Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, Indonesia, is a vibrant city known for its rich culture and economic significance. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Samarinda, 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 $1.88 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $12.55, with prices ranging from $9.41 to $15.69.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.96, with a range between $5.65 and $6.28.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $3.14, imported beer $1.57, cappuccino $1.57, and Coke/Pepsi $0.52.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.07 and $1.38 per liter, averaging $1.22.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.75 and $1.19, with an average price of $0.97.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.31 to $1.88, averaging $1.6.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.5 to $8.99 per kg, while oranges range from $0.94 to $1.47 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.13 and $1.88 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.57 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.47 and $0.78 per liter, averaging $0.63.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.94, with a cost of $6.28 per hour of waiting.
  • Car Purchase - A new Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l costs approximately $27,671.11.

Housing Costs

  • Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) - The average monthly net salary in Samarinda is $371.86.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost around $31.38 per month.
  • Internet - Internet services average $62.76 per month.
Worldwide
Indonesia

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$1.88
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$12.55
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.96
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.14
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.57
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.52
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.41
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.57
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.22
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.97
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.60
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.08
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.60
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$4.71
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.29
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.99
Apples (1kg)
$5.75
Oranges (1kg)
$1.21
Potato (1kg)
$1.51
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.57
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.77
Tomato (1kg)
$1.63
Banana (1kg)
$1.26
Onion (1kg)
$2.04
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$11.20
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.63
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.94
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$6.28
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$27,671.11
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$31.38
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$62.76
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$15.69
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.14
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$371.86
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
11.59%
Samarinda Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Samarinda offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.

Dining out is particularly inexpensive, with meals at casual restaurants costing less than $2 on average.

Transportation costs are modest, with affordable gasoline prices and taxi fares.

Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Samarinda.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Samarinda presents a cost-effective living environment, especially for those looking to balance quality of life with affordability.

The city's low dining and transportation costs, coupled with reasonable utility expenses, make it an appealing choice for both locals and expatriates.

Potential residents should consider these factors when planning a move to Samarinda, ensuring they can enjoy the city's offerings without financial strain.