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Samarinda, Indonesia

🌊 Coastal

Data updated Sep 3, 2026

Follows Indonesia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

FIRE

Retiree

Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 74)

Living in Samarinda means dealing with a city that sprawls across 718 square kilometers along the Mahakam River. It’s the most populous city on Borneo, but don’t expect a bustling metropolis — this is a place where urban sprawl meets riverfront life. The city is divided into 10 districts, each with its own vibe, but navigating between them can be a hassle due to limited public transport.

Samarinda thrives as East Kalimantan’s economic hub, with the busiest container port in the region and a strong banking presence. The local food scene is worth exploring, especially amplang, a traditional fish cracker, and sarung samarinda, a unique woven cloth. While the city ranks high on the Human Development Index and was named one of Indonesia’s Most Liveable Cities in 2022, daily life here requires patience. The humid climate and riverfront location mean mosquitoes are a constant nuisance.

Samarinda works for expats who want to live in Borneo’s economic center without the chaos of Jakarta. It’s not for those who crave cosmopolitan amenities or efficient infrastructure.

🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1200/mo

Selected: mid-range lifestyle

A mid-range budget allows for a comfortable lifestyle in Samarinda. This includes renting a larger apartment closer to the city center, dining at a mix of local and international restaurants, using taxis or ride-hailing services, and enjoying some leisure activities like movies or gym memberships. This tier suits couples or individuals seeking a balance between local immersion and familiar comforts.

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L)$1.15

Eggs (12)$1.5

Eating Out

Cappuccino$1.47

Restaurant Density0.4 /km²

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo)$29.44

Gym (mo)$14.72

Cinema Ticket$2.94

Housing

1BR Center (mo)$300

1BR Outside (mo)$200

3BR Center (mo)$600

3BR Outside (mo)$400

A 1BR in the center runs about $300/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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💰 Real Spend Reports

🛡️ Safety & Crime

Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Samarinda presents moderate safety challenges typical of a large Indonesian city. Petty theft, pickpocketing, and motorcycle robbery occur regularly, particularly in crowded markets and at night. Avoid displaying valuables, use registered taxis or ride-apps, and stay out of poorly-lit areas after dark. Gang activity and occasional violent crime exist but rarely target expats directly. The city lacks the infrastructure and police responsiveness of Jakarta or Bali, making self-reliance essential. For expats comfortable with vigilance and basic precautions, it's manageable; those seeking low-crime environments should look elsewhere.

Samarinda has a safety index of 50/100. Petty theft and lost belongings are the most common problems for newcomers. Compare travel insurance before you go.

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🏥 Healthcare

Fair

Public Hospitals

Yes

Private Clinics

Yes

English-Speaking Doctors

Limited

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp

32°C°C

Winter Temp

23°C°C

Humidity

82%%

Air Quality Index

Best Months

MayJunJulAug

Climate Notes

Tropical rainforest climate; consistently hot and wet year-round.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed

20.9 Mbps

Coworking Availability

Limited

Digital Nomad Score

53/100

Community Notes

Name	Price/mo	Notes
Regus Samarinda	$120	Regus offers a reliable, professional coworking environment in Samarinda. Located in a central business district, it provides standard amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and administrative support, making it a convenient option for expats seeking a familiar and functional workspace.
Ruang Kerja Samarinda	$80	Ruang Kerja is a popular coworking chain in Indonesia, offering a modern and collaborative workspace. While specific Samarinda location details may vary, expect standard amenities like Wi-Fi, printing, and meeting rooms. It's a good option for connecting with local entrepreneurs and remote workers.

Planning to live in Samarinda long-term? Indonesia Remote Worker Visa (E33G) lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $2,000/month.

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Working remotely from Samarinda? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.

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