The Real Cost of Renting in Indonesia (2026 Breakdown)

The expat guide to renting in Indonesia 2026 Discover the best locations, rent levels and everything you need to know for renting in Indonesia in 2026 Rent levels in Indonesia Indonesia has a relatively flexible real estate market with rent levels varying significantly from one area to another. The lowest rent levels are found in the city of Yogyakarta where one can rent an apartment from as low as IDR 3,500,000 per month, while the most expensive are found in Jakarta, where the rent can easily exceed IDR 20,000,000 a month. Renting apartments and houses in Indonesia While expats have to obtain a KITAS in order to lease property in Indonesia, landlords and estate agents generally accept other required documents such as a Copy of your passport and your Marriage Certificate (if applicable) in addition to a guarantee and/or a rent guarantee. Read about extra costs and common issues related to renting an apartment or house in Indonesia.

• Rental costs vary significantly across cities, with Jakarta being the most expensive.
• Most lease agreements are for a minimum of one year. Landlords will most likely ask for a deposit ranging from one to three months rent.
• Essential documents include a passport, KITAS, and proof of income.
• Negotiating rent is a common practice, especially for long-term leases.
• Utilities and additional fees are generally not included in the rental price.

Indonesia may not be the cheapest place to live but it has its fair share of affordable housing options. Renting in Indonesia can also be pretty chaotic especially for newcomers to the country.

Cost of Living and Rent in Indonesia

Rent in Indonesia is extremely variable across cities and types of accommodation. We will take a look at rent prices in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city, which has a large number of accommodation options. The rent prices mentioned are valid as of 2026. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre of Jakarta is around IDR 8,000,000. This works out to approximately €500 or USD 530. Meanwhile, the average monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is IDR 20,000,000 (€1,250 or USD 1,320).

Bali is a beautiful island known for its landscapes and culture and has a slightly lower rental prices. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you IDR 6,500,000 (€410 or $430). You can rent a 3-bedroom villa in the suburbs of the city for IDR 15,000,000 (€940 or $990). Yogyakarta is a historic city and is an education hub, so it has also the lowest rental prices. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around IDR 3,500,000 (€220 or $230).

Requirements for Renting in Indonesia

Renting a property in Indonesia can be a little more complicated than renting one in your home country. Here are a few points to bear in mind: - The length of the lease agreement is usually 1 year, but sometimes shorter terms can be arranged for a higher rent. - A security deposit of 1 to 3 months’ rent is generally required for expats.

A valid passport, a KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) and proof of income are required as the most important documents. This to verify that the tenant has the legal permit to stay in Indonesia and has the ability to afford the rent of the accommodation. Be sure to always verify the completeness of the documents before concluding a rental agreement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting in Indonesia

Renting a property in Indonesia is very difficult, at least in our experience, and is even more complicated if you're a foreigner and don't fully understand local customs and expressions. One major problem isn't fully understanding what local landlords mean when they use terms that sound like those we're familiar with in the West. To give an example, a “Kos” is some sort of boarding house and we were originally under the impression that this would be somewhere you could rent a room and perhaps have access to a shared toilet and sink but with hot water, etc. available for a small charge. In fact, what typically exists in a “Kos” is a very basic dormitory-style boarding house with shared toilets, showers and all other facilities, not exactly what you would call ideal!

A common mistake is the fact that many expats tend to neglect some very important legislation when searching for a place to rent. Most rentals aren't permissible for foreigners, which could cause quite a few problems in the future. Other bills and charges that often catch people out include utility bills, maintenance fees and service charges.

- Be sure to find out what the total monthly charge for utilities will be so you can accurately plan your budget.

Tips for Negotiating Rent in Indonesia

In Indonesia it's fairly common to negotiate rent when renting a place for a long period. Most of the landlords will have an open mind when it comes to the rental price and it's easy to determine the correct market price and use it as your guideline for negotiations. it's therefore wise to mention the length of your rental period when starting the discussion in order to make a good starting position for your request.

In Florida, using a real estate agent with good references can help with the negotiations of a property. A licensed real estate agent knows the market inside and out and can give valuable advice. The real estate agent will also be able to warn you in the event of a scam, which unfortunately does sometimes occur.

The Importance of Property Inspections

Before you agree to anything in a rental agreement, it's wise to carry out an examination of the rental premises. This will ensure that the premises are in a satisfactory condition and are fit for your needs. It may also highlight any potential problems such as leaks, light switches that don’t work and other electrical issues that could cause you problems in the rental premises.

it's always best to view a property in person in order to form a good idea as to the conditions of the property and the local area. In the unlikely event that you're unable to visit a property in person, we would recommend that you appoint a trustworthy local agent to view on your behalf.

2026 Updates on the Indonesian Rental Market

By 2026, the rental industry in Indonesia is expected to undergo a shift in various ways. One of the changes is the rise in demand for environmentally friendly accommodations, as in many other parts of the world. Hence, the renters tend to opt for more sustainable properties that make use of energy-efficient appliances and use eco-friendly materials.

Foreigners will also be impacted as the government is implementing stricter rules on real estate ownership and rental agreements for expats. These regulations aim to ensure that all parties involved in renting or buying real estate are fairly treated.

You may also wish to consider any eco-friendly features the property may have, as these could help to reduce your future energy costs, and have a positive effect on the environment.

City Comparisons: Jakarta vs. Bali vs. Yogyakarta

The most expensive places to rent in Indonesia are Jakarta, which is also the country’s economic center. Bali offers the best balance of affordability and quality of life in a relatively city-oriented environment, yet with plenty of opportunities to explore nature. The cheapest option is Yogyakarta, which is popular with students and those wishing to immerse themselves in Indonesian culture.

International Comparisons: Indonesia vs. Thailand vs. Vietnam

Compared to other countries in the region, the rental market in Indonesia is closest to Thailand in terms of pricing but Thailand offers more flexibility in lease agreements. Vietnam offers lower rentals but also offers fewer upscale and modern rentals.

These international comparisons highlight Indonesia's competitive position within the region, making it an attractive destination for expats seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.

Every so often I think about heading off to a different city in Indonesia. You see the options and pros and cons in each place differ significantly and it may be that somewhere else is more suitable for my current circumstances. Cities across Indonesia offer up vastly different options in terms of cost versus benefit.

Understanding Legal Regulations for Expats

Renting out an apartment in Indonesia can be quite the process for expats. Knowing a little bit about the Indonesian law regarding the renting out of an apartment in Indonesia can make the rental process for expats a little bit less confusing. To rent an apartment out in Indonesia you'll need to have a KITAS or KITAP. The KITAS or KITAP proves that you have a legal residence in Indonesia, therefore you can enter into an agreement for renting an apartment.

it's also important to confirm that the property can be rented to foreigners. Certain restrictions may apply. We advise you to seek the advice of a lawyer or a real estate agent in this regard.

Additional Costs to Consider When Renting

In addition to base rent, the tenant needs to think about other costs. Such as electricity, water, and internet bill. These charges are generally not taken into account in the base rent.

Also check that you're aware of any other charges which may include management fees and/or service charges which again may vary from property to property, and area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indonesia

Can foreigners rent property in Indonesia?

Yes, but you'll need a KITAS or KITAP and you must comply with local regulations.

What is the average cost of renting in Bali?

Monthly rental for a 1-bedroom apartment in city center: IDR 6,500,000 (€410, $430)

Are utilities included in the rent?

Typically not. Tenants usually pay separately for electricity, water, and internet.

Is it possible to rent short-term in Indonesia?

These flats can be rented out but they tend to be more expensive and are in great demand.

What should I check before signing a lease?

1. Confirm that the lease is legally and properly drawn and executed. 2. Examine the premises. 3. Verify that all terms and conditions of the lease are correctly documented.

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