India vs Indonesia: Which Is Cheaper?
India is the cheaper country overall — about 19% less than Indonesia, or roughly $593 versus $736 a month for a single person (population-weighted across 6 and 6 cities). A city-centre one-bedroom averages $332 in Indonesia against $381 in India. Indonesia rates higher on safety (64 vs 47/100). Internet is faster in India (54 vs 31 Mbps). Healthcare scores 65 vs 57/100, favouring India.
India vs Indonesia at a glance
| Metric | India | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living / mo | $593 | $736 |
| Rent (1BR, centre) / mo | $381 | $332 |
| Safety | 47/100 | 64/100 |
| Internet | 54 Mbps | 31 Mbps |
| Healthcare | 65/100 | 57/100 |
| Walkability | 44/100 | 35/100 |
| English spoken | 42% | 20% |
| Avg temperature | 81°F | 87°F |
| Digital nomad visa | No | Yes |
Figures are population-weighted averages across 6 cities in India and 6 in Indonesia.
Cost range by country
In India, monthly costs run from Jaipur at $391 up to Mumbai at $775.
In Indonesia, monthly costs run from Yogyakarta at $671 up to Bali (Denpasar) at $1,311.
India vs Indonesia FAQ
Is India or Indonesia cheaper to live in?
India is cheaper — about $593 a month for a single person versus $736 — roughly 19% less.
Is India or Indonesia safer?
Indonesia scores higher on safety: 64/100 versus 47/100.
Is India or Indonesia better for retirement?
India is the stronger pick for retirees — both cheaper ($593/mo) and higher on healthcare (65/100).
Which is better for digital nomads, India or Indonesia?
India — it pairs faster internet (54 Mbps) with the lower cost of living ($593/mo), the combination most remote workers want.
Is India or Indonesia better to visit?
India is the more budget-friendly trip at roughly $593 a month for day-to-day costs, while Indonesia edges it on safety (64/100). Both offer plenty of variety — 6 cities in India and 6 in Indonesia.
Which should you choose?
On balance, India comes out ahead — it leads on a lower cost of living, faster internet, better healthcare and is the cheaper of the two at $593/mo.
Choose India for
- a lower cost of living
- faster internet
- better healthcare
- better walkability
Choose Indonesia for
- cheaper rent
- higher safety