Living in Manado: What Expats Should Know
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Published on October 29, 2025 · 4 min read · by Imam

Living in Manado. Photograph: Tom Donders via Unsplash

Nestled in North Sulawesi, Manado offers a unique blend of natural beauty, relaxed island vibes, and surprisingly affordable living.

If you’re thinking of relocating to this coastal city, here’s what life looks like, what it costs, and what to expect.

Manado at a Glance

Population & Culture

Manado has about 460,000 residents (2023).

Its culture is a rich mix—local Minahasan traditions plus influences from Chinese, Dutch, and even Portuguese settlers.

Christianity is predominant, giving the city a very distinctive feel among Indonesia’s major urban centers.

Scenery & Leisure

The city is famous for its marine life.

Diving around Bunaken National Park and the Lembeh Strait is world-renowned.

For nature lovers, volcanic scenery, lakes, and waterfalls are a short drive away.

Cost of Living: What You’ll Actually Pay

Manado is significantly cheaper than Jakarta or Bali, especially when it comes to housing and everyday expenses. Based on multiple sources for 2025:

Housing

1 Bedroom Apartment in City Center: ~ USD $250-350/month
Same outside the center: ~ USD $80-120/month

Food and Groceries

Local meals: USD $2-3 each at budget warungs or simple cafés.
Mid-range restaurants: USD $10-12 per person.
Grocery staples, milk, rice, eggs: prices are modest—something like under USD 2 for a kilo of rice.

Utilities & Transport

Basic utilities (electricity, water, garbage) for a small apartment: USD $100-150/month approx.
Internet (standard broadband, unlimited): around USD $20-35/month.
Public transport / short taxi rides: very affordable, often under USD 1-2 for short distances.

Overall Estimate

For a single person living modestly (without luxury), expect about USD $400-550/month all inclusive.
For more comfortable lifestyle, maybe $800-1,200 depending on housing and lifestyle choices.

Lifestyle & Community

Living in Manado. Photograph: Gabysue via Pixabay

Expat Presence

The expat community in Manado is relatively small—mostly people involved in tourism (diving, resorts), hotel business, or retired folks.

Many expats mention they enjoy the relaxed pace of life here.

Things to Do

Dive or snorkel on Bunaken, explore marine biodiversity.
Weekend trips to nearby natural attractions, waterfalls, volcanic highlands.
Local malls, markets, cafes—the scene is expanding but not as bustling as in bigger Indonesian cities.

Food & Culture

Manado is known for its spicy seafood dishes. Local cuisines are strongly flavored with chili, tomato, and rich spices.

If you love fresh seafood, tropical climate, and strong community culture, Manado will feel vibrant.

Language & Adaptation

Many locals speak Bahasa Indonesia, and in tourist/hospitality zones, some English is used.

Learning some Bahasa will go a long way—especially outside tourist spots.

Challenges to Know

Limited International School Options

If you have kids and need high-end international schooling, choices are fewer and might require commuting or living in certain zones.

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available, but for serious or specialized medical care, travel to bigger cities might be necessary.

Infrastructure Variability

Some areas have great internet and utilities; others may have interruptions.

Also, traffic and public transport aren’t as developed as in Jakarta, so having a private vehicle or relying on ride-hail apps may help.

Weather & Nature

Tropical climate → humidity, heat, heavy rains. Also volcanic activity in the region can occasionally disrupt air travel or produce ash hazards.

Why Expats Stay (and Love It)

Lower cost of living but still access to modern conveniences.
Stunning natural beauty—diving, beaches, volcanoes, islands are immediate escapes.
Friendly, culturally rich communities that are more laid-back than big metro areas.
Slower pace means less stress, more time for hobbies, nature, family.

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Manado isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re used to big city bustle or need highly specialized services.

But if you’re seeking a balance—natural beauty, affordable living, and a warm community—it offers something special.

Living in Manado means embracing simplicity, embracing nature, and discovering a vibrant regional hub with its own character.