Jakarta vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Jakarta is ~70% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Jakarta
Indonesia
COL+Rent
21.6
Rent Index
12.3
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
18.8
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Jakarta | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $459 | $2,503 | $2,044 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $311 | $1,960 | $1,649 |
| Groceries | $218 | $422 | $204 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $28 | $24 |
| Transit Pass | $13 | $113 | $100 |
| Utilities | $50 | $258 | $208 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Jakarta | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $543/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $800/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $972/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Jakarta | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $5,063/mo | +$3,563 |
| $2,000/mo | $6,750/mo | +$4,750 |
| $3,000/mo | $10,125/mo | +$7,125 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Jakarta vs London for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Jakarta is approximately 70% more affordable than London when combining rent and daily living costs. Jakarta's COL+Rent Index of 21.6 vs London's 72.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Jakarta costs $459/month versus $2,503/month in London — giving Jakarta a $2,044/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $24,528 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Jakarta ($218/mo) vs London ($422/mo) reflect Jakarta's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $4 vs $28 show Jakarta is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Jakarta offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $800 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.