Surabaya, Indonesia

Editor

Editor

March 12, 2023

Surabaya is an Indonesian city located on the eastern side of the island of Java. It is the second-largest city in the country and is known for its vibrant culture, diverse attractions, and friendly locals. Surabaya is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for an exciting and unique experience. The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from its bustling nightlife to its many historical sites. The cost of living in Surabaya is relatively low, making it an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget. The city also boasts a strong internet connection, with an average download speed of 8.5 Mbps, making it a great place to work remotely. Surabaya is also home to a number of coworking spaces, providing digital nomads with the perfect environment to collaborate and network. With its diverse culture, low cost of living, and strong internet connection, Surabaya is an ideal destination for digital nomads looking for an exciting and unique experience.

Living in Surabaya, Indonesia: Overview

Overall score | Worksplorer index

  • 86%

    Quality of life
  • 19%

    Cost of living
  • 83%

    Connectivity
  • 56%

    Weather

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General

CurrencyIDR
Population (in millions)3.5
Quality of life (world rank from 1 to 200)181
Cost of living compared to Chicago, USA40% cheaper
Best neighborhood to stayRungkut, Surabaya East
Culture

Number of museums and galleries30
Top selling local beerBintang
Most popular local dishRawon
Travel

Most popular tourist attraction(s)Sunan Ampel Mosque, Suramadu Bridge, Taman Bungkul
Discount airlineLionair
Major airlineGaruda Indonesia
Largest ride sharing companyGrab
Primary train stationsPasar Turi, Gubeng, Krian
Primary airportsJuanda International, Abdul Rachman Saleh, and Notohadinegoro
Best rental car companyHertz
Used car costs20000000 IDR
Connectivity

Apple store addresses Apple Store Surabaya is located at Tunjungan Plaza 4, Level 3, Jl. Embong Malang No. 85-89, Surabaya
Internet connection (in Mbps)10 Mbps
Power socket typeC, F
Supply voltage 220V
Best electronics storeTokopedia
Best internet carrierTelkomsel
Primary cellular carrierTelkomsel
Average monthly cost for internet150,000 IDR
Shopping

The best drug storeGuardian
Best restaurant chainWarung Padang
The best grocery storeCarrefour
The most popular fashion brandUniqlo
Regulatory

GDP per capita$7,845 / year
Average annual income$7000
Sales tax rate10%
Income tax rate0%
Tourist visa valid (in days)90 days
Financial

Average mortgage rate8.5%
Suggested ATM take out100,000 IDR
Bank that has the most ATM machinesBank Mandiri
Average tip in restaurant10-15%
Pay using credit or debit cardNot very common
Health

Emergency Phone Numbers110 (general), 112 (police), 113 (ambulance), 114 (firefighters)
Polution per square meter2,845
Health quality rank (according to WHO) 73
Main religionIslam
Quality of life

86%

  • 67%

    Safety, freedom, rights
  • 99%

    Traffic
  • 192%

    Property to income
  • 33%

    Crime
  • 69%

    Healthcare
  • 56%

    Weather
Salaries

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)IDR 5,214,286
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate8.42%
Childcare

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 ChildIDR 1,663,332
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 ChildIDR 99,000,000
Cost of living

19%

  • Purchasing Power

    31%

     

     

  • Rent

    7%

     

     

  • Food

    32%

     

     

  • Restaurant

    14%

     

     

  • Workspace

    55%

     

     

  • Transport

    36%

     

     

Rent

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Per MonthIDR 3,679,165.32
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Per MonthIDR 2,117,590.49
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Per MonthIDR 6,999,070.78
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Per MonthIDR 4,412,960.56
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend), Sports And LeisureIDR 69,611.08
Food

Milk (regular), (1 liter)IDR 17,875.00
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)IDR 15,250.00
Eggs (regular) (12)IDR 23,898.00
Local Cheese (1kg)IDR 94,875.00
Water (1.5 liter bottle)IDR 6,285.71
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)IDR 300,000.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)IDR 38,476.18
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)IDR 47,333.33
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)IDR 30,000.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)IDR 52,500.00
Apples (1kg)IDR 34,848.60
Oranges (1kg)IDR 28,269.83
Potato (1kg)IDR 17,816.67
Lettuce (1 head)IDR 9,250.00
Rice (white), (1kg)IDR 12,588.89
Tomato (1kg)IDR 13,650.00
Banana (1kg)IDR 21,270.83
Onion (1kg)IDR 22,987.50
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)IDR 101,285.71
Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive RestaurantIDR 25,000.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-courseIDR 175,000.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)IDR 50,000.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)IDR 40,000.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)IDR 50,000.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)IDR 7,625.00
Water (0.33 liter bottle) IDR 4,055.56
Cappuccino (regular)IDR 23,555.56
Connectivity

94%

Infrastructure

89/100

Internet speed

92/100

Internet cost

95/100

Pre-paid plan

98/100

Utilities (Monthly)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 ApartmentIDR 1,194,046.85
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)IDR 2,006.35
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)IDR 437,857.14
Sports

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 AdultIDR 644,861.02
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)IDR 69,611.08
Cinema, International Release, 1 SeatIDR 50,000.00
Transportation

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)IDR 5,000.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)IDR 150,000.00
Gasoline (1 liter)IDR 12,442.73
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)IDR 370,000,000.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)IDR 430,722,042.30
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)IDR 10,000.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)IDR 5,000.00
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)IDR 42,500.00