Pekanbaru, Indonesia
The capital of Riau province on Sumatra, a rapidly growing oil and palm oil hub known for its Malay culture and the Siak Sri Indrapura Bridge.
Below Average vs Indonesia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Pekanbaru vs Indonesia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 11.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: Rp 44,000,000
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Population: 983,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 170/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 73°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: Rp750,000,000
- 1BR Rent: Rp2300000/mo
Cost of Living
Pekanbaru's cost of living index is 47 (Indonesia average = 100).
| Category | Pekanbaru | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 47 | 100 | -53.0% |
| Housing | 31 | 100 | -69.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | Rp750,000,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | Rp2300000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | Rp2,875,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | Rp500,000 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Pekanbaru:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Rp300000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | Rp167 | 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 | Rp650167 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Pekanbaru scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Pekanbaru 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
Pekanbaru 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 5.5%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year starts in July. Break during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
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 Pekanbaru, Indonesia?
The cost of living index in Pekanbaru is 47, which is Lower the Indonesia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Pekanbaru?
The median home price in Pekanbaru is Rp750,000,000. The housing index is 31.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Pekanbaru is approximately Rp2300000/mo.
Does Pekanbaru, RI have income tax?
Pekanbaru is in RI, which has an income tax rate of 5%.
What is the climate like in Pekanbaru?
Pekanbaru enjoys approximately 170 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: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.