Sibolga, a coastal city in Indonesia, offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or visit.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Sibolga, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs approximately $12.58.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal is priced at $2.52.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - Domestic beer costs $3.14 per 0.5 liter.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer is available for $2.67 per 0.33 liter bottle.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A 0.33 liter bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs $0.63.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $0.94 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.75.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $1.13.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs $6.29 per kilogram.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs between $0.31 and $0.38, averaging $0.35.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $2.36 per kilogram.
  • Apples (1kg) - Apples cost $2.52 per kilogram.
  • Oranges (1kg) - Oranges are priced at $0.63 per kilogram.
  • Potatoes (1kg) - Potatoes cost between $0.63 and $0.75 per kilogram, averaging $0.69.
  • Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs $0.31.
  • Rice (1kg) - White rice is priced at $0.75 per kilogram.
  • Tomatoes (1kg) - Tomatoes cost $0.63 per kilogram.
  • Bananas (1kg) - Bananas are priced at $0.63 per kilogram.
  • Onions (1kg) - Onions cost between $0.94 and $2.26 per kilogram, averaging $1.60.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round is priced at $9.12 per kilogram.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way ticket for local transport costs between $0.31 and $0.44.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.04 and $1.08 per liter, averaging $1.06.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.31, with a cost of $0.31 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is approximately $31.44.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $723.15.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $358.43.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $22.91 and $31.44, averaging $27.17.
  • Internet - Internet services cost $23.27.
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: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$12.58
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$2.52
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.14
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.67
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.63
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.94
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.75
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.13
Local Cheese (1kg)
$6.29
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.35
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$12.58
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.36
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.36
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.79
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.36
Apples (1kg)
$2.52
Oranges (1kg)
$0.63
Potato (1kg)
$0.69
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.31
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.75
Tomato (1kg)
$0.63
Banana (1kg)
$0.63
Onion (1kg)
$1.60
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$9.12
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.44
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.06
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$23,266.50
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.31
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.31
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$31,441.21
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$31.44
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$27.17
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$23.27
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$0.94
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$15.72
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$18.86
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$62.88
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$37.73
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$723.15
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$358.43
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$185.50
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
8%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$25.15
Sibolga Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Sibolga offers a relatively low cost of living, especially in terms of housing and dining.

Transportation and utilities are affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.

Grocery prices are generally low, with local produce and essentials being very affordable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sibolga presents an affordable living environment with low costs in housing, dining, and transportation.

This makes it an appealing destination for those looking to experience Indonesia without the high expenses associated with larger cities.