Living Costs in Solo
Many people find living in Solo (Surakarta) more affordable than in other parts of Indonesia. The estimated monthly living cost for one person is about IDR 2,000,000 (approximately USD 125, based on the exchange rate of IDR 16,000 per USD), which covers housing, meals, local transportation, and other daily necessities.
Housing Options
Solo offers a wide range of affordable housing options to suit various lifestyles. For those seeking budget-friendly accommodations, kost with an external bathroom typically costs between IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000 per month, while kost with an internal bathroom ranges from IDR 600,000 to IDR 1,000,000 per month. Whether you prefer to live downtown or in popular student areas like Jalan Surya, Gang Kabut, Ngoresan, and Gulon, you’ll find convenient options within a short walking distance, ojek (motorcycle taxi), or bus ride from your campus.
Additionally, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) is committed to supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11 by providing affordable housing for students. The UNS Dormitory is available for all diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate students. Located at Jalan Kartika III, Ngoresan, Jebres, Surakarta, the campus dormitory consists of four main buildings: A, B, C, and D. This provides a convenient and affordable housing option for students studying at UNS.
Meals
Solo is known as a popular culinary destination, offering a variety of food options around the campus area. The average cost per meal is between IDR 5,000 and IDR 15,000. For example:
- A serving of Soto (traditional soup dish) or rice with vegetables and an egg can cost between IDR 5,000 – 7,500.
- A meal with chicken or fish ranges from IDR 10,000 to IDR 15,000. Additionally, there are cafes offering both Indonesian and Western food, with prices ranging from IDR 15,000 to IDR 30,000.
Public Transportation in Solo
Batik Solo Trans (BST) is a popular and affordable public transportation option in Solo, offering comfortable, air-conditioned buses with modern fleets. The service covers various routes in the city, with fares starting at IDR 3,700 for general passengers and IDR 2,000 for students and seniors. Passengers can pay via QRIS or tap e-money, and the buses operate for extended hours, with numerous well-organized bus stops for easy access.
The Feeder Batik service, launched in December 2023, complements the Batik Solo Trans by covering additional routes and providing more flexible options for commuters. These minibuses, equipped with air conditioning, offer a comfortable ride with payments made via QRIS or tap e-money. The Feeder Batik is an excellent choice for those traveling within the city, especially to areas not directly served by the main Batik Solo Trans buses.
For quick and efficient transport, you can use Go-jek (the Indonesian equivalent of Uber for motorcycle taxis). Go-jek fares typically start from IDR 4,000 per kilometer and can travel up to 25 km.