Makassar vs Kediri: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
The two cities are closely matched — lifestyle preference and visa options are likely the deciding factors. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Makassar is approximately 84% less expensive than Kediri based on cost of living including rent. This makes Makassar a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Makassar has a FIRE Score of 81/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 60, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Makassar is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Makassar
Makassar is a budget traveler's dream with a cost of living index of 36/100 and a one-bedroom city center apartment for just $196/mo, but the average local net salary of $214/mo means you are living in a different economy than most residents. The digital nomad score of 64/100 and limited English proficiency, plus a small expat community concentrated in Panakkukang, make it better for self-sufficient remote workers than for social butterflies. Tropical monsoon rains and an air quality index of 65 are real trade-offs, and the $2,000/mo income requirement for both the retirement and remote worker visas prices out all but the comfortably funded. Come for the $2 restaurant meals and $4/mo transport pass, stay only if you can handle the humidity and the isolation.
About Indonesia
Skip this if you need English-speaking doctors or a fast path to citizenship, both weak here. But budget retirees can live well on $429.70/mo excl. rent plus sub-$320 rent, and the $2,000/mo Retirement KITAS is achievable. Best suited for low-cost-focused retirees, not remote workers facing the $387/mo nomad visa threshold.
$2,590/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Kediri
Kediri is a cheap place to live, with a one-bedroom outside the center at $248/mo and an inexpensive restaurant meal for $1, but the average local net salary of $112/mo means most expats need outside income to make it work. The Indonesia Remote Worker Visa (E33G) and Indonesia Retirement Visa (KITAS) both require $2,000/mo in income, which is steep for a city with an overall expat score of 51/100 and limited English proficiency. Fast internet at $19/mo and a $13/mo transport pass are real draws, yet the fair healthcare and 30 Mbps average speed keep Kediri a budget base rather than a comfortable long-term home.
About Indonesia
Skip this if you need English-speaking doctors or a fast path to citizenship, both weak here. But budget retirees can live well on $429.70/mo excl. rent plus sub-$320 rent, and the $2,000/mo Retirement KITAS is achievable. Best suited for low-cost-focused retirees, not remote workers facing the $387/mo nomad visa threshold.
$2,490/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Which visa fits your move?
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| Metric | Makassar | Kediri |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $195.58 | $360.36 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $150.87 | $247.75 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $391.15 | N/A |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $307.33 | N/A |
| Safety Index | 60 | 58 |
| Internet Speed | 50Mbps | 29.5Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
Monthly cost by categoryOne person, computed from each city's own average prices
| Category | Makassar | Kediri |
|---|---|---|
| Total (rent included) | $434/mo | N/A |
| Excluding rent | $283/mo | N/A |
| Rent | $151/mo | N/A |
| Groceries | $93.00/mo | N/A |
| Dining out | $17.00/mo | N/A |
| Entertainment & lifestyle | $52.00/mo | N/A |
| Utilities & connectivity | $117/mo | N/A |
| Transport | $4.00/mo | N/A |
Usage-based estimates from this city's own average prices. A row marked N/A means that city is missing data, so no figure is shown instead of a stale one.
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Makassar vs Kediri -- Frequently Asked Questions
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