Finding the right place to live is one of the most important parts of settling into life in Indonesia. For expats, the right accommodation can make daily life much easier, more comfortable, and far less stressful.

With so many options available, finding the right place can feel a little overwhelming at first. The good news is that once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to find a place that fits your lifestyle, budget, and daily routine.

Read More: Here Are Best Cities in Indonesia to Teach English

Type of Accomodation in Indonesia

Before settle in Indonesia, you have to know some type of accommodation in Indonesia:

1. Boarding Houses/Kost 

One of the most common types of accommodation in Indonesia is a kost, or boarding house. This is a popular option for students and young professionals because it is usually affordable, practical, and easy to find in many cities.

A kost usually gives you a private room, while the kitchen, bathroom, or common area may be shared depending on the place. Some kosts are very simple, while others are more modern and include Wi-Fi, laundry, and cleaning services.

2. Apartments 

Apartments are a common choice for expats who want more privacy and comfort. They are usually found in bigger cities and offer a more modern living setup with private facilities.

Most apartments come with a private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living space. Some buildings also include extra facilities like security, gyms, pools, and parking.

3. Houses

Renting a house is a good option for expats who want more space or plan to stay long-term. This is often a better fit for teachers who move with family or prefer a quieter and more private living environment.

Houses usually offer more room, separate living areas, and a more flexible setup than apartments. Depending on the location, houses can range from simple and affordable to large and fully furnished.

4. Shared Housing

Shared housing is when you rent a house or apartment with other people. This option is common for expats who want to lower living costs while still having more space than a typical boarding house.

You usually get your own bedroom while sharing common spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, or living room. It can also be a good way to meet people and build a social circle when living in a new city.

5. Guesthouses

Guesthouses are often used as short-term accommodation when first arriving in Indonesia. They are usually more flexible than long-term rentals and can be useful while looking for a more permanent place to stay.

Guesthouses are often fully furnished and may include basic services like cleaning, Wi-Fi, and breakfast. This makes them a practical option for expats who need a temporary place before settling in.

6. Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are a more comfortable option for expats who want hotel-like convenience with more privacy. They are usually more expensive, but they offer a ready-to-live setup with less hassle.

These places often come fully furnished and may include cleaning, maintenance, Wi-Fi, and front desk support. For expats who want a smoother and more convenient move, this can be a comfortable option.

Tips to Get Started Finding Accommodation in Indonesia

It is also important for expats to understand that buying property in Indonesia is not always simple. 

In most cases, it is very difficult for foreigners to directly own a house, so most expats usually rent instead of buy.

Because of this, renting is often the easiest and most realistic option when settling in Indonesia. 

It gives expats more flexibility, fewer legal complications, and a much simpler way to find comfortable housing while living and working here.

Here are tips to get started to get accommodation in Indonesia:

1. Start With Temporary Accommodation First

When you first arrive in Indonesia, it is often easier to stay somewhere temporary before choosing a long-term place. This gives you time to explore the area, understand the neighborhood, and avoid rushing into the wrong rental.

A guesthouse, short-term rental, or serviced apartment can be a practical starting point. It gives you a place to settle while you look for something more suitable and comfortable.

2. Choose Based on Your Daily Routine

The right accommodation is not only about price, but also about convenience. Think about your daily routine, commute, access to food, transportation, and how close you are to work.

Living closer to your school or workplace can make daily life much easier. A cheaper place farther away may not always be worth the extra time and travel stress.

3. Understand What Is Included

Not every rental in Indonesia comes with the same setup, so always check what is included before agreeing to anything. Some places are fully furnished, while others may only include the basic room.

It is also important to ask about Wi-Fi, electricity, water, laundry, cleaning, and maintenance. Knowing these details early can help you avoid unexpected costs later.

4. Visit the Place If You Can

Photos do not always show the full picture, especially with rentals. If possible, visit the place in person before making a decision so you can check the condition, neighborhood, and overall comfort.

This also helps you see what daily life in that area actually feels like. A place may look good online but feel very different in person.

5. Ask About the Neighborhood

The area around your accommodation matters just as much as the room itself. Before choosing a place, check what the neighborhood is like during the day and at night.

Look at nearby food options, traffic, noise level, safety, and access to transport. A good room in the wrong area can make daily life much harder than it needs to be.

6. Talk to Other Expats or Locals

One of the easiest ways to find a good place is by asking people who already live there. Other expats, coworkers, or local contacts can often give useful advice, honest reviews, or direct recommendations.

This can help you avoid unreliable listings and save time during your search. Local insight is often much more useful than relying only on online listings.

7. Be Flexible but Do Not Rush

It can take time to find the right place, and that is normal. Try to stay flexible with your options, but do not rush into signing something just because it is available.

A little extra time can help you find a place that is safer, more comfortable, and better suited to your lifestyle. Choosing carefully in the beginning can make a big difference later.

Read More: Living in Indonesia as an Expatriate, What to Expect?

Want To Teach English in Indonesia? Join With Odysee Education Now!

Starting a new life in Indonesia can feel like a big adjustment, especially when you are managing work, housing, and daily life in a new country. Odysee Education helps make that transition easier by supporting teachers not only with school placement, but also with the practical steps of settling in.

From helping you prepare before arrival to supporting your move and placement in Indonesia, Odysee is here to make the process smoother and less overwhelming. With the right guidance and support, settling into life and teaching in Indonesia can feel much more comfortable from the start.

If you are ready to start your teaching in Indonesia, Odysee Education is here to help. Send your CV to careers@odyseegroup.com and take the first step with Odysee Education today.