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Cost of Living in Medan

Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia · Population 3,632,000

▲ +8% vs Indonesia average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)Rp7,276,317 ($449)
Couple, monthlyRp13,007,779 ($803)
Family of four, monthlyRp16,912,400 ($1,044)

Estimated Prices in Medan

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurantRp74,795 ($4.62)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-rangeRp299,182 ($18.47)per meal
CappuccinoRp22,439 ($1.39)each
Monthly groceries (single person)Rp1,695,362 ($105)per month
Monthly public transport passRp274,250 ($16.93)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartmentRp723,022 ($44.63)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)Rp209,427 ($12.93)per month
Fitness club membershipRp209,427 ($12.93)per month
Cinema ticketRp54,850 ($3.39)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centreRp3,291,813 ($203)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centreRp2,289,957 ($141)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centreRp6,869,871 ($424)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Medan is Rp7,756,560 ($479) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of Rp7,276,317 ($449) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly Rp9,459,212 ($584) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (Rp2,289,957 ($141)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Medan

Medan vs JakartaMedan vs BandungMedan vs SurabayaMedan vs LembokMedan vs BekasiMedan vs Tangerang

Nearby Cities

Tanjung Morawa

15 km away · Sumatera Utara

Pancur Batu

16 km away · Sumatera Utara

Binjai

21 km away · Sumatera Utara

Lubuk Pakam

22 km away · Sumatera Utara

Berastagi

48 km away · Sumatera Utara

Tebingtinggi

62 km away · Sumatera Utara

Pematangsiantar

82 km away · Sumatera Utara

Parapat

108 km away · Sumatera Utara

Other Major Cities in Indonesia

Jakarta

Jakarta · pop. 33,756,000

Rp8,384,719 ($518) / mo

Bandung

Jawa Barat · pop. 7,203,000

Rp8,245,444 ($509) / mo

Surabaya

Jawa Timur · pop. 6,556,000

Rp8,245,444 ($509) / mo

Lembok

Nusa Tenggara Barat · pop. 3,352,988

Rp7,276,317 ($449) / mo

Bekasi

Jawa Barat · pop. 2,381,053

Rp7,276,317 ($449) / mo

Tangerang

Jawa Barat · pop. 2,237,006

Rp7,276,317 ($449) / mo

Semarang

Jawa Tengah · pop. 1,621,384

Rp7,276,317 ($449) / mo

Palembang

Sumatera Selatan · pop. 1,535,952

Rp7,276,317 ($449) / mo

Living in Medan

Medan is one of the key cities in Indonesia. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is Rp7,276,317 ($449), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around Rp2,289,957 ($141) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to Rp16,912,400 ($1,044) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately Rp13,007,779 ($803) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Medan is Rp7,756,560 ($479). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least Rp9,459,212 ($584) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Medan expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated Rp7,276,317 ($449) per month in Medan including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Indonesia.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Medan?
A net salary of around Rp9,459,212 ($584) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Medan with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Medan is Rp7,756,560 ($479).
How much is rent in Medan?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated Rp3,291,813 ($203) per month in the city centre and Rp2,289,957 ($141) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about Rp6,869,871 ($424).
Is Medan cheaper than Indonesia on average?
No — Medan is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Indonesia average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Medan?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at Rp1,695,362 ($105) in Medan. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about Rp74,795 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around Rp22,439 ($1).
How do transport costs in Medan compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Medan is estimated at Rp274,250 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Medan are estimates based on Indonesia national averages adjusted for city size (population 3,632,000). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.