (60 Mbps)
IDR 400,000
$65
Mobile Minute
IDR 1,500
$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Jakarta to Denver, 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 Denver 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

Jakarta

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Denver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jakarta more expensive than Denver?

Yes, Jakarta is approximately 77.8% more expensive than Denver overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.8x of your Denver salary when living in Jakarta. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Denver, you'd need about $88,889 in Jakarta for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Jakarta and Denver?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 58%, 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?

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

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

In Jakarta, a single person needs approximately IDR 7,850,000 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about IDR 21,725,000. In Denver, these figures are $2,116 for singles and $4,755 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Jakarta and Denver 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 Denver to maintain your lifestyle from Jakarta

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers