Indonesiaphoto Forum

How is the living cost in Medan, Sumatra?including foods, lodging, transportation, and education?

Your question is very general, so I'm afraid the answer will have to be in general terms as well. It all depends on what standard of living you want. Cost of accommodation, transport and food will vary a lot depending on the standard you choose.

On Java, Bali, Sumatra, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara you can survive on as little as US$10 per day, on a mid-range budget you may use US$30 per day, for US$50 per day you can travel and live quite comfortably. Alcohol is relatively expensive in Indonesia, if you like to have beer to your meal every day you must raise your budget accordingly. A large bottle of local Bintan beer cost 12.000 to 20.000Rp.

If you stay in a budget hotel you can spend as little as 25.000Rp per night for a decent place, go to the area around Mesjid Raya, the big mosque, and Yuki Plaza, there are several good alternatives there, but also more expensive ones. Danau Toba Hotel is another popular alternative, it's not a typical backpacker hotel, and good value for money from about 180.000Rp. You can of course also find more expensive hotels in Medan. If you plan to stay longer, an apartment can cost anything from 6-7 million Rp per year, to US$ 2000 per month.

Transport in Indonesia can be very cheap, a bus to Bukit Lawang cost only 5000Rp. Public and tourist minibuses are more expensive, but still relatively cheap. Even taxis are cheap, but you may have to bargain to get a good price.

What kind of education are you looking for, an International school, University, College or Public School? Medan International School charge about US$ 8000 per year plus a registration fee of US$ 1000 per year. I don't know what other schools charge. What nationality are you?

I hope this can help you, even if it's hard to give you more concrete answers as you don't provide much information about yourself and what you are looking for. I also took the liberty to post your question in the Forum, hopefully there will be answers from other people as well.