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Kupang, Indonesia
Capital City

Follows Indonesia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$680
Retiree Score
94.0
Safety Index
68.2
Healthcare
50 facilities

With a population of 466,632, Kupang is the largest city on the island of Timor, but don't expect an easy life. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city was once a colonial outpost and remains heavily influenced by its Dutch past. Situated on the southern tip of Indonesia, Kupang experiences extreme wet and dry seasons, with January bringing over 15 inches of rain on average. Despite these challenges, the city has seen rapid economic growth, with the service sector now accounting for nearly half of its gross regional product. Kupang may appeal to those seeking an Indonesian city that's off the beaten path, but the climate and bureaucracy are not for the faint of heart.

Can I afford Kupang?

$

Kupang

You could save

2,320/mo

Savings Rate77%

Monthly Costs

Rent $280
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$400

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
77/100
Retiree Score
(i)
94/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Indonesia Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
68
Safety
50
Healthcare
100
Walkability
50
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$2
Meal (Mid-range) $9
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$57
Mobile Plan (mo) *$9
Gym (mo) *$16
Cinema Ticket *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $224
1BR Outside (mo) *$142
3BR Center (mo) $440
3BR Outside (mo) *$384

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Kelapa Lima
Best For
adventurous nomads

Expat Life Notes

A remote provincial capital with an emerging marine tourism sector but zero expat lifestyle infrastructure.

Pros

  • ✓ Near amazing diving
  • ✓ Low cost of living

Cons

  • ✗ Remote location
  • ✗ Basic medical/retail facilities
  • ✗ Significant language barrier

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1242 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Kupang

Click any question to expand the answer.

Kupang has a population of approximately 466,632 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $700 per month in Kupang, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $280/month.

The nearest airport to Kupang is OEC, approximately 134km away.

Kupang is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 68.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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