If you’re dreaming of expat life in 2025, it’s essential to understand how much your new lifestyle might actually cost. So, where does expat life cost the most—and where can your money go further?

What makes a country expensive for expats?

The cost of living can vary dramatically from one destination to another and what seems like a dream move could become a budgeting nightmare if you’re not prepared. From sky-high rent and restaurant bills to unexpected utility costs, your money might not stretch as far as it did back home.

So where are the world’s most expensive countries for expats in 2025—and where can you live well for less? We’ve analysed living expenses in countries around the world to uncover where expats are likely to spend the most—or save the most—in 2025. Our ranking takes into account a range of everyday expenses, including public transport, fuel, internet and utility bills, eating out, and gym memberships.

Understanding these differences can help you plan your relocation more realistically. And remember—if you’re planning to move abroad, don’t forget about income protection insurance. For expats living abroad, it ensures financial security while navigating an unfamiliar country where support systems may be limited or hard to access.

What is income protection insurance and how can it support you?

Our full guide covers everything you need to know

What is the most expensive country for expats?

Switzerland is the most expensive country for expats

1/ Switzerland

Expat Expenditure Score: 9.29/10

Switzerland has the highest cost of living, scoring 9.29 out of 10. The central European nation has the highest average price of a gym membership at £65.74/US$87.40 a month, and the most expensive cinema tickets at £18.15/US$24.13 per ticket on average. It also places second for average public transport tickets (£3.08/US$4.10) and restaurant meals (£99.84/US$132.74).

2/ Iceland

Expat Expenditure Score: 8.48/10

Iceland takes second place for four of the factors we examined. The Nordic nation has the most expensive public transport at £3.77/US$5.01 and petrol costs at £1.84/US$2.44 per litre. It also has the most costly monthly internet bills (£60.44/US$80.36) and eating out costs, at £103/US$136.95 on average for two people. However, it has some of the cheapest utility bills on the list, at £64.31/US$85.50 a month, on average.

3/ Norway

Expat Expenditure Score: 7.72/10

Norway rounds out the top three. The Scandinavian nation ranks in the top third for most of the factors we looked at. However, it has the third-highest public transport costs, at £3.00/US$3.99 for a one-way ticket. The country also ranks in the top five for the price of a restaurant meal, £71.47/US$95.02, and average monthly internet costs around £44.24/US$58.82.

It’s no secret that the UK is suffering a cost of living crisis

We compare the cost of living in the UK vs abroad

Which is the cheapest country for expats?

Mexico is the cheapest country for expats

1/ Mexico

Expat Expenditure Score: 0.67/10

Mexico is the least expensive country in terms of the cost of living, with an overall score of 0.67 out of 10. The North American nation has the cheapest average utility bills and the cheapest gym membership on the list at £46.06/US$61.24 and £25.21/US$33.52 respectively.

2/ Lithuania

Expat Expenditure Score: 2.23/10

Lithuania, in the Baltic region of Europe, is next. The country has the cheapest average internet bill, at £11.64/US$15.47 per month. It also ranks in the top five for public transport costs, at £0.85/US$1.13 for a one-way ticket, giving it an overall score of 2.23 out of 10.

2/ Poland

Expat Expenditure Score: 2.23/10

Lithuania’s neighbour, Poland, is in joint-second place. The country has the second-cheapest cinema tickets, at £5.77/US$7.67 and monthly internet costs at £12.26/US$16.43, and ranks third for its gym membership prices at £27.71/US$36.84 per month.

The most expensive countries for…

Public transport

Iceland – £3.77 for a one-way ticket

When you move abroad, familiarising yourself with your new home is essential, and public transport is the most cost-effective and convenient way to explore your surroundings.

However, if you’re considering relocating to Iceland, it has the most expensive public transport at £3.77/US$5.01 for a one-way ticket on average.

It’s important to think about the quality of healthcare

Discover the countries with the best healthcare in the world

Petrol

Iceland – £1.84 per litre

If you rely on a car to get you around, petrol prices can be a huge factor in your cost of living expenses. Due to its high fuel tax rates, Iceland has the most expensive average petrol prices, at £1.84/US$2.44 per litre.

Utility bills

Austria – £282.19 a month

Necessities like water and electricity are essential for living comfortably. However, utility bills can vary from country to country. Austria has the highest utility bills on the list, averaging £282.19/US$375.19 a month, thanks to increasing infrastructure maintenance costs being passed on to customers.

Life expectancies can differ greatly from country to country

We look at the best countries for living a long and healthy life

Internet bills

Iceland – £60.44 a month

Staying connected with your family and friends back home through video calls and social media can help stop you from feeling homesick as an expat. Due to the lack of competition from internet providers in a country as small as Iceland, it has the most expensive average internet bills, at £60.44/US$80.36 a month.

Gym membership

Switzerland- £65.74 a month

Going to the gym as an expat won’t just keep you healthy. It lets you socialise with locals and other expats, make new friends, and improve your language skills. However, this is a bit more difficult in Switzerland, as it has the highest gym membership fees at £65.74/US$87.40 a month on average.

What can you do if you’re feeling lonely abroad?

Discover 10 ways to beat expat and digital nomad loneliness

Cinema tickets

Switzerland- £18.15

Watching local films or even dubbed international releases can help sharpen your language skills in a fun and immersive way. For those considering a move to Switzerland, the cost of this activity is the highest average cinema ticket price, at £18.15/US$24.13.

Restaurants

Iceland – £103

Visiting restaurants allows you to explore the local cuisine and experience the local culture in your chosen country. However, the average restaurant bill in Iceland will set you back £103/US$136.95 for two people. This is due to the country’s reliance on food imports, which pushes prices up. 

We all know the importance of eating healthily

We explore some of the healthiest diets in the world

Which country spends the highest proportion of its income on the cost of living?

Estonia spends the most on the cost of living

1/ Estonia

14.7% of monthly income spent on the cost of living

Estonia takes the top spot as the country spending the most on the cost of living. Estonians spend around a sixth (14.7%) of their monthly income on essentials. The highest cost is utility bills, averaging £229.95/US$305.74 a month, nearly a tenth (9.4%) of the average monthly income.

2/ Greece

13.9% of monthly income spent on the cost of living

Greece takes second place, with an average income of £1,975/US$2,520 a month, £274.50/US$364.97 of which is spent on the cost of living, or nearly one-sixth (13.9%). The cost of living is so high in Greece due to a sharp increase in inflation caused by rising food and energy prices. From January to July 2024, food prices in Greece rose by 3.9%, 0.6% higher than the EU average.

3/ Slovak Republic

13.6% of monthly income spent on the cost of living

Next is the Slovak Republic, where the average resident spends a seventh (13.6%) of their income on the cost of living. High inflation rates and a lack of real wage growth in recent years have contributed to the country’s high cost of living.

It’s important to look after your health, safety and well-being abroad

We look at how you can protect your life and well-being as an expat

Protect your income, protect your lifestyle

Life abroad can be full of opportunity—but it can also be unpredictable, especially when the cost of living is high. Whether you’re relocating for work or chasing a new adventure, it’s important to safeguard the income that supports your lifestyle.

At William Russell, we’ve spent over 30 years supporting expats around the world with tailored international insurance solutions. Our international income protection insurance gives you a financial safety net if illness or injury stops you from working—so you can keep up with your living costs—wherever life takes you. Speak to our award-winning team today to find out how we can help.

The post The Cost Of Living Abroad In 2025: Most And Least Expensive Countries For Expats appeared first on William Russell.

That said, there are some general rules that work for most countries, and can make expat wills easier to get your head around. Let’s take a look at how expat wills work, and what you need to think about when preparing expat wills in multiple countries.

How to write a will abroad

Writing a will is an essential part of planning for the future, giving you peace of mind that your estate and assets will be distributed according to your wishes.

For most people, writing a will is straightforward. It typically involves naming beneficiaries who will inherit your estate, appointing an executor to oversee the distribution, and signing the document in the presence of one or two witnesses. It is important to note that these witnesses cannot be beneficiaries themselves.

But for expats, the process can become more complex, particularly if you have assets in multiple countries. Legal systems differ, and the rules governing inheritance, property transfer, and even the validity of wills can vary widely between different regions or nations.

Understanding these differences is crucial to ensure your will is legally binding and that your intentions are respected.

What should an expat will cover?

Just like any other will, an expat will should lay out how you want your estate to be distributed after you die. This will include any property you own, your possessions, savings and investments, business assets and so on.

A will can also leave instructions for your funeral, detailing whether you want to be buried or cremated and what music you wish to be played. While funeral arrangements aren’t legally binding, having some instructions in place can make the process easier for your loved ones. 

Finally, your will must name your executors. These are the people you trust to carry out the wishes outlined in your will. You should be aware that this can be a time-consuming and complex process, especially if you have assets in multiple countries, so be sure to choose someone you feel will be capable of the responsibility and not too overwhelmed. If you have assets spread across multiple countries, you may wish to name different executors to cover each territory.

Life insurance is there to protect your family if you pass away

Find out more about how international life insurance works

How do expat wills work if you have assets in more than one country?

Different countries have different laws when it comes to wills, which can affect you in various ways.

As an expat, you will need to be aware of both the national and local laws that govern wills, how your residency/citizenship status affects your will, and how your will is to be executed after you pass away. 

If you have assets in more than one country, you should be prepared to write more than one will.

Each will should be countersigned by a local citizen, and you should consider naming a local executor in each will, as they will be responsible for the processes of distributing your assets after you pass away – which may involve filling in lots of local legal paperwork.

To understand how to write a will for multiple countries, let’s break it down by the type of assets you might leave behind:

Personal assets

Your personal assets are all your personal belongings. These can range from simple things like books, furniture and collectables, up to significant  heirlooms such as jewellery, cars and small boats. These are the things you could physically hand over to someone else and are referred to as your ‘moveable assets’. Pets also fall into this category, as do your digital possessions (for instance, your social media accounts and any digital purchases you have made).

In most cases, personal assets are dealt with under the law of your home country. This is the case in the UK, for instance, meaning if you are a British citizen residing in Brazil, your personal assets should be divvied up according to the terms of your British will, regardless of whether those items are in the UK or Brazil at the time of your death. 

There are some exceptions to this rule. Some countries have what’s known as ‘forced heirship rules’, which mandate that certain portions of an estate (usually up to 50%) must go to specific heirs (usually your children or spouse) regardless of the terms of a foreign will. Brazil is one of these countries, so for a British citizen residing in Brazil, the laws of forced heirship could override their UK will for all aspects of the estate, including personal assets.

Other countries with forced heirship rules include France, Spain, Italy, Japan and a number of Caribbean islands.

Immovable assets

Your immovable assets cover any property you own, whether in your home country, or overseas. In general, immovable assets will be governed by the laws of the country the property is in. 

For example, if you are a British citizen who owns a house in Spain and a flat in the UK, you will need to have two wills: a Spanish will to delineate your Spanish property, and an English will to delineate your property in the UK. This is because the property laws in each country are different, as are the taxes related to inheriting property (more on this later). 

One notable succession to this rule is the EU Succession Regulation.

Savings

Personal savings, including bank accounts and investment funds, are generally considered moveable assets, which means they are usually governed by the laws of your home country. 

However, in many cases, location matters. If your savings are held in accounts in your home country, they will be distributed according to the laws of that country. On the other hand, accounts held in your country of residence may be governed by local law unless that country has regulations that could exempt you from this rule (such as the EU Succession Regulation).

Forced heirship also applies to savings. This means that if you had US$250,000 savings in a Brazilian bank account, by Brazilian law, 50% of this amount would have to be split in set amounts between your marital partner and your children (not recognising stepchildren or civil partnerships), regardless of what you’ve laid out in your will.

Business assets 

Shares in a company are also considered moveable assets and so in theory should be governed by the law in the expat’s home country. However, if the company is registered in a different country, local inheritance and succession laws may come into play. 

For example, if a Canadian expat owned a business registered in Spain, the business assets will be subject to Spanish inheritance laws, with local forced heirship rules applying to the business value. If the business has a physical residence overseas, this could be even more complicated. 

With so many different laws to think about, you should consider seeking legal advice when writing a will for assets in more than one country. This is especially important as expats will need to write their wills in such a way that they do not contradict each other by law.

It’s important to look after your health, safety and well-being

Here’s how to protect your life and well-being as an expat

What happens if I don’t write a will?  

If you don’t have a legally binding will at the time of your death, or if your will cannot be found, the laws of intestacy apply.

This means your estate will be divided according to the standard rites of your home country, your country of residence, and any other countries where you own possessions. Depending on how much you own, where you are from and where you are living at the time of your death, this could create a messy situation, and the person or persons who inherit your possessions may not be the ones whom you intended.

A common example of this is that a long-term partner (i.e. one whom you are not married nor in a civil partnership with) will not inherit anything under most laws, even if you have children together. The same applies to stepchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Each country has its own rules dictating what happens to an estate when someone dies without a will, and these rules may be applied to the deceased’s estate regardless of nationality.

Remember: these rules may apply if your will cannot be found, if it is not legally binding (e.g. it is not countersigned) or if it is damaged. For this reason, you may wish to consider leaving your will with a solicitor. They will ensure the will is fit for purpose and kept in a safe place.

Purchasing property overseas is exciting and life-changing

But do you need life insurance for a mortgage as an expat?

Inheritance tax on expat estates

When it comes to inheritance tax on expat estates, things can get complicated. Which country has the right to tax your estate comes down to a mix of factors, including where you currently live, where your assets are located, and your nationality.

In order to do best by your loved ones, there are two key things you’ll need to think about when writing your expat will. These are:

1/ Double taxation risks

One of the biggest concerns for expats is the risk of being taxed in more than one country. For example, if you’re a British expat living in Spain, you might find your estate subject to UK inheritance tax (based on domicile) and Spanish succession tax (based on asset location). 

While some countries have treaties to avoid double taxation, not all do, so it’s crucial to plan ahead and think about where you keep your most valuable assets.

2/ Rates and exemptions vary

Inheritance tax rules and thresholds can vary wildly from country to country. In some places, like the UK, inheritance tax is charged at a flat rate of 40% on estates above a certain threshold (£325,000 at the time of writing). Meanwhile, countries like France apply a progressive tax based on the relationship between the deceased and the heir, with children enjoying more favourable rates than distant relatives or unrelated heirs.

To make sure your loved ones aren’t caught off guard by hefty tax bills, be sure to research the inheritance tax rules in both your home country and your country of residence – especially to see if the two countries have a double taxation treaty.

And remember, inheritance tax planning for expats can be complex wherever you are in the world, so consulting a specialist is essential to minimise liabilities and ensure your wishes are honoured.

Curious about what taxes you’ll need to pay as an expat?

We look at different types of tax systems around the world

International life insurance designed with you in mind

Our international life insurance policy is tailor-made for expats. It offers worldwide coverage, so no matter what happens while you’re living or travelling abroad, you can enjoy total peace of mind.

For over 30 years, William Russell has specialised in helping expats like you get the insurance they need at a great price. We are proud of our award-winning customer service and our comprehensive policies that have helped families live their lives to the full.

The post Expat Wills: How To Write A Legal Will While Living Abroad appeared first on William Russell.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the various aspects of the cost of living in Indonesia. From housing and utilities to groceries, transportation and healthcare, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to budget effectively and make the most of your new home. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of living in Indonesia as an expat.

A drone picture of the waterfront in Jakarta / GETTY IMAGES

Cost of living in Indonesia

Expats in Indonesia can enjoy a relatively low cost of living. That’s not only compared to Western countries, but even to many other countries in South East Asia. As of 2024, the cost of living in Indonesia is around 57% lower than in the United Kingdom and 62% lower than in the United States.

This said, your living costs in Indonesia will vary depending on your lifestyle and location. To give you an idea, here’s a small snapshot of the cost of living in Indonesia’s most popular expat destinations, not including rent:

*As of June 2024, Numbeo

Bali is the most expensive place to live in Indonesia. It’s even more expensive than Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, but still nowhere near the cost of living in South East Asia’s most expensive city, Singapore. 

Want a better sense of how to budget when living in Bali?

Take a look at our full guide to the cost of living in Bali

The good news for expats living in Indonesia, is that average salaries for skilled roles are relatively competitive, making it easy to enjoy a high standard of living wherever you choose to settle. While the average salary for people in Indonesia sits around US$6,300/£5,000, the median income for engineers is approximately US$23,000/£18,100 per year, while skilled tech workers can expect around US$51,000/£40,100 per year. 

To help gauge how far your salary will stretch, here’s a look at the cost of basic groceries in Indonesia:

*As of June 2024, Numbeo

When it comes to eating out, you can also expect to benefit from the very low cost of living in Indonesia:

*As of June 2024, Numbeo

Looking for the cheapest places to live in and relocate to?

Here are our picks of the best places with the lowest cost of living

Effects of the cost of living crisis in Indonesia

Indonesia is still grappling with the effects of the global cost of living crisis, though the situation is slowly improving. The country’s inflation rate, which saw a significant spike from 2% to over 6% in early 2022, has started to stabilise, settling around 3% in the early months of 2024. However, inflation is projected to remain above 2% until at least 2028, indicating prolonged economic challenges.

Rising inflation has caused the cost of living in Indonesia to increase somewhat significantly, affecting various aspects of daily life. The costs of consumer goods, housing and transportation have all seen substantial hikes, making it increasingly difficult for many Indonesians to make ends meet. This situation is exacerbated by slow income growth, which is widening the gap between the nation’s wealthiest and poorest citizens.

The Russian-Ukrainian war has also affected Indonesia, though Indonesia has opted to remain neutral and maintain trade relations with Russia. Indonesia’s trade with Russia was worth over US$1.5 billion in 2022, however the global repercussions of the conflict have not gone unnoticed, contributing to higher costs of imported goods and fuel. 

Overall, while the cost of living crisis has undoubtedly placed a strain on Indonesia’s economy and its people, the country’s strong governmental response and relative economic resilience provide a hopeful outlook for the future. The inflation rate, while still a concern, is being managed more effectively, bouncing back faster than many other South East Asian countries.

Worried about the cost of living crisis in Indonesia?

Find out how international income protection insurance offers peace of mind for expats living and working overseas

Cost of renting and buying property in Indonesia

Cost of renting in Indonesia

Rent in Indonesia is, on average, significantly lower than in many Western countries, making it an attractive destination for expats looking to balance affordability with quality of life. However, like most places, the cost of rent can vary considerably depending on where you choose to live. 

In Indonesia, your largest living expense will likely be rent, which could take up a substantial portion of your monthly budget.

However, the cost of renting in Indonesia is quite reasonable compared to many Western countries, with prices being 50-80% lower than in major cities like New York or London.

The cost of rent in Indonesia can fluctuate based on the city and the specific area within that city. For instance, Jakarta, the bustling capital, tends to have higher rental prices compared to other cities like Yogyakarta or Surabaya. Similarly, popular tourist destinations like Bali, Seminyah and Ubud tend to be more expensive.

Here are some of the maximum and minimum average monthly prices you can expect to pay to rent in Indonesia:

*As of June 2024, Numbeo

Cost of buying property in Indonesia

Buying property in Indonesia as an expat can be somewhat challenging due to regulations aimed at preserving land ownership for Indonesian nationals. However, it is possible with the right approach and an understanding of the local laws.

Instead, they can acquire property through the following options:

1. Leasehold – Expats can lease land for a period of up to 80 years, consisting of an initial 30-year lease, renewable for another 20 years and further extendable for another 30 years.
2. Right to Use (Hak Pakai) – This is a title granted to foreigners, allowing them to use land for residential purposes. It is typically valid for 25 years and can be renewed, but only up to 70 years.
3. Establishing a PMA (Foreign Investment Company) – By setting up a PMA, foreigners can own property under the company’s name. This method allows for more flexibility and control over the property.
4. Marrying an Indonesian Citizen – Expats married to Indonesian citizens can purchase property in their spouse’s name, with agreements in place to ensure mutual control over the property.

When it comes to affordability, the cost of buying property in Indonesia is low compared to many Western countries. However, prices can vary significantly depending on location and property type.

There are also several additional costs involved in buying property in Indonesia:

• Legal Fees: Typically around 1% of the property value
• Registration fees: Approximately 0.2% of the property value
• Agent Fees: Usually around 5% of the property value
• Taxes: Transfer tax is about 5% of the property value

Purchasing your own home is one of the greatest joys in life as an expat

Discover the best and easiest countries to buy property abroad

What are the costs of household bills in Indonesia?

Household bills are fairly reasonable across Indonesia. However, they can vary significantly depending both on your location and the energy efficiency of your dwelling. You may also need to factor in additional costs such as service charges to your building owner.

These are the average costs of bills in Indonesia (not including rent):

*As of June 2024, Numbeo

Life in Indonesia can come as a culture shock to someone born abroad

We share some tips on how to prepare for life in Indonesia as an expat

A traditional floating market at Lok Baintan, Indonesia / GETTY IMAGES

Cost of education in Indonesia

Indonesia is not renowned for its education system, ranking consistently low in international assessments for maths, literacy and science. While Indonesia is working to improve the quality of education through increased government spending, there remains a noticeable gap compared to other developed countries.

International schools offer a much higher standard of education compared to government run public schools, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, Australian and French systems.

The average yearly cost of sending a child to an international school in Jakarta was around US$31,000 in 2023. 

What is the cost of higher education in Indonesia? 

Indonesia’s higher education system is gradually improving, with some universities gaining international recognition. They also offer lots of English-taught courses, making them accessible to international students. 

Notably, these five Indonesian universities are listed in the QS World University Rankings 2025 Top 500:

• Universitas Indonesia (206)
• Gadjah Mada University (239)
• Bandung Institute of Technology (256)
• Airlangga University (308)
• IPB University (426)

The cost of university tuition in Indonesia will vary depending on the institution, the type of course you wish to study and the level of degree you pursue. As an international student, you may also be expected to pay higher fees than the ones advertised.

According to AECC Global, the average cost of university tuition fees across Indonesia may range from:

Looking to give your children the best education?

These countries have the best education systems in the world

Cost of transport in Indonesia

Indonesia’s public transport system varies greatly depending on the city. 

Jakarta has the most developed public transport network in Indonesia, offering a combination of buses, commuter trains and the recently inaugurated MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system, which gives commuters a reliable and efficient way to travel across the city for as little as US$0.30 a trip.

In cities like Surabaya, however, public transport is less developed, with the most common public options including buses and angkots (shared minivans).

Due to the limitations of public transport, many expats prefer using private vehicles. Motorcycles and scooters are the most common mode of private transport in Indonesia.

Here are the average costs of transport in Indonesia, including the cost of buying and running a car:

*As of June 2024, Numbeo

Eco-friendly public transport options are important to expats

We look at where in the world has the best public transport options

Cost of healthcare in Indonesia

Healthcare in Indonesia varies widely in terms of quality and accessibility depending on whether you opt for public or private services. Understanding the healthcare landscape is crucial for expats to ensure they receive the best care possible.

Indonesia’s public healthcare system, known as BPJS, is available to all residents, including expats with valid work permits. However, the system is often overstretched and underfunded, with an average of just 3.84 health professionals per 1,000 inhabitants as of 2024, falling short of the WHO’s threshold of 4.45. This can lead to longer wait times and limited access to specialised care.

Many expats prefer private healthcare in Indonesia due to its higher quality, better access to specialist treatments and shorter wait times. Indonesia is well stocked with private hospitals, having over 1,000 private hospitals and clinics, particularly concentrated in urban areas and popular expat destinations like Bali and Jakarta.

It’s therefore important to consider international health insurance when living in Indonesia. This can help not only to manage the cost of healthcare in Indonesia, it can also guarantee access to private medical facilities as and when you need them. International health insurance will not only cover routine medical expenses, but also provide for emergency situations and medical evacuations if necessary. 

Are you considering moving to Indonesia soon?

Find everything you need to know about health insurance in Indonesia

Staying on budget while living in Indonesia

Here’s how to estimate your cost of living in Indonesia and budget for your daily expenses and savings in four simple steps: 

1/ Estimate your take-home pay

The first step to setting a budget for Indonesia is to work out how much money you have coming in. This will be your salary minus any taxes that apply. 

In Indonesia, income tax rates for expatriates range from 5% to 30%, depending on your income level and residency status. If you don’t have residency, you will pay a flat rate of 20%. 

Ensure you are clear on the specific tax implications for your salary to help you work out your take-home pay. If your country has a double taxation agreement with Indonesia, you may be exempt from local income tax so long as you continue to pay tax in your home country.

2/ Work out the cost of rent/mortgage payments

Housing will likely be one of your largest expenses. Rental prices can vary significantly depending on the city and type of accommodation. In major cities like Jakarta and Bali, you might spend a substantial portion of your income on rent, possibly around 20–30% of your monthly earnings. Make sure to account for this in your budget.

Remember, if you’ve yet to relocate, you’ll also need to budget for one-off moving costs in your first month, such as moving costs and visa fees.

3/ Calculate your monthly bills

The cost of basic utility bills in Indonesia comes to around US$63 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage. Meanwhile, interest costs can add another US$26 per month, based on average costs in Indonesia. 

This is also the time to consider the costs of travel, mobile bills and insurance – including health insurance, which is highly recommended for anyone moving to Indonesia. 

4/ Set your monthly budget

Once you’ve worked through steps 1 to 3, you’ll be ready to subtract your monthly cost of living in Indonesia (rent and bills) from your salary, giving you a rough budget for everyday expenses like food and for saving. 

By following these steps, you can manage your finances effectively and enjoy your time in Indonesia without financial worries.

Got more questions about moving to Indonesia?

Our complete guide to living in Indonesia covers all you need to know

Insurance to help you manage the cost of living in Indonesia

William Russell has been helping expatriates like you settle into a new life overseas for over 30 years.

Our comprehensive insurance packages are specially designed to give you and your family the best possible lifestyle while living abroad. Our international health insurance ensures you can access high-quality medical care while living in Indonesia.

Speak to us today to find out more about how we could help you make the most of your new life in Indonesia.

This article is part of our series of guides to expat life. It’s just for general information, and we don’t provide professional advice on finances or moving abroad (we’re an expat insurance provider). We update this article regularly to keep it useful as possible, but if you want to know more – please seek independent advice.

The post The Cost Of Living In Indonesia For Expats appeared first on William Russell.

There are an array of things that expats need to think about when relocating to another country. It is recommended that you purchase international income protection so that you are able to safeguard your lifestyle in the event of incapacity to work due to injury or illness.

As the cost of living goes up, do you dream of living abroad?

Find out the cheapest places to live as an expat

Living abroad is a fantastic experience, but it’s not without its risks

Find out how to protect your life and well-being as an expat

Prioritising mental health has never been more important

We look at which countries are the best for mental health

Looking to protect your income in event of an injury or illness?

Find out about international income protection insurance

Why do you need life insurance as an expat?

Find out everything you need to know about expat life insurance

What if your best made plans break down when working abroad?

Learn more about how expat income protection insurance can help

The post Tax-Free Relocation Report: Which Tax-Free Countries Are The Cheapest For Expats To Move To? appeared first on William Russell.