Cost of Living in Medan, Indonesia

Are you considering a move to Medan, Indonesia, and wondering about the cost of living? Medan is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Medan and help you understand whether $931 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $273.55.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Medan, Indonesia
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1.78 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

10.02 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

2.75 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

1.94 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.75 $

Cappuccino (regular)

1.4 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.62 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.32 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.36 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.23 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

0.83 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.52 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

5.23 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

2.93 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

8.94 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.56 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.08 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.51 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.01 $

Potato (1 lb)

0.75 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.7 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.5 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.45 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

8.08 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.01 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.0 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

2.26 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.32 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

6.46 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

0.48 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

0.29 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

3.93 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.83 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

30695.35 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

32310.9 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

77.96 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

33.27 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

25.85 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

7.43 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

3.23 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

79.7 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

10822.0 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

71.41 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

43.08 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

148.63 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

88.32 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

183.1 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

245.56 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

403.89 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

226.18 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

1973.06 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

818.54 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

273.55 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

11.5 %

Cost of Living in Medan, Indonesia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Medan?

The monthly expenses for living in Medan come to a total of approximately $931. This includes an average monthly rent of around $183 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $94 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $341 per month.

How affordable is living in Medan?

Living in Medan appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $273.55. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Medan, you would likely need an income exceeding $273.55.

What is the average salary in Medan?

In Medan, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $273.55, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Medan?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Medan is approximately $183. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $245.56 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Medan?

The expense for groceries in Medan can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $304 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Indonesia?

The cost of living in Indonesia can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Indonesia.

Medan, Indonesia

How Safe Is Medan, Indonesia for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Medan, Indonesia

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

The city is not too safe. The crime rate is medium, and incidents often happen with both locals and tourists. If you travel to Medan, you should take care of additional safety measures and always watch out for your belongings.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is not safe and is not recommended for use by tourists. In the city, it is better to travel by car or taxi. Taxi is secure if you call from the application or take a licensed service. Make sure the taxi driver has turned on the taximeter.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There are many pickpockets. They can operate in tourist places and markets/shops. Be very careful, especially if you are distracted on the street. Often scammers work in pairs. Do not carry original documents and large amounts of cash. Do not shine with expensive jewelry.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The most frequent disaster in Medan City is a flood, which occurred almost every year over the last ten years. Climate change has caused increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall in North Sumatra in recent years. It triggers the occurrence of floods.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Unfortunately, armed robberies are quite common. Tourists often become their victims. You should be especially careful when traveling to Medan. It is better not to appear on the streets late at night and not to go alone.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Indonesia. Terrorist groups have the capacity and intent to carry out attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Types of attacks have included suicide bombings and small-arms fire, targeting public and crowded places.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The primary fraud in Bandung is associated with overpricing for tourists. Usually, white people of western appearance are immediately regarded as tourists and can offer you things and souvenirs at a price that exceeds the present time by 10. Also, fraud with the cost of a taxi ride is possible. Make sure the driver turns on the taximeter.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women are not advised to travel alone to Medan. Most likely, it will not be safe. If you are traveling solo, then take increased security measures. Do not go outside after sunset; only move by taxi.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Visitors to Indonesia must obtain a visa from one of the Indonesian diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for six months as well as a valid return ticket.

currency_exchange

Currency

The rupiah is the official currency of Indonesia. Issued and controlled by Bank Indonesia. It has sign Rp. The rupiah is divided into 100 sen, although inflation has rendered all coins and banknotes denominated in sen obsolete.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The best times to visit Medan for ideal weather are June to August. Average temperatures in Medan vary barely at all, and the weather feels hot all year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Kualanamu International Airport is an international airport serving Medan, Indonesia. It is located in Deli Serdang regency, 23 km east of downtown Medan. Kualanamu is the third largest airport and the fifth busiest airport in Indonesia.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Medan, Indonesia

What about weather in Medan, Indonesia ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 87°F 88°F 90°F 90°F 90°F 90°F 90°F 89°F 88°F 87°F 87°F 86°F
Temp 80°F 81°F 82°F 82°F 82°F 82°F 82°F 81°F 80°F 80°F 80°F 80°F
Low 75°F 75°F 75°F 76°F 76°F 76°F 75°F 75°F 75°F 75°F 75°F 75°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 30°C 31°C 32°C 32°C 32°C 32°C 32°C 31°C 31°C 30°C 30°C 30°C
Temp 26°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 27°C 26°C 26°C 26°C 26°C
Low 23°C 23°C 23°C 24°C 24°C 24°C 23°C 23°C 23°C 23°C 23°C 23°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Indonesia with Medan

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries