Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Surabaya 2025 for Expats
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Published on October 27, 2025 · 3 min read · by Ilham Budiman

cost of living in surabaya

Knowing the cost of living in Surabaya is essential before deciding to settle in this city, especially for expatriates, professionals, and students.

As the economic hub of East Java, Surabaya has varying costs of living depending on individual lifestyles and needs.

According to the latest data from Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) or Statistics Indonesia, the cost of living in Surabaya ranks among the highest in the country.

So, how much does it actually cost to live in Surabaya?

Cost of Living in Surabaya

Unsplash/Puji Nugroho

Data from the Cost of Living Survey (Survei Biaya Hidup or SBH) shows that household expenditures in Surabaya remain significantly higher than the national average.

Based on the 2022 SBH, the average monthly household expenditure in Surabaya was approximately IDR13.357.751.79, making it the third-highest in Indonesia after Jakarta and Bekasi.

This figure reflects how substantial daily living costs are in the city.

Previous surveys from 2018 also support this trend, revealing that per capita expenditure in Surabaya averaged around IDR4.240.902 per month, while the average household expenditure reached IDR16.115.429.

In the 2018 survey, Surabaya ranked second for per capita expenditure and third for household expenditure.

By 2022, it maintained its third position for overall household spending, confirming its status as one of Indonesia’s most expensive cities.

This ranking is influenced by various economic and social factors that drive up the cost of essential goods and services.

Why Is the Cost of Living in Surabaya High?

Several factors contribute to the relatively high living costs in Surabaya, with housing being one of the main reasons.

Accommodation in central and strategic areas such as Tunjungan, Darmo, and Gubeng can be very expensive, with monthly rental prices ranging from IDR1.5 million–3 million for a modest boarding room (kost).

For apartments or larger houses, the costs can be much higher.

Additionally, Surabaya’s status as a metropolitan hub promotes a lifestyle that often involves dining out, shopping, and entertainment, all of which increase monthly expenditures.

When estimating monthly expenses for an individual, costs vary depending on lifestyle choices.

On average, a single person may need between IDR3.2 million and 7.5 million per month to live in Surabaya.

This range typically includes housing costs of IDR1.5–3 million, food expenses of around IDR800.000–1.5 million, and transportation costs of approximately IDR500.000–1 million for public transport users.

Additional expenses may include laundry services (IDR 100.000–250.000), internet bills (up to IDR400.000), and electricity (ranging from IDR100.000–400.000, depending on air conditioning usage).

Based on the latest BPS data, the 2024 Minimum Wage (UMK) for Surabaya Regency/City is IDR4.961.753.00.

This means that individuals earning the minimum wage will need to budget carefully, as the estimated cost of living can equal or even exceed their monthly income.

For families, the financial challenge becomes even greater, considering the average household expenditure reported by BPS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Surabaya ranks among the top three most expensive cities in Indonesia according to BPS data.

With average household expenses exceeding IDR13 million per month and individual costs ranging between IDR3.2 million and 7.5 million, living in this city requires careful financial planning.

For those earning the minimum wage, managing expenses can be challenging, emphasizing the importance of effective budgeting.

As the city continues to grow and modernize, the cost of living is likely to increase, making financial readiness even more essential for current and future residents.

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