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Cost of Living in Batam: A 2024 Guide

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Situated off the coast of Sumatra, Batam Island is a free-trade zone with a blossoming education hub. This Indonesian gem promises academic excellence, unique cultural experiences, and affordability. So if you’re an international student with wanderlust and a budget, Batam might just be the melody your study abroad dreams have been searching for. This blog will uncover the cost of living in Batam for international students in 2024, along with the average tuition fees and some tips to consider before moving to the Indonesian paradise. Let’s get started!

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Why Study in Batam?

Compared to other Indonesian cities, the cost of living in Batam is significantly lower, making it a haven for budget-conscious students. You can enjoy a world-class education and a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at some other reasons for students to choose the largest city in the province of Riu Islands:

  1. Renowned international and Indonesian universities like Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) and Universitas Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) have set up camps in Batam. These institutes offer top-notch programs in fields like engineering, business, and hospitality.
  2. From batik workshops to fiery rendang feasts, Batam offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that will broaden your horizons and nourish your soul.
  3. Craving a break from the textbooks? Batam’s pristine beaches, lush mangroves, and vibrant coral reefs await your exploration. Imagine swapping your study breaks for kayaking adventures or sunset strolls on the beach.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Bali for International Students in 2024

Cost of Living in Batam

The average monthly cost of living in Batam for international students is IDR 3,000,000 – IDR 5,000,000 (USD 210 – USD 350). Let’s take a look at some of the essential expenses covered under this overall cost.

Living Accommodation

Type of AccommodationMonthly Rent (IDR)
Shared ApartmentIDR 1,000,000 – 1,500,000
Studio ApartmentIDR 1,500,000 – 2,000,000
Single Room in Residence HallIDR 500,000 – 700,000
Apartment TypeMonthly Rent
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City CentreIDR 4,997,426
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of CentreIDR 3,333,252
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City CentreIDR 13,799,772
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of CentreIDR 7,333,170

Food

Grocery ItemPrice
Milk (regular), (1 litre)IDR 24,250
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500 g)IDR 20,666
Rice (white), (1 kg)IDR 13,500
Eggs (regular) (12)IDR 26,800
Local Cheese (1 kg)IDR 125,000
Chicken Fillets (1 kg)IDR 55,000
Apples (1 kg)IDR 48,000
Banana (1 kg)IDR 24,666
Oranges (1 kg)IDR 35,000
Tomato (1 kg)IDR 20,000
Potato (1 kg)IDR 19,000
Onion (1kg)IDR 32,500
Lettuce (1 head)IDR 30,000
Water (1.5 litre bottle)IDR 6,666
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)IDR 425,000
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle)IDR 18,181
Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle)IDR 30,000

Also Read: A Guide on Cost of Living in Indonesia

Entertainment

Mode of EntertainmentCost
Cinema TicketIDR 50,000
Museum VisitIDR 20,000
Local ConcertIDR 100,000 – 300,000
Gym MembershipIDR 200,000 – 300,000

Utilities

UtilityMonthly Cost
ElectricityIDR 100,000 – 150,000
WaterIDR 50,000 – 80,000
InternetIDR 150,000 – 250,000
Mobile Phone PlanIDR 50,000 – 100,000

Transportation

Mode of TransportCost
Bus PassIDR 50,000
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)IDR 8,000
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)IDR 235,000
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)IDR 8,500
Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff)IDR 10,000
Taxi Ride (short distance)IDR 20,000 – 30,000
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)IDR 50,000
Motorcycle RentalIDR 500,000 – 800,000

Cost of Living in Batam: Average Tuition Fees

Average tuition fees at international universities in Batam range from IDR 15,000,000 – IDR 25,000,000 per semester (USD 1,050 – USD 1,750). Scholarship opportunities for international students are also available, further easing the financial burden.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Batam

Before you finalise your budget for the cost of living in Batam and move there, here are some things you need to keep in mind:

  1. Visa Regulations: Research and apply for the required visa well in advance.
  2. Language Barrier: While English is spoken in universities and tourist areas, learning basic Bahasa Indonesia will enrich your experience.
  3. Embrace the Spice: Indonesian cuisine packs a punch! Be prepared to explore new flavors and don’t shy away from spice.

Relevant Reads:

Best Universities in Asia 2024Study in Malaysia: Costs, Scholarships & Admissions 2024
Best Business Schools in AsiaCost of Living in Jakarta: A 2024 Guide on Expected Expenses
Study in Indonesia: Courses Offered, ScholarshipsBest Countries to Study in Asia

FAQs

Q1. Is Batam expensive for students compared to other Indonesian cities?

Ans: Batam generally boasts a lower cost of living than major Indonesian cities like Jakarta or Surabaya. You can expect significantly cheaper accommodation, food, and transportation in Batam, making it a budget-friendly student destination.

Q2. How much money should I budget for a month in Batam as a student?

Ans: While individual needs and spending habits vary, a comfortable monthly budget for an international student in Batam would be around IDR 3,000,000 – IDR 5,000,000 (USD 210 – USD 350). It covers basic living expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation.

Q3 Are there any ways to save money while living in Batam?

Ans: Absolutely! Opting for shared accommodation, cooking meals at home instead of eating out frequently, and utilizing public transportation are great ways to cut down on expenses. Also, take advantage of student discounts offered by restaurants, cinemas, and other service providers. Learning basic Bahasa Indonesia can also help you find cheaper local options for food and shopping.

And that’s it! We hope that this blog helped give a detailed insight into the cost of living in Batam for international students. Tune into Leverage Edu daily for more updates like this on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!

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