Affordable Options
Students and Intern housing in Indonesia: Kost Kosan, Studios, Studio Apartments
If you are coming to Indonesia for a study exchange program or to complete an internship, you are probably planning to stay in Indonesia for anywhere from four to six months up to one year. Unlike well-compensated company-backed expatriate workers for whom most living arrangements are covered by the employer, as a student or intern you are likely coming to Indonesia as an individual and will need to research and arrange your visa, accommodation, and transportation yourself.
Without the responsibilities of caring for family members, your expectations may differ from those of most expatriates. Fortunately, there are housing options available for a wide range of budgets when it comes to affordable temporary accommodation. Because these options can sometimes be difficult to find, and because we regularly receive inquiries about affordable housing, we hope this article will provide some useful guidance.
While this article focuses primarily on Jakarta, many of the same accommodation options can also be found in other popular student and internship destinations such as Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Malang, and Bali.
Live Near Where You Work
Because Jakarta is a busy and often congested city, traffic must be considered when choosing accommodation. Always assume there will be traffic when travelling between home and work or school, which means your mobility may be limited. A distance of only a few kilometres can easily take an hour or more during rush hour, heavy rain, or flooding.
Therefore, your employer, internship supervisor, or educational institution may advise you to choose accommodation close to your office, university, or internship location. While Jakarta now benefits from the MRT, LRT, TransJakarta bus network, and ride-hailing services such as Gojek and Grab, commuting can still consume a significant portion of your day if you live far from where you study or work.
Long daily commutes can quickly become exhausting, especially for students and interns balancing classes, projects, social activities, and exploring their new surroundings.
Don’t Go Cheap
The availability of affordable studio apartments and kost accommodation is one of the advantages of living in Indonesia. Every area of Jakarta has neighbourhoods where these housing options are concentrated. What you should keep in mind is the quality you are getting for the money you spend. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest option available.
The conceptual framework of Indonesians regarding what constitutes “clean”, “safe”, “comfortable”, and “acceptable quality” can vary considerably, both below and above expatriate expectations.
Before committing to any accommodation, inspect the room carefully and ask detailed questions about cleaning standards, internet reliability, water supply, security arrangements, noise levels, and maintenance procedures. Spending a little more each month can often make a significant difference to your overall comfort and wellbeing.
Included Services and Amenities
Most indekos or “kost-kosan” accommodations are designed as individual rooms or studio-style units within a larger complex. They may offer shared living areas, kitchens, parking spaces, gardens, and occasionally swimming pools.
The rental package often includes services such as room cleaning, laundry, and security. Water and electricity costs are frequently included in the monthly rent, although this varies from property to property. Internet access may also be included.
Ask whether breakfast or a daily meal delivery service (rantangan) is available. If the owner does not provide this service directly, they can often recommend local providers.
Not all kosts offer the same facilities. Some modern developments operate more like co-living spaces and may include communal work areas, fitness facilities, shared kitchens, housekeeping services, and high-speed internet.
Be sure to clarify exactly what is included in the monthly rent and whether any additional charges apply before signing an agreement.
General Price Range
Accommodation costs vary significantly depending on location, facilities, and lease terms.
As of 2026, approximate monthly rates in Jakarta are:
| Accommodation Type | Approximate Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Kost | Rp 2.5 million – Rp 5 million |
| Mid-Range Furnished Kost | Rp 4 million – Rp 8 million |
| Studio Apartment | Rp 5 million – Rp 12 million+ |
| Shared Apartment Room | Rp 3 million – Rp 8 million |
Prices in cities such as Yogyakarta, Malang, and parts of Bandung may be considerably lower, while accommodation in premium areas of Jakarta and Bali may be significantly more expensive.
Always verify current pricing directly with the property owner or management company, as rental rates can change frequently.
Easy to Find!
Today, housing websites and accommodation platforms provide extensive listings of kost-kosan, studio apartments, shared apartments, and co-living spaces. These listings allow you to compare neighbourhoods, facilities, room sizes, photos, and pricing before arranging a viewing.
Many students and interns also find accommodation through university housing offices, internship coordinators, alumni networks, Facebook groups, and recommendations from other students already living in Indonesia.
As with any online housing search, it is wise to inspect the property in person whenever possible before making payment or signing an agreement.
Share an Apartment
You are probably not the only person looking for temporary accommodation during the same period. Renting a larger apartment on your own may be beyond your budget, particularly in central Jakarta.
Students, interns, and young professionals frequently connect through universities, internship programs, social media groups, and alumni networks to find roommates and share apartments or houses.
Sharing accommodation can significantly reduce housing costs while also helping newcomers establish a social network and settle into life in Indonesia more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kost-kosan in Indonesia?
A kost-kosan, often shortened to “kost”, is a room rental arrangement that is popular among students, interns, and young professionals. Facilities and services vary widely depending on the property.
How much does student accommodation cost in Jakarta?
Student accommodation can range from approximately Rp 2.5 million per month for a basic room to more than Rp 12 million per month for a furnished studio apartment in a premium location.
Can foreigners rent a kost in Indonesia?
Yes. Many kosts accept foreign tenants, particularly in areas near universities, business districts, and expatriate communities. Always confirm registration requirements and lease conditions before signing an agreement.
Is it better to live near campus or work?
In most Indonesian cities, particularly Jakarta, living close to where you study or work can dramatically improve your quality of life by reducing commuting time and transportation costs.
Are utilities included in the rent?
Many kosts include water, internet, security, and housekeeping services, but arrangements vary. Always clarify what is included before committing to a rental agreement.
Our thanks to Floris Graziosi of Indotrainee for sharing his experiences in this article with the community.
