Cost Comparison 2025

JakartavsTaipei

Indonesia
Taiwan

Overall

💰

+44.4%

Jakarta is 44.4%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+60.0%

Housing is 60.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+57.1%

Restaurants 57.1% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+50.0%

Food shopping 50.0% more

Comparing the cost of living between Jakarta, Indonesia and Taipei, Taiwan reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Jakarta is more expensive than Taipei by approximately 44.4%. 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 Taipei by 38%. A one-bedroom apartment in Jakarta's city center costs around IDR 8,000,000, while the same in Taipei is approximately NT$25,000.

Dining out in Jakarta offers significant savings compared to Taipei. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs IDR 35,000 in Jakarta versus NT$120 in Taipei.

Public transportation in Jakarta is more expensive, with monthly passes at IDR 150,000 compared to NT$1,280 in Taipei.

Purchasing power in Taipei 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 33%. 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 Taipei, the same lifestyle would cost around NT$9,880. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about IDR 11,725,000 monthly in Jakarta versus NT$34,580 in Taipei. 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
Taipei, Taiwan

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
IDR 8,000,000
NT$25,000
1BR Outside Center
IDR 4,500,000
NT$15,000
3BR City Center
IDR 18,000,000
NT$50,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
IDR 35,000
NT$120
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
IDR 250,000
NT$800
Cappuccino
IDR 35,000
NT$120
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
IDR 40,000
NT$80

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
IDR 20,000
NT$95
Bread (500g)
IDR 15,000
NT$50
Eggs (12)
IDR 25,000
NT$80
Cheese (1kg)
IDR 120,000
NT$600

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
IDR 5,000
NT$25
Monthly Pass
IDR 150,000
NT$1,280
Taxi Start
IDR 7,500
NT$85
Gasoline (1L)
IDR 10,000
NT$32

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
IDR 1,200,000
NT$2,500
Internet (60 Mbps)
IDR 400,000
NT$900
Mobile Minute
IDR 1,500
NT$5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Jakarta to Taipei, 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 Taipei 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

Taipei

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jakarta more expensive than Taipei?

Yes, Jakarta is approximately 44.4% more expensive than Taipei overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.4x of your Taipei salary when living in Jakarta. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Taipei, you'd need about $72,222 in Jakarta for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Jakarta and Taipei?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 38%, 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?

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

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

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 Taipei, these figures are NT$24,880 for singles and NT$64,580 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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