Chennai vs Jakarta

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Chennai is roughly 7% more affordable than Jakarta (index 16 vs 17, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Chennai
More affordable overall
7% cheaper than Jakarta · Cost index: 16 vs 17

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

16Cost Index17
1,710Median Income /mo450
62Safety Index47
20Income Tax %0
45Internet (Mbps)30
120Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

ChennaiCategoryJakarta
$179/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
60% cheaper →
$450/month
$0.6/liter
Meal for One
60% cheaper →
$1.5/liter
$3/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
25% cheaper →
$4/meal
$11/month
Monthly Transit Pass
10% cheaper →
$12.26/month
$40/month
Utilities (Monthly)
53% cheaper →
$85/month
$25/visit
Doctor Visit
38% cheaper →
$40/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Chennai

Internet45 Mbps
Coworking$120/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability48/100

Jakarta

Internet30 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability60/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chennai cheaper than Jakarta?

Chennai is cheaper than Jakarta. Chennai has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 17/100 for Jakarta (New York = 100), making it roughly 7% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Chennai than Jakarta?

Chennai is approximately 7% cheaper than Jakarta based on cost index scores (16 vs 17, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Jakarta could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,800/month in Chennai.

What is the rent comparison between Chennai and Jakarta?

In Chennai, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $179/month. In Jakarta, the equivalent is around $450/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Chennai or Jakarta?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Chennai offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$120/month. Jakarta offers 30 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Chennai has a cost advantage of 7%.

What is the average income in Chennai vs Jakarta?

The median net monthly salary in Chennai is approximately $1,710 USD, compared to $450 USD in Jakarta.

Compare Chennai with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Chennai wins or loses.

Cities that cost about the same as Chennai

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed