Thailand vs Indonesia: Which Is Cheaper?
Indonesia is the cheaper country overall — about 29% less than Thailand, or roughly $736 versus $1,036 a month for a single person (population-weighted across 6 and 7 cities). A city-centre one-bedroom averages $332 in Indonesia against $679 in Thailand. Indonesia rates higher on safety (64 vs 58/100). Internet is faster in Thailand (265 vs 31 Mbps). Healthcare scores 78 vs 57/100, favouring Thailand.
Thailand vs Indonesia at a glance
| Metric | Thailand | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living / mo | $1,036 | $736 |
| Rent (1BR, centre) / mo | $679 | $332 |
| Safety | 58/100 | 64/100 |
| Internet | 265 Mbps | 31 Mbps |
| Healthcare | 78/100 | 57/100 |
| Walkability | 52/100 | 35/100 |
| English spoken | 20% | 20% |
| Avg temperature | 88°F | 87°F |
| Digital nomad visa | Yes | Yes |
Figures are population-weighted averages across 7 cities in Thailand and 6 in Indonesia.
Cost range by country
In Thailand, monthly costs run from Ko Pha-ngan at $700 up to Phuket at $1,214.
In Indonesia, monthly costs run from Yogyakarta at $671 up to Bali (Denpasar) at $1,311.
Thailand vs Indonesia FAQ
Is Thailand or Indonesia cheaper to live in?
Indonesia is cheaper — about $736 a month for a single person versus $1,036 — roughly 29% less.
Is Thailand or Indonesia safer?
Indonesia scores higher on safety: 64/100 versus 58/100.
Is Thailand or Indonesia better for retirement?
It depends on priorities: Indonesia is cheaper ($736 vs $1,036/mo), while Thailand scores higher on healthcare (78 vs 57/100).
Which is better for digital nomads, Thailand or Indonesia?
Thailand has faster internet (265 vs 31 Mbps), but Indonesia stretches a remote income further at $736/mo.
Is Thailand or Indonesia better to visit?
Indonesia is the more budget-friendly trip at roughly $736 a month for day-to-day costs, and it also rates higher on safety (64/100). Both offer plenty of variety — 7 cities in Thailand and 6 in Indonesia.
Which should you choose?
Thailand and Indonesia are closely matched — Thailand leads on faster internet, better healthcare, better walkability, Indonesia on a lower cost of living, cheaper rent, higher safety. Choose by the one or two factors that matter most to you.
Choose Thailand for
- faster internet
- better healthcare
- better walkability
Choose Indonesia for
- a lower cost of living
- cheaper rent
- higher safety