Cost Comparison 2025

JakartavsLagos

Indonesia
Nigeria

Overall

đź’°

-11.1%

Jakarta is 11.1%cheaper

Rent

🏠

+20.0%

Housing is 20.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

0.0%

Restaurants 0.0% same

Groceries

đź›’

-10.0%

Food shopping 10.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Jakarta, Indonesia and Lagos, Nigeria reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Jakarta is more affordable than Lagos by approximately 11.1%. 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 Jakarta are lower than in Lagos by 17%. A one-bedroom apartment in Jakarta's city center costs around IDR 8,000,000, while the same in Lagos is approximately NGN 800,000.

Dining out in Jakarta costs about the same compared to Lagos. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs IDR 35,000 in Jakarta versus NGN 3,000 in Lagos.

Public transportation in Jakarta is more expensive, with monthly passes at IDR 150,000 compared to NGN 20,000 in Lagos.

Grocery shopping in Jakarta is more expensive by approximately 11%. 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 Jakarta can expect to spend approximately IDR 3,350,000 per month (excluding rent), while in Lagos, the same lifestyle would cost around NGN 174,600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about IDR 11,725,000 monthly in Jakarta versus NGN 611,100 in Lagos. 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
Lagos, Nigeria

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
IDR 8,000,000
NGN 800,000
1BR Outside Center
IDR 4,500,000
NGN 400,000
3BR City Center
IDR 18,000,000
NGN 2,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
IDR 35,000
NGN 3,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
IDR 250,000
NGN 15,000
Cappuccino
IDR 35,000
NGN 1,500
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
IDR 40,000
NGN 800

đź›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
IDR 20,000
NGN 1,200
Bread (500g)
IDR 15,000
NGN 600
Eggs (12)
IDR 25,000
NGN 1,500
Cheese (1kg)
IDR 120,000
NGN 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
IDR 5,000
NGN 500
Monthly Pass
IDR 150,000
NGN 20,000
Taxi Start
IDR 7,500
NGN 500
Gasoline (1L)
IDR 10,000
NGN 700

đź’ˇ Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
IDR 1,200,000
NGN 40,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
IDR 400,000
NGN 25,000
Mobile Minute
IDR 1,500
NGN 50

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lagos to Jakarta, 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 Jakarta to Lagos 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

Lagos

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index20

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jakarta more expensive than Lagos?

No, Jakarta is approximately 11.1% cheaper than Lagos. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 90% of your Lagos salary when living in Jakarta. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lagos, you'd need about $45,000 in Jakarta for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Jakarta and Lagos?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 17%, 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?

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

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

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 Lagos, these figures are NGN 574,600 for singles and NGN 1,611,100 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Jakarta and Lagos in 2025 shows notable 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 Lagos to maintain your lifestyle from Jakarta

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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