Living in Jakarta has a lot to offer. Rental prices are very affordable and generous compared to most other Asian countries.
Find the best neighbourhood to live in first, especially if you’re new to the city. It largely depends on your expectations and needs, as well as your lifestyle. Once you have defined these, you can narrow down the possibilities and begin a targeted area to live.
Areas in Jakarta
- The weather in Jakarta is very hot and humid with a long rainy season. The capital is rich in cultural and culinary offerings.
- Traffic jams are a nightmare. However, Jakarta’s administration is working on a new advanced transportation system.
- There are various communities in Jakarta, each suitable for different needs.
- Health care is not always of the highest quality, so many expats in Jakarta rely on private health care. Before moving here, you need to make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Expat Guide to Living in Jakarta
Source: Freepik
Apartments
For the most part, Jakarta looks like a gigantic collection of countless rather low-rise houses, far fewer skyscrapers than other big cities in Asia. This means that if you live on the upper floors of an apartment building, you likely have an unobstructed view of the city.
The apartment complexes usually have spacious common areas such as gyms, pools, and gardens. Living in the air also means escaping pollution, heat, and the ever-present mosquitoes. However, you should consider that apartment rents tend to be higher than house rents. Also, many apartments do not allow dogs on the premises.
Compound
Most expatriate areas in Jakarta have facilities of varying sizes. This option is often the best choice for families with small children. You live in your own home, but in a safe area with playgrounds, green common areas, playgrounds, swimming pools, and usually a large neighborhood community.
You can enjoy things that are practically impossible in the city such as being free to move around independently, see friends whenever they want, have freedom of movement, and have many children to befriend.
Another plus point is of course safety. Compared to a few years ago, the number of robberies has decreased. However, they are still there and the site usually has security 24 hours a day.
Stand Alone House
Living in a spacious detached house with a garden and swimming pool is the ‘traditional’ lifestyle of an expat in Jakarta. Single-family homes are usually the most cost-effective option.
If you are from a country or city where detached house living is not possible or affordable, this style of living may feel like paradise.
Services such as gardening, security and maintenance are typically available in Jakarta and can be easily arranged.
Also read: Jakarta at Night: Things to Do, From Bars to Night Markets
Cost Living in Jakarta
Source: Freepik
Jakarta, the capital, is the center of economic activity in Indonesia. Its strategic location and infrastructure boom have made it the highest Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Indonesia at IDR 7,600,000 (US$521.89), which is higher than other cities in its neighbourhood.
Of course, the cost of living in Jakarta for low-income individuals with a monthly income of less than IDR 5,000,000 (US$343.35) is still considered very high.
However, this index shows that it is affordable for expats as it is slightly cheaper than other cities and countries such as Manila (Philippines) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
Simply put, a month needs to pocket more than IDR 5,000,000 (US$343.35) to live in Jakarta, not including rent and other expenses. If you live a frugal life, this amount is enough and to get good food, lodging, and more, you need to know where these hidden gems are. How comfortable you will be living in Jakarta depends on your lifestyle.
Where to Live in Jakarta
Jakarta is divided into several areas, each with its own administrative system. Since Jakarta is officially a state rather than a city, it’s best to briefly introduce each area.
Central Jakarta
Central Jakarta is the smallest area. Although it is the administrative and political center of Jakarta, it is also a very good place to live. With its large parks, Dutch colonial buildings and European flair, this neighborhood is considered one of the wealthiest.
West Jakarta
West Jakarta contains numerous small industries. It is also home to Jakarta’s “Chinatown” due to its large Chinese population.
South Jakarta
South Jakarta is probably the most prosperous area of the state. With large upscale shopping malls and affluent residential neighborhoods, it’s a great place to live if your budget allows. In addition to shopping and residential districts, the administrative district also includes the Jakarta Central Business District. Expat families living in South Jakarta appreciate the proximity to multiple international schools.
East Jakarta
East Jakarta is a difficult area to live in as it is home to several industries in Jakarta as well as the Halim Perdanakusuma Airport.
North Jakarta
North Jakarta, located on the Java Sea is also not favored by expats as it contains a commercial port and many industrial areas. However, it also boasts one of the largest tourist areas in all of Southeast Asia, Ancol Dreamland.
Area
- Kemang – excitement and convenience right at your doorstep
- Pondok Indah – wide street with elegant and spacious houses
- Kebayoran Baru – a unique home in a special setting
- Cipete – a big house with a garden
- Cilandak – affordable good homes and land
- Senayan – urban lifestyle in luxury apartments
- Menteng – shady tropical streets, colloquial-style houses and traditional villas in the famous area
- Kuningan – living where life happens
- BSD – living in the outskirts of Jakarta
If you’re an expat and new in Jakarta, visit our site for more Jakarta and Indonesia guides for your assistance.
Also, if you’re looking for visa and legal services in Jakarta, contact Indonesia’s Most Trusted Visa Agency – LetsMoveIndonesia or contact them using any of the contact details here: WA: +62 812 9260 0590, T: +62 21 300 297 27 (Jakarta) T: +62 361 934 8343 (Seminyak) T: +62 361 939 9406 (Canggu), T: +62 361 280 789 (Sanur), E: info@letsmoveindonesia.com
