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Makassar🇮🇩

Indonesia · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Timezone
Asia/Makassar
Nomad community
Small

City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)US$300/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)US$180/mo
Cost of living (national avg)56975 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap mealUS$3.00
Mid-range meal for 2US$9.00
Monthly groceries~US$140

Infrastructure

Internet speed40 Mbps
Healthcare index55/100
Coworking spaces~5

Lifestyle

Safety index55/100
Air quality55 AQI — Moderate
Walkability50/100
Climate score75/100
English proficiencylow
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communitySmall
Visa easemedium
Budget score86/100
Lifestyle score65/100
Overall nomad score
58/100
Source: World Bank ICP (cost of living, USA=100), Ookla (internet), OpenAQ (air quality) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Living in Makassar offers a genuinely affordable experience, especially compared to bigger Indonesian cities. It's best suited for the adventurous digital nomad or expat who enjoys uncovering lesser-known gems and thrives in a more local environment. Internet speeds are generally reliable for remote work, though you might encounter the occasional patchy Wi-Fi in some cafes. The overall infrastructure is developing but perfectly functional. You won't find a huge expat or nomad community here; it's a quiet scene, so be prepared to make an effort to connect with locals. English proficiency among the general population is lower than in major tourist hubs, so learning some Bahasa Indonesia will significantly enhance your experience. Honestly, its main caveat is the limited English widely spoken, which can sometimes make day-to-day interactions and navigating bureaucracy a bit more challenging without local help or a translation app. But for those seeking an authentic, budget-friendly Indonesian immersion, Makassar holds real appeal.

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Who this suits

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Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Makassar.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Makassar as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Makassar averages around $300 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Indonesia sits at 56975 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Makassar safe for digital nomads?+

Makassar scores 55/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most central neighbourhoods are fine with normal big-city awareness.

How fast is the internet in Makassar?+

Headline average internet speed in Makassar is around 40 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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