Understanding the Difference Between Kos and Apartment in Indonesia

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Deciding where to live in big cities like Jakarta, Bandung, or Surabaya can be tricky: should you choose a boarding house (kos) or an apartment? 

Each option comes with its own perks and drawbacks, from facilities and costs to flexibility. 

Knowing the differences between the two will help you pick the one that fits your lifestyle, needs, and budget perfectly.

So, what the difference between kos and apartment in Indonesia?

Read more: Cost of Housing in Surabaya for Expats: Average Rent and Money-Saving Tips

The Difference Between Kos and Apartment in Indonesia

Source: Kelolapro.com

1. Definition 

A kos is a rented room in Indonesia that can be leased for a certain period. 

Usually, kos are located near campuses or offices and are primarily rented by students or workers.

Meanwhile, an apartment is a set of rooms designed for living, typically equipped with essential utilities. 

Like kos, apartments are often situated in strategic locations, but they are usually rented by professionals, businesspeople, or families.

2. Facilities

Usually, apartments offer more complete facilities than kos. 

You can find restaurants, gyms, swimming pools, minimarkets, ATMs, cafes, rooftops, and many more in an apartment. 

Additionally, apartments provide various types of units to suit your needs.

In contrast, kos facilities are usually limited to a bed, wardrobe, and air conditioning (AC) or a fan. 

Bathrooms and kitchens in kost can be either inside the room or shared, unlike in apartments where both the bathroom and kitchen are typically private and inside the unit.

3. Room Size 

The next difference between kos and apartment in Indonesia is room size. 

Kos typically have small rooms, as they are designed mainly for sleeping, studying, and resting, focusing on the basic needs of residents.

Meanwhile, apartments offer larger spaces, often including a living room and kitchen. 

They are designed for long-term living, providing residents with comfortable bedrooms, living areas, and fully equipped kitchens.

4. Rental Fee

Not only in facilities and room size, you can also see the difference between kos and apartment in Indonesia from their rental fees. 

Kos rentals are generally more affordable because they offer fewer facilities and smaller rooms, making them suitable for people with a limited budget. 

However, some kos provide exclusive facilities, which makes them more expensive than traditional kos.

On the other hand, apartment rentals are significantly higher because they offer more complete facilities, greater privacy, and larger living spaces. 

That’s why apartments provide a more comfortable living experience.

5. Payment System

Are the payment systems for kos and apartments in Indonesia the same? The answer is no.

The rental duration for kos is usually flexible and can be daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. 

Rent is paid directly to the kos owner, usually in cash or via bank transfer.

Apartments, on the other side, generally have monthly or yearly contracts and rarely offer daily rentals. 

Apartment rent is usually paid through bank transfer or an online system, and sometimes via the apartment management application.

Read more: 5 Best Serviced Apartments in Jakarta for Long-Term Stay

Which is Better, Kos or Apartment?

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To answer this question, you first need to consider your needs. 

If you want an affordable place in a strategic location or are looking for efficiency, a kos might be the right choice.

However, if you want a residence that offers better access, more complete facilities, and a long-term living solution, an apartment is the best option.

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