Cost Comparison 2025

TaipeivsJakarta

Taiwan
Indonesia

Overall

💰

-30.8%

Taipei is 30.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-37.5%

Housing is 37.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-36.4%

Restaurants 36.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-33.3%

Food shopping 33.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Taipei, Taiwan and Jakarta, Indonesia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Taipei is more affordable than Jakarta by approximately 30.8%. 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 Taipei are higher than in Jakarta by 60%. A one-bedroom apartment in Taipei's city center costs around NT$25,000, while the same in Jakarta is approximately IDR 8,000,000.

Dining out in Taipei is notably more expensive compared to Jakarta. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NT$120 in Taipei versus IDR 35,000 in Jakarta.

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

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 Taipei is more expensive by approximately 50%. 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 Taipei can expect to spend approximately NT$9,880 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 NT$34,580 monthly in Taipei 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
Taipei, Taiwan
Jakarta, Indonesia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

🍽️ Food & Dining

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

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

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

💡 Utilities & Internet

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

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

Taipei

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index70

Jakarta

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taipei more expensive than Jakarta?

No, Taipei is approximately 30.8% cheaper than Jakarta. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 76% of your Jakarta salary when living in Taipei. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Jakarta, you'd need about $38,235 in Taipei for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Taipei and Jakarta?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 60%, 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 Taipei if you prioritize earning potential, or Jakarta for affordability.

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

In Taipei, a single person needs approximately NT$24,880 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about NT$64,580. 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 Taipei 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 Taipei

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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