🇹🇷 Istanbul vs 🇮🇩 Jakarta

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇹🇷

Istanbul

Turkey

$1,415–$2,241/mo

₺48,793 – ₺77,276 / month (local)

🇮🇩

Jakarta

Indonesia

$1,046–$1,656/mo

Rp16,603,175 – Rp26,285,714 / month (local)

Istanbul is 35% more expensive

Jakarta wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryIstanbul (USD)Jakarta (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,062–$1,651$785–$1,221🟢 Jakarta
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$560–$885$414–$654🟢 Jakarta
Utilities$44–$86$33–$63🟢 Jakarta
Groceries$224–$336$166–$248🟢 Jakarta
Eating out (mid-range meal)$29–$53$22–$39🟢 Jakarta
Public transport (monthly)$56–$68$41–$50🟢 Jakarta
Internet & Mobile$18–$29$13–$22🟢 Jakarta
Gym membership$21–$38$15–$28🟢 Jakarta
Cinema ticket$8–$11$6–$8🟢 Jakarta
Monthly total (single)$1,415–$2,241$1,046–$1,656🟢 Jakarta

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing7.1 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Istanbul
Jakarta▲ better
Safety9.0 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Jakarta
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Jakarta
Education8.6 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Jakarta
Environment9.4 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Jakarta
Economy7.7 / 10 · 7.2 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Jakarta
Culture8.3 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Jakarta
Internet8.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Jakarta

Who should choose which city?

Choose Istanbul if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Istanbul offers vs Jakarta
  • ✓History
  • ✓Bosphorus
  • ✓Value for expats
  • ✓Logistics

Choose Jakarta if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Istanbul
  • ✓Consumer market
  • ✓Young population
  • ✓Startups
  • ✓FMCG

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Full Istanbul guide

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Full Jakarta guide

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Explore Jakarta →