Medan, Indonesia
North Sumatra's largest city and a multicultural gateway to Lake Toba and the Bukit Barisan highlands.
Overview
Medan is a city in North Sumatra with a population of 2,435,000. North Sumatra’s largest city and a multicultural gateway to Lake Toba and the Bukit Barisan highlands. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. A relatively small share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree. Reported crime rates are relatively low. The population skews young, with a median age of 30.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Indonesia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Medan vs Indonesia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 11.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Rp 42,000,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 2,435,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 160/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 73°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: Rp400,000,000
- 1BR Rent: Rp1800000/mo
Cost of Living
Medan's cost of living index is 38 (Indonesia average = 100).
| Category | Medan | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 38 | 100 | -62.0% |
| Housing | 25 | 100 | -75.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Rp400,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Rp1800000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Rp2,250,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Rp266,666 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Medan:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Rp300000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | Rp83 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | Rp100000 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | Rp250000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | Rp650083 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Medan scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Medan has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 93°F | 73°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 88°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 91°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Medan faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire with numerous active volcanoes.
Archipelago frequently affected by tsunamis.
Monsoon floods and Jakarta sinking.
Forest and peat fires during dry season.
Mountainous terrain with rain-induced landslides.
Extreme summer heat.
Periodic drought conditions during El Niño.
Indonesia experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5%
- Sales Tax: 11%
- Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year starts in July. Break during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Medan is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics Indonesia (BPS) (2020)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Medan, Indonesia?
The cost of living index in Medan is 38, which is Lower the Indonesia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Medan?
The median home price in Medan is Rp400,000,000. The housing index is 25.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Medan is approximately Rp1800000/mo.
Does Medan, SU have income tax?
Medan is in SU, which has an income tax rate of 5%.
What is the climate like in Medan?
Medan enjoys approximately 160 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 73°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.