Cost Comparison 2025

ZurichvsJakarta

Switzerland
Indonesia

Overall

💰

-60.9%

Zurich is 60.9%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-73.7%

Housing is 73.7% lower

Dining

🍽️

-70.8%

Restaurants 70.8% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-58.3%

Food shopping 58.3% less

Comparing the cost of living between Zurich, Switzerland and Jakarta, Indonesia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Zurich is more affordable than Jakarta by approximately 60.9%. 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 Zurich are higher than in Jakarta by 280%. A one-bedroom apartment in Zurich's city center costs around CHF 2,800, while the same in Jakarta is approximately IDR 8,000,000.

Dining out in Zurich is notably more expensive compared to Jakarta. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CHF 25 in Zurich versus IDR 35,000 in Jakarta.

Public transportation in Zurich is more affordable, with monthly passes at CHF 110 compared to IDR 150,000 in Jakarta.

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

Grocery shopping in Zurich is more expensive by approximately 140%. 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 Zurich can expect to spend approximately CHF 855 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 CHF 2,993 monthly in Zurich 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
Zurich, Switzerland
Jakarta, Indonesia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CHF 2,800
IDR 8,000,000
1BR Outside Center
CHF 2,200
IDR 4,500,000
3BR City Center
CHF 5,500
IDR 18,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CHF 25
IDR 35,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CHF 120
IDR 250,000
Cappuccino
CHF 6
IDR 35,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CHF 7
IDR 40,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CHF 2
IDR 20,000
Bread (500g)
CHF 3
IDR 15,000
Eggs (12)
CHF 6
IDR 25,000
Cheese (1kg)
CHF 25
IDR 120,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CHF 5
IDR 5,000
Monthly Pass
CHF 110
IDR 150,000
Taxi Start
CHF 7
IDR 7,500
Gasoline (1L)
CHF 2
IDR 10,000

💡 Utilities & Internet

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

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Jakarta to Zurich, 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 Zurich 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

Zurich

Cost of Living Index115
Rent Index95
Purchasing Power Index120

Jakarta

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zurich more expensive than Jakarta?

No, Zurich is approximately 60.9% cheaper than Jakarta. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 62% of your Jakarta salary when living in Zurich. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Jakarta, you'd need about $31,081 in Zurich for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Zurich and Jakarta?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 280%, 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?

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

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

In Zurich, a single person needs approximately CHF 3,055 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CHF 6,993. 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 Zurich 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 Zurich

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers