Cost of Living in Medan, North Sumatra: A Complete Guide for Migrants and Students

Have you ever been to Medan? With the rapid development of transportation infrastructure today, more people, especially migrants, are traveling to cities they believe offer better job opportunities and access to education. Aside from employment, many migrants move to new regions to pursue higher education.

Cities with abundant job opportunities and reputable universities naturally attract people looking to improve their livelihoods. One of the most popular destinations for both work and education is Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra.

Due to its strategic location on Sumatra Island, Medan serves as the gateway to western Indonesia. The city is also a major transit point to famous tourist destinations such as Berastagi, the Karo Highlands, Lake Toba, and the orangutan conservation area in Bukit Lawang.

Since Medan is often chosen as a place to live and settle, you may also be considering making it your long-term destination. Therefore, understanding the cost of living in Medan is essential to help you manage your daily budget effectively.

Medan’s Ranking Based on the Cost of Living Survey (BSH)

To analyze economic growth and regional development, surveys are conducted to estimate the average cost of living in each city.

According to national data:

• Jakarta ranks as the city with the highest cost of living, averaging IDR 7.5 million per month
• Banyuwangi has the lowest cost of living
• Surprisingly, Medan ranks 26th nationally, with an average family living cost of IDR 5.55 million per month

This result is quite unexpected, considering Medan is the third-largest city in Indonesia after Surabaya. Despite its size, Medan’s cost of living remains moderate rather than extremely high.

Breakdown of Living Costs in Medan

1. Daily Food Expenses in Medan

Food is a primary daily necessity and significantly affects monthly expenses. If you have the time and ability to cook your own meals, this option can greatly reduce costs.

In general, ready-to-eat meals in Medan tend to be more expensive compared to some other cities, even when purchased from small roadside food stalls.

Eating at shopping malls, tourist areas, or restaurants can quickly drain your budget.

• A basic meal (rice with fried egg) typically costs around IDR 7,000–8,000 per portion

Money-saving tips for those who can’t cook or have limited time:

• Look for small food stalls located in narrow alleys
• These places usually offer cheaper prices than stalls on busy main roads

Food stalls on major roads often face higher taxes and operating costs, which leads to higher menu prices.

2. Housing Costs in Medan

One effective strategy for finding affordable housing in Medan is choosing the right location.

• Areas near universities and campuses usually have many boarding houses (kost)
• Locations farther from campuses often offer lower rental prices

In Medan, boarding houses are much easier to find than rental houses. Many property owners prefer renting out rooms rather than leasing an entire house.

Due to high demand, boarding house rentals in Medan are widely advertised, including on social media platforms, making them easier to find for newcomers.

Transportation Options and Costs in Medan

If you do not own a private vehicle, choosing the right public transportation is crucial. Below is a breakdown of common transportation options in Medan:

1. Angkot (Public Minivan)

• The cheapest transportation option
• Fares range from IDR 2,000–5,000 per trip, regardless of distance

2. Becak Motor (Betor)

• A traditional Medan motorized rickshaw
• Similar to a motorcycle taxi but modified to carry 1–2 passengers
• Fares depend on travel distance

3. Bus

• Ideal for long-distance travel
• Integrated with sea transportation, allowing travel to other islands

4. Taxi

• Not recommended for budget-conscious individuals
• Higher fares, but offers comfort and door-to-door service

Is Medan an Expensive City to Live In?

Although Medan is a large and relatively advanced city, the capital of North Sumatra does have a higher cost of living compared to surrounding smaller cities.

However, these expenses can be managed by adopting a more minimalist lifestyle. Ultimately, living costs depend heavily on personal lifestyle choices and financial management skills.

This principle applies not only in Medan, but also in any city, especially if you are a migrant living far from family, where smart budgeting becomes essential.

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