Cost of living in Medan
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, Indonesia, is a bustling city known for its diverse culture and vibrant economy. Understanding the cost of living in Medan is crucial for anyone considering moving to or investing in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Medan, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.67 on average, with a range between $1.26 and $4.03.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $7.53, with prices ranging from $6.9 to $12.55.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $2.82, with a range between $2.51 and $3.29.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.57 to $3.77, imported beer $2.2 to $5.33, cappuccino $1.26 to $1.57, and Coke/Pepsi $0.38 to $0.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.16 and $2.26 per liter, averaging $1.44.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.88 and $1.26, with an average price of $1.17.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.39 to $1.96, averaging $1.62.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.45 to $3.14 per kg, while oranges range from $0.94 to $2.51 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.5 and $0.94 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.31 to $0.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.31.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $0.89 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.86, with a cost of $6.28 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $125.52 to $282.42, averaging $177.82.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $43.93 to $156.9, averaging $98.32.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $470.7.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $251.04.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1569.01 to $2296.87, averaging $1811.63.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $627.61.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $62.76 and $101.61, averaging $82.19.
- Internet - Internet services range from $28.24 to $50.21, with an average cost of $36.59.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Indonesia are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Indonesia, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Medan offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for both locals and expatriates.
Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive meals available for as low as $1.26.
Housing is particularly affordable, especially outside the city centre, with 1-bedroom apartments available for under $100.
Transportation costs are minimal, with public transport and fuel prices being very low.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Medan presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
This makes it an appealing destination for those looking to enjoy a vibrant city life without the high costs associated with larger metropolitan areas.