Cost of Living in Semarang

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: IDR 2,500,000 - 4,000,000 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: IDR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: IDR 5,000,000 - 8,000,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: IDR 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: IDR 15,000,000 - 25,000,000 Price per square meter outside city center: IDR 8,000,000 - 15,000,000
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: IDR 3,500 Monthly transport pass: IDR 150,000 - 200,000 Taxi starting tariff: IDR 7,000 Taxi per kilometer: IDR 3,500 - 4,000 Gasoline (1 liter): IDR 7,500 - 9,000
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): IDR 12,000 - 16,000 Bread (500g): IDR 10,000 - 15,000 Rice (1kg): IDR 10,000 - 14,000 Eggs (12): IDR 14,000 - 18,000 Chicken breasts (1kg): IDR 30,000 - 40,000 Beef (1kg): IDR 100,000 - 120,000 Apples (1kg): IDR 20,000 - 30,000 Oranges (1kg): IDR 20,000 - 25,000 Tomatoes (1kg): IDR 10,000 - 15,000 Water (1.5-liter bottle): IDR 5,000 - 8,000
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: IDR 15,000 - 30,000 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: IDR 100,000 - 200,000 Fast food meal: IDR 30,000 - 50,000 Cappuccino: IDR 15,000 - 30,000 Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): IDR 5,000 - 10,000 Water (0.33-liter bottle): IDR 3,000 - 5,000
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: IDR 500,000 - 1,500,000 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): IDR 300,000 - 500,000 per month Mobile call per minute (local): IDR 500 - 1,500
Private School Tuition	Preschool: IDR 15,000,000 - 30,000,000 per year Elementary School: IDR 20,000,000 - 40,000,000 per year Middle School: IDR 25,000,000 - 50,000,000 per year High School: IDR 30,000,000 - 60,000,000 per year

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific area within Semarang and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Can I live in Semarang on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Semarang for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants or go shopping for luxury items as often as you'd like. But overall, the in Semarang is quite affordable, especially when compared to other major cities in Indonesia.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent apartment or house in a safe and convenient neighborhood for around $300 to $500 a month. Some affordable neighborhoods to consider are Pedurungan, Gajah Mungkur, and Candisari. These areas offer a good mix of local and expat communities, as well as easy access to public transportation, supermarkets, and other amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Semarang Barat and Semarang Selatan, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.In terms of transportation, you can save money by using public transportation like buses or angkots (minivans), which are quite cheap and can get you around the city easily. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike for around $50 to $70 a month, which gives you more flexibility and freedom to explore the city at your own pace.Eating out can be very affordable in Semarang, especially if you stick to local street food and warungs (small, family-owned restaurants). You can enjoy a delicious meal for as little as $1 to $3. However, if you prefer to cook at home, you can find fresh produce and groceries at local markets and supermarkets at reasonable prices.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from. You can visit local attractions like the Sam Poo Kong Temple, Lawang Sewu, or the Great Mosque of Central Java for just a few dollars. There are also numerous parks, beaches, and hiking trails in and around the city that you can enjoy for free or at a low cost.In conclusion, living in Semarang on a $1,500 monthly budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and enjoying local food and attractions, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience in this beautiful Indonesian city," commented an expat living in Semarang.

Can I live in Semarang on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Semarang for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more budget-friendly areas in Semarang include Pedurungan, Genuk, and Candisari. These neighborhoods offer a good mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent housing options at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Semarang Barat, Banyumanik, and Tembalang, as the cost of living in these areas can be significantly higher.When it comes to transportation, you'll find that public transport is quite affordable in Semarang. You can use angkots (small public buses) or online ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek to get around the city. Owning a car might not be necessary, and it can save you a lot of money on maintenance, fuel, and parking fees.Eating out can be quite affordable in Semarang, especially if you're open to trying local Indonesian cuisine. There are plenty of street food vendors and local restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals for just a few dollars. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you might find that your food expenses can add up quickly.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Semarang. You can visit local attractions like the Sam Poo Kong Temple, Lawang Sewu, or the Great Mosque of Central Java, which usually have low entrance fees. There are also several shopping malls and cinemas where you can enjoy a movie or do some shopping without breaking the bank. However, if you're into more expensive hobbies like golf or fine dining, you might need to cut back on these activities to stay within your budget.In terms of healthcare, you'll find that medical services in Semarang are generally affordable, especially compared to Western countries. However, it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.Overall, living in Semarang on a $3,000 monthly budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being open to local food and entertainment options, you can make the most of your time in this vibrant Indonesian city," said one expat living in Semarang.

Can I live in Semarang on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Semarang for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than you would in many Western countries.As for sacrifices, I wouldn't say there are many. You might have to adjust to the local culture and customs, but that's part of the experience of living abroad. The biggest challenge might be the language barrier, but many people here speak English, and you can always take language classes to improve your Bahasa Indonesia skills.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are several neighborhoods that offer a good balance of affordability and modern amenities. Some of the more affordable areas include Pedurungan, Gajah Mungkur, and Banyumanik. These neighborhoods have a mix of local and expat residents, and you can find nice houses or apartments for rent at reasonable prices.On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Semarang Barat, Candisari, or Tembalang. These areas are more expensive, but they offer a higher standard of living, with more modern housing options, better infrastructure, and a wider range of amenities. However, if you're trying to stick to a $5,000 a month budget, you might find that these neighborhoods are a bit too pricey.In terms of daily expenses, you'll find that the cost of living in Semarang is quite low compared to Western countries. You can eat out at local restaurants for just a few dollars, and even high-end dining options are relatively affordable. Groceries, transportation, and other essentials are also quite cheap, so you should have no trouble making your budget work.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Semarang on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You'll be able to enjoy a good quality of life, with access to modern amenities and a relatively low cost of living. Just be prepared to adapt to the local culture and customs, and you'll have a great experience living here," commented an expat living in Semarang.