It’s a no-brainer to think of Sudirman CBD as a magnet for expats who come to live and work in Jakarta. But for expats who are coming to this financial hub, what should they know first about living in Sudirman Jakarta?
Being an expat in a new place brings excitement to the life experience. This remains true for those who are living in South Jakarta’s famous business district, where business grows and the economy circulates.
However, moving to a new place means expats have to come with preparation, and learning about expat life in Sudirman is a good start. This article will cover everything an expat needs to know about living in the Sudirman Central Business District.
Why Living in Sudirman Jakarta Appeals to Expats
But first, let’s go back to the first sentence of this article: why is Sudirman CBD a magnet for expats in the first place? There can be a lot of reasons, for example:
- It’s an ever-growing business hub. From the office skyscrapers dominating the capital city’s skyline to the big companies operating day and night, expats who are coming to Jakarta for business will most likely be here, whether to work or live.
- Provides premium access to everything for expats. Sudirman CBD has premium high-end apartments, fancy restaurants and malls, fun entertainment, and most importantly, accessible MRT stations. They are all within walking distances.
- A good place to look for an active social scene. For younger expats who are enjoying the bustling nightlife activity, Sudirman CBD has them covered. They can easily discover rooftop bars and lively nightclubs.
Also Read: Complete Embassy Sudirman Jakarta Location Guide
What Expats Should Know About Housing in Sudirman Jakarta
Interested in living in Sudirman CBD? If yes, then it’s ideal to find a place to stay and rest first. Since Sudirman CBD is a business district, expats will find themselves choosing between apartments and condominiums.
Serviced Apartments or Luxury Condominiums
Depending on the budget, an expat should choose the housing in Sudirman CBD wisely. The financial hub offers various housing, from cheaper serviced apartments to premium, luxury condominiums.
Obviously, serviced apartments have short-term leases and operate like a hotel, which suits a short-term expat. Meanwhile, luxury condominiums are long-term residential units with total ownership, which suits a long-term expat who is willing to spend more.
Popular Residential Buildings Near Sudirman
Being a heart of Jakarta’s business, Sudirman CBD does have popular residential buildings, especially for expats. Let’s take a look at some popular condos and apartments near Sudirman CBD:
- Residence 8 Senopati, located at Jl. Senopati No. 8B. It is a popular condominium for expats and C-level executives.
- Sudirman Mansion, located at Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 59. This is a premium condominium for expats because of its facilities and proximity to SCBD locations.
- The Mayflower, located at Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 78-79 (Indofood Tower). It’s a serviced apartment with a slightly cheaper option for expats but still provides quality services.
Cost of Living While Living in Sudirman Jakarta
According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index by City (Asia), Jakarta sits in the 77th place with 29.6. It gives an impression that Jakarta, including the Sudirman CBD, has a relatively lower cost compared to other Asian cities.
However, it doesn’t necessarily mean living in Sudirman CBD is guaranteed to be cheap, as it still depends on the expat’s lifestyle. To give an idea, let’s discuss the cost of living in Sudirman under several categories.
Rental Costs and Utilities
Since most expats are living in apartments or condominiums, the rental costs and some utilities may already be covered in their housing leases. It is estimated that an expat will spend somewhere between 100M IDR and 500M IDR per year to cover the overall costs.
Still, there are also other things to consider, such as mobile phone plans, monthly local app services, and gas bills (if an expat buys/rents their own vehicle). While their prices do increase over time, from the perspective of an expat, they are still considered cheap.
Dining, Groceries, and Daily Spending
First, the dining. While SCBD offers a premium dining experience, it still has a rather cheap alternative food stall that locals refer to as “warung.” There is also a food court to be considered, and both of them are also close to SCBD offices. It’s just perfect for workers.
Next is groceries for expats who prefer to cook for themselves. Local markets and convenience stores (like FamilyMart, K3 Mart, and Lawson) provide affordable products. However, imported goods and alcoholic beverages may cost several times higher.
Overall, the daily spending will be 500K IDR or less, again, depending on the expat’s lifestyle. A western-themed luxury restaurant could easily spike the total spend here, and since alcohol is expensive, a nightclub life can also contribute to the rising daily spend.
Transportation Costs
Jakarta is amongst the most populous capital cities in the world, so it’s not that far-fetched for an expat to think that SCBD’s traffic can sometimes be challenging. With that said, the transportation costs are relatively cheap and worry-free.
To travel between places in Sudirman CBD, expats can either use MRT stations or ride-hailing services. Not only affordable, but the transportation is also clean and well-maintained.
Lifestyle and Social Life when Living in Sudirman Jakarta
The expat life in Sudirman can be dynamic, which is expected from a business district like Sudirman CBD. However, this is Jakarta, so any expat will eventually feel the difference when living in Sudirman. For example:
- Friendly locals can easily teach expats to be local. This means in a matter of months, an expat can adapt and behave as if they were not expats anymore.
- Expect a different ethic and kind of entertainment. Small talk can sometimes turn into business relationships, and life events can enrich the lifestyle.
- A place with different cultures. While Sudirman CBD (and Jakarta) is generally more accepting of foreigners’ lifestyles, it is recommended to ask the locals about things that are considered taboo.
Is Living in Sudirman Jakarta Right for You?
The answer depends on one’s preparedness (mentally and financially) to live in Sudirman CBD as an expat. The business district offers a dynamic city experience with Jakarta’s own culture and society. Granted, the expat’s usual lifestyle can also add weight to the decision.
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