Cost Comparison 2025

JakartavsKuwait City

Indonesia
Kuwait

Overall

💰

+33.3%

Jakarta is 33.3%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+80.0%

Housing is 80.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+71.4%

Restaurants 71.4% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+10.0%

Food shopping 10.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuwait City, Kuwait reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Jakarta is more expensive than Kuwait City by approximately 33.3%. 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 Kuwait City by 44%. A one-bedroom apartment in Jakarta's city center costs around IDR 8,000,000, while the same in Kuwait City is approximately KWD 450.

Dining out in Jakarta offers significant savings compared to Kuwait City. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs IDR 35,000 in Jakarta versus KWD 3 in Kuwait City.

Public transportation in Jakarta is more expensive, with monthly passes at IDR 150,000 compared to KWD 15 in Kuwait City.

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

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 Kuwait City, the same lifestyle would cost around KWD 170. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about IDR 11,725,000 monthly in Jakarta versus KWD 595 in Kuwait City. 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
Kuwait City, Kuwait

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
IDR 8,000,000
KWD 450
1BR Outside Center
IDR 4,500,000
KWD 300
3BR City Center
IDR 18,000,000
KWD 900

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
IDR 35,000
KWD 3
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
IDR 250,000
KWD 15
Cappuccino
IDR 35,000
KWD 2
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
IDR 40,000
KWD 4

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
IDR 20,000
KWD 1
Bread (500g)
IDR 15,000
KWD 0
Eggs (12)
IDR 25,000
KWD 1
Cheese (1kg)
IDR 120,000
KWD 3

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
IDR 5,000
KWD 0
Monthly Pass
IDR 150,000
KWD 15
Taxi Start
IDR 7,500
KWD 1
Gasoline (1L)
IDR 10,000
KWD 0

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
IDR 1,200,000
KWD 25
Internet (60 Mbps)
IDR 400,000
KWD 25
Mobile Minute
IDR 1,500
KWD 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Jakarta to Kuwait City, 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 Kuwait City 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

Kuwait City

Cost of Living Index60
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jakarta more expensive than Kuwait City?

Yes, Jakarta is approximately 33.3% more expensive than Kuwait City overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Jakarta compared to Kuwait City?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.3x of your Kuwait City salary when living in Jakarta. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Kuwait City, you'd need about $66,667 in Jakarta for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Jakarta and Kuwait City?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 44%, 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?

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

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Jakarta vs Kuwait City?

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 Kuwait City, these figures are KWD 470 for singles and KWD 1,195 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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