Explore Cities/Compare Cities/Denpasar vs Semarang

Denpasar vs Semarang

Side-by-side comparison for digital nomads

Semarang 40% cheaper High / Moderate

Denpasar

Nurinsani Alfisyah/Unsplash

Semarang

Supri Yanto/Unsplash

Nomad Cost

$1,385

Denpasar

$825

Semarang

Internet

Mbps

Safety

High

Denpasar

Moderate

Semarang

Air Quality

4/5

Denpasar

5/5

Semarang

Healthcare

Moderate

Denpasar

Moderate

Semarang

Population

788.6k

Denpasar

1.6m

Semarang

Denpasar and Semarang are both in Indonesia, making this one of the most common comparisons for digital nomads planning a base in the region. This guide breaks down the key differences across cost, internet, safety, weather, and quality of life.

Cost of Living

Semarang is the clear budget winner at $825/mo — 40% cheaper than Denpasar's $1385/mo, a saving of $6720 per year.

For families, Denpasar costs $1166.129571147421/mo compared to Semarang's $1605.588646314858/mo.

Internet & Infrastructure

Internet speeds are nearly identical — Denpasar at 32 Mbps and Semarang at 32 Mbps. Both handle video calls and uploads well.

Quality of Life

Denpasar has a stronger safety profile than Semarang, which may be a deciding factor for solo travelers or families.

Healthcare quality is rated similarly in both Denpasar and Semarang.

Monthly Weather Comparison

The best time to visit Denpasar is July (around 31 degrees, 1mm rain, score 388), while Semarang peaks in July (35 degrees, 0mm rain, score 397). Timing your stay around these months can make a big difference in your experience.

Cost of Living

DenpasarSemarang

Nomad$1,385/mo$825/mo

Expat$990/mo$603/mo

Local$333/mo$459/mo

Family$1,166/mo$1,606/mo

Internet & Infrastructure

DenpasarSemarang

City Speed

32 Mbps

Country Speed32 Mbps32 Mbps

Environment & Health

DenpasarSemarang

Air Quality Score4/55/5

PollutionHighModerate

ClimateModerateModerate

Humidity8188

Quality of Life

DenpasarSemarang

SafetyHighModerate

HealthcareModerateModerate

Monthly Weather Comparison

Denpasar

Semarang

Jan

37°

3mm357

34°

8mm237

Feb

38°

8mm285

35°

5mm222

Mar

38°

6mm347

36°

6mm253

Apr

36°

6mm231

37°

5mm319

May

34°

2mm255

37°

1mm373

Jun

33°

2mm285

36°

1mm368

Jul

31°

1mm388

35°

0mm397

Aug

32°

1mm378

36°

0mm397

Sep

34°

1mm367

36°

0mm397

Oct

36°

1mm357

37°

0mm382

Nov

38°

4mm352

36°

7mm319

Dec

35°

11mm193

34°

15mm207

Who Should Choose Denpasar?

Great for budget nomads — monthly costs around $1385
High safety rating for peace of mind
Clean air with a 4/5 air quality score
Family-friendly at $1166.129571147421/mo for families
Peak season in July — 31 degrees, score 388

Who Should Choose Semarang?

Great for budget nomads — monthly costs around $825
Clean air with a 5/5 air quality score
Family-friendly at $1605.588646314858/mo for families
Peak season in July — 35 degrees, score 397

Overall Verdict

Overall, Semarang edges ahead for most digital nomads — at $825/mo it runs 40% cheaper than Denpasar's $1385/mo, with 32 Mbps internet for reliable remote work.

Granular Price Comparison

Denpasar Semarang

ItemDenpasarSemarangDiff

🍽️Restaurants8 items

Meal, inexpensive restaurant$2.9$1.3

55%

Meal for 2, mid-range (3-course)$25.93$9.72

63%

McMeal or equivalent combo$3.24$3.24

Cappuccino (regular)$2.04$1.34

34%

Domestic beer (0.5L draught)$2.27$2.48

Imported beer (0.33L bottle)$2.59$2.59

Coke/Pepsi (0.33L)$0.64$0.42

34%

Water (0.33L)$0.28$0.2

29%

🛒Markets19 items

Milk (1L)$1.23$1.13

White bread (500g)$1.34$0.97

28%

White rice (1kg)$0.8$0.81

Eggs (12)$1.29$1.29

Chicken fillets (1kg)$3.17$2.96

Beef round (1kg)$8.95$7.24

19%

Local cheese (1kg)$11.67$6.15

47%

Apples (1kg)$2.84$2.3

19%

Bananas (1kg)$1.35$1.3

Oranges (1kg)$1.47$1.15

22%

Tomatoes (1kg)$0.71$0.86

17%

Potatoes (1kg)$1.05$1.15

Onions (1kg)$2.27$1.38

39%

Lettuce (1 head)$0.65$0.55

15%

Water (1.5L bottle)$0.44$0.36

18%

Wine, mid-range bottle$19.45$12.15

38%

Domestic beer (0.5L bottle)$1.77$2.03

13%

Imported beer (0.33L bottle)$2.11$2.98

29%

Cigarettes (pack of 20)$2.27$1.94

15%

🚌Transport8 items

One-way local transport ticket$0.21$0.23

Monthly transport pass$12.96$18.18

29%

Taxi start (normal tariff)$0.65$0.58

11%

Taxi per 1km$0.47$0.32

32%

Taxi 1hr waiting$3.57$2.11

41%

Gasoline (1L)$0.77$0.79

Volkswagen Golf (new)$29,168.58$23,334.86

20%

Toyota Corolla (new)$28,747.25$27,914.38

⚡Utilities3 items

Utilities, 85m² apartment/mo$49.15$40.19

18%

Internet 60+ Mbps/mo$30.44$28.38

Mobile prepaid per minute$0.09$0.1

10%

🏋️Sport & Leisure3 items

Fitness club, monthly$25.93$29.17

11%

Tennis court rent (1hr weekend)$5.67$12.15

53%

Cinema, 1 ticket$4.86$3.24

33%

👶Childcare2 items

Preschool, full-day private/mo$137.74$75.62

45%

International primary school/yr$8,815.39$6,009.65

32%

👗Clothing4 items

Jeans (Levi's 501 or similar)$32.95$32.39

Summer dress (chain store)$18.64$22.69

18%

Nike running shoes (mid-range)$73.89$64.82

12%

Men's leather business shoes$66.44$37.81

43%

🏠Rent4 items

1-bedroom apartment, city centre$206.61$259.28

20%

1-bedroom apartment, outside centre$175.55$194.46

10%

3-bedroom apartment, city centre$496.95$680.6

27%

3-bedroom apartment, outside centre$350.02$550.96

36%

🏗️Buy2 items

Price per m², city centre$1,037.11$1,215.36

15%

Price per m², outside centre$550.96$378.11

31%

💰Finance2 items

Average monthly net salary$234.97$269

13%

Mortgage interest rate (20yr fixed)$10.75$8.69

19%

Lower is better for all cost items.

Data from Open-Meteo (weather) and global internet speed rankings. Updated monthly.

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