Indonesia
Data updated Oct 14, 2026
Overall Score
58.4
Good
Avg. Rent (1BR)
$311
-82% vs US Avg
Safety Index
54
COL Index
24.6
Overall Score
58.4
GoodEstimated Cost
$608/mo
single person, incl. rent
Verdict
Best for retirees
based on our recommended destinations
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Please check the latest official travel advisory for Indonesia before planning your trip.
U.S. Department of State, verified Aug 28, 2026
Indonesia works for a specific type of expat: someone on a fixed income under $2,500 a month, comfortable with inconsistent infrastructure, and not expecting Bali's tourist zones to reflect the rest of the country. Bali's Canggu and Ubud social media footprint has sold a lot of people on a lifestyle that doesn't match the price or the paperwork once you're outside the villa compound. Retirees drawing Social Security and remote workers on modest income do fine here, with a retirement/passive-income visa and a digital nomad visa both available. Someone wanting US-grade medical care or reliable rule of law should look elsewhere in the region first.
The core numbers are real and cheap: $429.70 a month for living costs outside rent, and $311.05 for a one-bedroom in a city center, putting a basic single budget around $740 before extras. That's lower than almost anywhere in Southeast Asia marketed to Westerners. What the budget sites don't show is the markup gap between local pricing and expat pricing in Bali's foreigner-facing areas, where a "cheap" smoothie bowl runs $6 and a decent apartment in Canggu or Seminyak can run three to four times the national average rent figure. If you're pricing Jakarta, Surabaya, or Yogyakarta instead of Bali's expat enclaves, the $311 rent figure is closer to reality.
The friction shows up in healthcare, safety, and connectivity. Indonesia's own health system is still reforming to reach universal coverage, with a focus on increasing public spending and reducing out-of-pocket expenses, meaning serious conditions often mean flying to Singapore or Bangkok rather than trusting a local hospital. Safety reflects real variance between tourist zones and everywhere else, so it pays to check current US State Department guidance before committing to a region. Internet averages 74.88 Mbps nationally, fine for calls and work, but spotty enough outside major hubs that remote workers should test their actual building before signing a lease. English runs medium at best outside hospitality and business settings, so day-to-day admin, banking, and immigration offices often require a translator or a fixer.
For US tax purposes, Indonesia has no US tax treaty, so pension and Social Security income treatment relies on local law rather than treaty relief, which matters if you're retiring on those payments. Indonesia's own tax brackets run from 5% up to IDR 60 million through a top rate of 35% on income above IDR 5 billion (with intermediate brackets of 15% up to IDR 250 million, 25% up to IDR 500 million, and 30% up to IDR 5 billion), with capital gains for individuals flat at 35% and dividends to residents exempt if reinvested locally (otherwise 10% final), so this is not a low-tax jurisdiction if you become a tax resident there. The 2026 FEIE lets you exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income on your US return, with a foreign housing exclusion base of $21,264 and a cap of $39,870, which covers most remote workers and retirees entirely on the US side, but you still need to work out your Indonesian filing obligations separately since the treaty doesn't erase local liability. The digital nomad option, the Remote Worker Visa (E33G), requires proof of income around $2,000 a month and lets you work remotely while living here, though it doesn't by itself resolve your US filing requirements.
Indonesia vs. the Southeast Asia average
Scores out of 10, shown as the gap between Indonesia and the average of the 10 other countries in Southeast Asia. 4 clear strengths, 5 clear gaps.
- Housing Affordability+1.6
- Expat Community+1.4
- Cost of Living+1.1
- Healthcare+1.0
- Residency Pathway+0.4
- English Speaking-0.1
- Safety-0.5
- Public Transport-0.7
- Internet Speed-1.3
- Air Quality-1.5
- Tax Friendliness-1.7
🚚 Moving to Indonesia
Planning the move? Compare free quotes from international movers.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Indonesia. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this tool.
Recommended Destinations in Indonesia
Best for Retirees
Best for Geoarbitrage
Best for Remote Workers
- Capital
- Jakarta
- Official Language
- Indonesian
- Time Zone
- UTC+07:00
- Region
- Asia
- Population
- 273,523,621
- Healthcare Index
- 60.9
- Internet Speed
- 74.88 Mbps
View on Interactive Map
Explore data visually
🏙️ Top Cities in Indonesia
Explore cost of living, walkability scores, and expat ratings for individual cities in Indonesia.
CoL Index: 38
Est. Total: ~$764/mo
CoL Index: 49
Est. Total: ~$849/mo
CoL Index: 37
Est. Total: ~$760/mo
CoL Index: 41
Est. Total: ~$764/mo
CoL Index: 34
Est. Total: ~$655/mo
CoL Index: 36
Est. Total: ~$694/mo
CoL Index: 31
Est. Total: ~$651/mo
CoL Index: 30
Est. Total: ~$580/mo
CoL Index: 36
Est. Total: ~$681/mo
CoL Index: 33
Est. Total: ~$648/mo
CoL Index: 36
Est. Total: ~$646/mo
CoL Index: 41
Est. Total: ~$792/mo
CoL Index: 32
Est. Total: ~$512/mo
CoL Index: 25
Est. Total: ~$490/mo
CoL Index: 35
Est. Total: ~$892/mo
CoL Index: 34
Est. Total: ~$671/mo
CoL Index: 25
Est. Total: ~$495/mo
CoL Index: 25
Est. Total: ~$650/mo
CoL Index: 25
Est. Total: ~$800/mo
CoL Index: 30
Est. Total: ~$548/mo
How far does $1,500 go in Indonesia?
With a monthly budget of $1,500, you can live comfortably in Indonesia. After accounting for an average rent of $$311, you have approximately $1,189remaining for daily expenses.
Calculate your FIRE timeline with these costs →💰 Cost of Living in Indonesia
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means it's cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means rent is cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means groceries are cheaper.
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means eating out is cheaper.
Estimate the cost of shipping your belongings to Indonesia →
See how Indonesia's cost of living compares with United States
🛒 Grocery & Family Costs
Family Costs
Can I afford to live in Indonesia?
Comfortable (1.0×): balanced baseline lifestyle. Adjusts day-to-day costs only — rent is unaffected.
Indonesia
You could save
2,259/mo
Monthly Costs
Attractiveness Scores
Based on national averages. City-level costs may vary. Browse cities in Indonesia →
⚕️ Healthcare System
Our Top Pick for Nomads: SafetyWing
Flexible, subscription-based health cover for remote workers in Indonesia.
Get Covered with SafetyWing →Looking for more options? Check Ekta.
An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system. Higher is better.
Quality & Affordability:
Reforming the health-financing system is key to achieving universal health coverage, with a focus on increasing public investment, expanding benefits packages, and improving efficiency. Broader efforts are underway to improve healthcare financing, though challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and quality of care. While efforts are underway to improve healthcare financing, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and quality of care.
Insurance Insights:
Reforming the health-financing system is key to achieving universal health coverage, with a focus on increasing public spending and reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
See how Indonesia's healthcare compares with United States
🛂 Visa & Residency Pathways
🛂 Visa Services
Ready to apply for a Indonesia visa?
Get help with your application — tourist, long-stay, and residency visas processed online.
General Overview
Available Visa Types:
Process & Requirements:
Indonesia's visa system has been evolving but remains 'complex' for those seeking long-term stability. The primary route for expats is the work-based ITAS (Temporary Stay Permit), which requires sponsorship from an Indonesian company. Recently, Indonesia launched a 'Second Home Visa' aimed at wealthy investors, requiring a deposit of IDR 2 billion (approx. $130,000 USD) in an Indonesian bank or proof of luxury property ownership. There is also a Digital Nomad visa, but its long-term stability is still being established.
For retirees, there is a specific retirement ITAS, but it has age (55+) and income requirements that must be met. The variety of visas, each with distinct and often high financial or employment barriers, makes the system complex to navigate. The Directorate General of Immigration is the responsible authority (URL: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/en/). The bureaucracy is known to be significant, and using a local visa agent is almost always necessary.
Residency & Citizenship Notes:
The pathway to permanent residency (ITAP) is 'complex' but possible. It typically requires three to five years of continuous temporary residency on an ITAS, depending on the visa category (e.g., work vs. marriage to an Indonesian). The application process is handled within Indonesia and is a significant upgrade in status. The path to citizenship is 'difficult'. After five consecutive years of holding an ITAP (or ten non-consecutive years), a foreigner is eligible to apply for naturalization.
Applicants must be able to speak the Indonesian language, be financially self-sufficient, and have a clean criminal record. The most significant hurdle is that Indonesian law generally does not permit dual citizenship. An applicant must renounce their previous nationality to become an Indonesian citizen. This requirement, combined with the long residency timeline, makes citizenship an option that very few foreign residents choose to pursue.
🛂 Visa Matcher
See which Indonesia visas you qualify for
Answer 11 quick questions and get matched to the right visa for your situation.
Free · No signup required to see results
Detailed Visa Options
🧳 Tourist & Short-Stay Information
Extension Notes
The initial 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) can be extended once for an additional 30 days. This extension must be processed at an immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) within Indonesia.
Official Source: View Source
General Visa Notes
US citizens must obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) to enter Indonesia for tourism, which can be acquired at the airport or pre-applied for online as an e-VOA. The VOA is valid for 30 days. A passport valid for at least six months is required.
Official Source: View Source
🌴 Retirement / Passive Income Visa
Income Notes
As per regulations updated in 2023, applicants aged 55 and over must prove a pension fund or other passive income of at least USD 3,000 per month (USD 36,000 per year).
Official Source: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/
Health Insurance Notes
Applicants for Indonesia's Retirement KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) must provide proof of health insurance from an insurance company that is a legal entity in Indonesia. This is a mandatory document specified in the application requirements.
Official Source: https://www.imigrasi.go.id/
💻 Digital Nomad Visa
Income Notes
Indonesia does not have an official 'Digital Nomad Visa' yet, despite announcements. The most common route is the B211A Social-Cultural Visa, which can be sponsored for remote work and is valid for 60 days, extendable twice for a total of 180 days. While there's no official income requirement, visa agents often require applicants to show proof of funds (e.g., $2,000 USD).
Official Source: View Source
Tax Notes
As long as a nomad stays less than 183 days within a 12-month period, they are not considered an Indonesian tax resident. Income from outside Indonesia is not taxed. If a planned second-home visa is implemented, it will likely have different tax rules. Source: Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration.
📈 Investor Visa
Investment Details
Investment Options & Notes
The lowest tier requires establishing a company with a minimum value of $2.5 million to get a 5-year visa. The cheapest individual investor route is a $350,000 investment in Indonesian government bonds or public company shares for a 5-year visa. Source: Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 22 of 2023.
Path to Citizenship
Citizenship Notes
After 5 consecutive years of residency, an investor can apply for citizenship. The applicant must be able to speak Indonesian and pass a civics test. Dual citizenship is generally not allowed for naturalized citizens. Source: Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 12 of 2006 on Citizenship.
Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.
Compare health insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
🛡️ Safety & Stability
An estimation of overall safety level. Higher is better.
An estimation of the overall level of crime. Lower is better.
World Bank political stability estimate, rescaled to 0-100. Higher is better.
Safety Notes:
Crime Rate: Moderate. Indonesia experiences moderate levels of crime, with occasional violent incidents.
Types of Crime: Petty theft, burglary, and occasional violent crime.
Kidnapping Risk: Moderate; incidents have occurred, particularly in remote areas.
🏦 Taxation & Finance
🏦 Tax Snapshot
FEIE Interaction
FTC Utility: medium
Indonesia's top marginal rate is 35%, which exceeds the US top federal rate of 37% only marginally, but Indonesia's brackets result in meaningful Indonesian tax at mid-to-high income levels. FTC can be used to offset US tax on the same income, reducing double taxation. FTC utility is medium because FEIE typically covers a large portion of earned income for most expats, leaving the FTC most relevant for passive income, dividends, and higher earners above the FEIE limit. The Indonesian final withholding taxes on dividends and share transactions may not generate creditable FTC in all cases due to the final tax treatment.
Presence Day Count Notes
The physical presence test requires the taxpayer to be present in a foreign country or countries for 330 full days during any consecutive 12-month period. Indonesia does not present unusual day-count complications. Days in Indonesia count toward the 330-day threshold. The bona fide residence test is also available and may be easier to satisfy for long-term residents given Indonesia's defined residency rules (183 days or more in a 12-month period triggers tax residency).
FBAR Trigger Notes
FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) must be filed if aggregate balances in foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the calendar year. Indonesian bank accounts (rupiah or foreign currency) held at local banks such as BCA, Mandiri, BRI, or BNI are reportable. FATCA reporting on Form 8938 may also apply at higher thresholds ($200,000 single/$400,000 married filing jointly on the last day of the year, or $300,000/$600,000 at any point). Indonesia has signed a FATCA IGA with the US.
401k/IRA Treatment
Pension Income
Foreign pension income received by Indonesian tax residents is subject to progressive individual income tax rates up to 35%. The US-Indonesia tax treaty Article 18 covers pensions but does not grant exclusive taxing rights to the source country, meaning Indonesia may tax US pension income received by Indonesian residents. Applicable treaty provisions should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Locally TaxedSocial Security
Indonesia has no totalization agreement with the United States. US Social Security benefits received by Indonesian tax residents may be included in Indonesian taxable income as foreign-source income. The US-Indonesia income tax treaty does not contain a specific Social Security article. No treaty protection is definitively established for Social Security benefits.
Locally TaxedRoth Distributions
Roth distributions may be treated as ordinary income in Indonesia to the extent they constitute a return of earnings. The 1997 treaty does not explicitly address Roth accounts. Indonesian tax authorities would likely look to the character of the payment under domestic law, which may result in taxation at progressive rates. US tax-free treatment is not automatically recognized.
Locally TaxedUS 401k/IRA Distributions
Indonesia taxes worldwide income of tax residents. US 401k and IRA distributions received by Indonesian tax residents are generally included in taxable income and subject to progressive rates up to 35%. The 1997 US-Indonesia tax treaty (as amended) provides some protections for pension income but the treaty predates modern retirement account structures; treaty application to 401k/IRA distributions is not definitively settled. A foreign tax credit may be available for US taxes already withheld on distributions.
Locally TaxedTreaty ProtectedCapital Gains Tax
Indonesia does not have a separate capital gains tax regime for most assets. Gains on land and building transfers are subject to a final income tax of 2.5% of the transaction value (gross proceeds), paid by the seller. Gains on listed shares are subject to a final withholding tax of 0.1% of the gross transaction value. Gains on unlisted shares are taxed at the standard corporate or individual income tax rates, with top marginal at 35% for individuals. Founder shares in listed companies may attract an additional 0.5% final tax on the par value at IPO. The rate shown reflects the top marginal individual rate applicable to unlisted share disposals.
Indonesia taxes capital gains within the ordinary income tax framework for most assets. Several categories of gains are subject to final taxes at flat rates rather than marginal rates. Land and building transfers face a 2.5% final tax on gross proceeds. Listed share transactions face 0.1% final withholding on gross proceeds regardless of gain or loss. Unlisted share disposals and other asset gains are folded into ordinary income subject to progressive individual rates up to 35%.
Dividend Tax Rate
Under HPP Law No. 7/2021 (effective 2022), dividends paid to individual taxpayers are exempt from income tax provided the dividends are reinvested in Indonesia within a specified period. If the reinvestment condition is not met, dividends are taxed at 10% final withholding. Dividends paid to non-resident individuals or foreign entities are subject to 20% withholding tax, reducible under applicable tax treaties. The US-Indonesia tax treaty sets a reduced withholding rate of 15% on dividends (10% if the beneficial owner holds at least 25% of the paying company). Inter-corporate domestic dividends are generally exempt when received by domestic corporate shareholders.
exempt
Rate: 0.0%
Domestic dividends received by Indonesian individual taxpayers who reinvest the dividends in Indonesia within the prescribed period
flat
Rate: 10.0%
Final withholding on dividends to Indonesian individual taxpayers who do not meet the reinvestment requirement
withholding
Rate: 20.0%
Standard withholding on dividends paid to non-resident individuals or foreign entities absent a tax treaty
withholding
Rate: 15.0%
Reduced withholding rate applicable to US residents under the US-Indonesia tax treaty; 10% if beneficial owner holds 25% or more of the paying company
Tax Treaties Notes:
No US-Indonesia tax treaty. Tax residents (183+ days/year) pay income tax on worldwide earnings.
Retiree Tax Benefits:
Retiree visa (KITAS) available but no tax exemptions. Foreign pensions are taxable to Indonesian residents.
Cost Savings vs. U.S.:
Very affordable outside Bali/Jakarta. $1,500/month allows comfortable living.
Pick between Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) and Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit) with an expat tax service.
Get help with my expat taxesWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Recommended services for Indonesia
Recommended Partner
Fidelity →See how Indonesia's taxes compares with United States
☀️ Climate & Environment
Our proprietary index measuring annual average PM2.5 concentration. Lower is better (0-5 is good).
Our proprietary index for drinking water quality and sanitation. Higher is better.
😊 Quality of Life
Cultural Amenities:
Museums & Cultural Institutions
Indonesia offers a plethora of museums that showcase the archipelago’s fascinating past and vibrant present.
Performing Arts
Traditional genres of music, dance, and theater are integral to Indonesian culture, with efforts to transmit them to younger generations.
Cultural Festivals
Indonesia hosts various cultural festivals that celebrate its diverse traditions and communities.
Culinary Culture
Indonesian cuisine includes dishes like Tumpeng, a Javanese dish where rice is formed into a cone and served with complementary foods.
🌐 Infrastructure & Connectivity
Our proprietary ranking of public transit accessibility and reliability.
Internet Reliability:
Indonesia offers basic internet infrastructure with improving speeds, though reliability can be inconsistent across the vast archipelago.
Speed & Quality: Fixed broadband averages 74.88 Mbps with fiber expanding in major cities. Telkom, Indihome, and private providers offer varying quality services.
Availability: Good in Jakarta and major cities, decent in Bali tourist areas, limited on smaller islands.
Cost: Affordable at Rp 200,000-500,000 monthly for decent speeds, good value for local market.
Reliability for Remote Work: Reliability varies significantly by location. Bali and Jakarta generally stable for remote work, though backup connections recommended. Growing digital nomad community in Bali (Canggu, Ubud) with coworking spaces, but connection quality can be inconsistent.
Transportation Network:
Indonesia faces infrastructure challenges due to its archipelagic nature, with ongoing development across islands.
Roads: Highway infrastructure varies by island, with Java having the most developed network.
Rail: Limited rail infrastructure mainly on Java, with plans for expansion to other islands.
Domestic Travel: Extensive domestic aviation network essential for inter-island travel, with ferry services connecting islands.
Recommended services for Indonesia
Recommended Partner
Traveling Mailbox →Frequently Asked Questions about Indonesia
Click any question to expand the answer.
📚 Related Reading
Share This Guide
Indonesia's rules change. We'll tell you when.
Visa, tax, and cost updates for Indonesia, before they catch you out. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.