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Ambon, Indonesia
Capital City

Follows Indonesia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$800
Retiree Score
62.0
Safety Index
62.4
Healthcare
4 facilities

The population of 372,249 may seem modest, but Ambon is no sleepy backwater. This city on the Maluku Islands has seen its share of unrest, with sectarian conflicts raging between 1999 and 2002. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate is unrelentingly tropical, with over 600mm of rain per month during the wettest periods. However, Ambon's status as Indonesia's "music city" and its recent UNESCO City of Music designation suggest an eclectic, vibrant cultural scene. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Indonesian experience, Ambon could be an intriguing, if challenging, choice.

Can I afford Ambon?

$

Ambon

You could save

2,200/mo

Savings Rate73%

Monthly Costs

Rent $350
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$450

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
73/100
Retiree Score
(i)
62/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
62
Safety
4
Healthcare
100
Walkability
20
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $1
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$1
Meal (Mid-range) $59
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$0

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$62
Mobile Plan (mo) $4
Gym (mo) *$17
Cinema Ticket $1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $280
1BR Outside (mo) *$142
3BR Center (mo) $600
3BR Outside (mo) *$384

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Ambon Kota
Best For
divers, researchers

Expat Life Notes

Remote island hub in Maluku. Expats are almost entirely in diving or marine research.

Pros

  • ✓ World-class diving
  • ✓ Friendly people

Cons

  • ✗ Remote
  • ✗ Basic infrastructure
  • ✗ Language barrier

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
3122 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Ambon

Click any question to expand the answer.

Ambon has a population of approximately 372,249 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $875 per month in Ambon, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $350/month.

The nearest airport to Ambon is AMQ, approximately 10km away.

Ambon is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 62.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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