Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Indonesia Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Indonesia Property Pack
Makassar is the economic hub of eastern Indonesia, offering a more affordable and less chaotic alternative to Jakarta or Bali while still providing modern amenities and a growing expat-friendly infrastructure.
This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Makassar in 2026, from salaries and cost of living to visa requirements, healthcare, and property ownership.
We constantly update this blog post to ensure you have the most accurate and current information available.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Makassar.
Is Makassar a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Makassar is steadily improving, with expanding retail corridors, better private healthcare options, and a growing food and entertainment scene around the Panakkukang and Pettarani areas.
The most noticeable improvement over the past few years has been the expansion of modern serviced apartments and shopping centers, particularly in the Tanjung Bunga coastal development, which has brought resort-style living to the city.
However, traffic congestion remains a persistent challenge in Makassar, and the city's rapid growth has created daily commute frustrations that many expats cite as the biggest drawback to living there.
These congestion issues are partially offset by the wide availability of affordable ride-hailing services like Gojek and Grab, which make getting around without a personal vehicle relatively convenient.
Are hospitals good in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, Makassar has healthcare facilities that meet regional Indonesian standards and serve as the main referral center for eastern Indonesia, though they may not fully match Western European or North American hospital standards for non-critical care.
The two hospitals expats most commonly recommend are RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo for complex cases requiring specialist care, and Siloam Hospitals Makassar for a more predictable private hospital experience with English-speaking staff.
A standard doctor consultation in Makassar in 2026 typically costs between IDR 150,000 and 350,000 for a general practitioner (around USD 9 to 21 or EUR 8 to 19), while specialist consultations range from IDR 250,000 to 700,000 (around USD 15 to 42 or EUR 14 to 38).
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Makassar, as it provides faster access, English-language support, and more predictable administrative processes at private hospitals, while Indonesia's national health insurance (BPJS) can serve as a useful backup option.
Are there any good international schools in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, Makassar has limited international school options compared to Jakarta or Bali, with only a handful of institutions offering English-language curricula that follow international standards like the Cambridge curriculum.
The most established international school for expat families in Makassar is Makassar Independent School (MIS), which offers UK national curriculum from preschool through secondary level and is the only fully registered international school in Sulawesi, while Metro School Makassar offers another internationally-oriented option.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Makassar typically range from IDR 60 million to 150 million per year (approximately USD 3,600 to 8,900 or EUR 3,300 to 8,200), which is generally lower than Jakarta or Bali but varies significantly based on grade level and school.
Waitlists at Makassar international schools can be long because the total number of international-style seats is small, so you should plan 1 to 3 months ahead for mid-year entry and 3 to 6 months for peak enrollment periods, and public schools are generally not a practical alternative unless your child is fluent in Bahasa Indonesia.
Is Makassar a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Makassar is not uniquely dangerous by Indonesian big-city standards, and most expats report feeling safe when using typical urban precautions and staying aware of their surroundings.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Makassar are petty theft and motorcycle bag-snatching in crowded areas, rather than violent crime, so keeping valuables secure and avoiding isolated streets at night significantly reduces risk.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Makassar include Panakkukang (central with malls and conveniences), Tanjung Bunga (coastal master-planned area with modern infrastructure), Rappocini (good access to the Pettarani corridor), Ujung Pandang (central civic core), and Tamalanrea (university area near RSUP Wahidin hospital).
Women can generally live alone safely in Makassar, though standard precautions are recommended such as choosing well-lit housing in busy areas with security, using ride-hailing apps rather than walking alone at night, and selecting neighborhoods with 24/7 commercial activity nearby.
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How much does everyday life cost in Makassar in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single expat needs approximately IDR 18 to 25 million per month (around USD 1,070 to 1,490 or EUR 980 to 1,370) to live comfortably in Makassar with a good apartment, regular dining out, AC comfort, and occasional domestic travel.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in Makassar, a single person can manage on IDR 12 to 15 million per month (around USD 715 to 890 or EUR 660 to 820), which covers basic housing, local food, and essential transportation without many luxuries.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Makassar, including a central apartment, gym membership, frequent restaurant meals, and private healthcare buffer, requires IDR 25 to 40 million per month (around USD 1,490 to 2,380 or EUR 1,370 to 2,190) for a single person or couple.
In Makassar, housing typically takes the largest share of an expat's monthly budget, but the food and dining category has seen the most noticeable price increases recently, which reflects both local CPI trends and the city's expanding restaurant scene.
What is the average income tax rate in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income expat earning IDR 25 to 60 million per month in Indonesia is approximately 10% to 20%, though this varies based on deductions, marital status, and total annual income.
Indonesia uses progressive personal income tax brackets ranging from 5% on the first IDR 60 million of taxable income up to 35% on income exceeding IDR 5 billion, with a tax-free threshold of IDR 54 million per year plus additional deductions for dependents.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Indonesia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Makassar in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the expat population in Makassar primarily comes from regional Asian countries (particularly China, Japan, and South Korea) along with some Australians and Europeans, often tied to business networks rather than lifestyle migration.
The total number of foreign residents in Makassar is relatively small compared to Jakarta or Bali, as the city attracts purpose-driven expats rather than a large retiree or digital nomad community.
Most expats are drawn to Makassar because of the city's role as the economic hub for eastern Indonesia, making it attractive for those in logistics, trading, resource industries, and regional business coverage roles.
The expat population in Makassar is predominantly working professionals and corporate transferees, with a smaller presence of NGO workers, educators, and researchers affiliated with institutions like Hasanuddin University (UNHAS).
Where do most expats live in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Makassar tend to cluster in Tanjung Bunga (coastal master-planned area), Panakkukang and the Pettarani corridor (convenient with malls), Losari and Ujung Pandang-adjacent areas (central access), and select pockets of Tamalate near the coast.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they combine modern infrastructure, reliable security, proximity to international-standard amenities like malls and hospitals, and easy access to ride-hailing pickup points for daily commuting.
Biringkanaya is emerging as an up-and-coming area for expats due to the Summarecon Mutiara development near the airport, which offers planned commercial zones, modern infrastructure, and a suburban layout designed for long-term residential living.
Are expats moving in or leaving Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, expat flows in Makassar are best described as project-driven and relatively stable, meaning arrivals and departures tend to follow corporate transfers, NGO rotations, and infrastructure project cycles rather than showing a clear net inflow or outflow trend.
The main factor attracting expats to Makassar right now is the city's improving amenities combined with significantly lower living costs than Jakarta or Bali, plus its strategic position as the gateway to eastern Indonesia.
Some expats leave Makassar due to limited international schooling options, fewer English-language services compared to larger Indonesian cities, and the desire for more established expat communities found in Bali or Jakarta.
Compared to Bali or Jakarta, Makassar has a much smaller and more specialized expat population, but the city is slowly gaining recognition among those seeking authentic Indonesian living without the tourist crowds or inflated prices of more popular destinations.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Makassar in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Makassar are the Visit Visa (C-Type) for stays up to 180 days, the Remote Worker Visa (E33G) for digital nomads working for foreign employers, and the Second Home Visa (E33) for long-term stays of 5 to 10 years.
The most commonly used expat visa, the Visit Visa (C-Type), requires a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds, with applications submitted through the official Indonesia eVisa portal.
Indonesia does offer a Remote Worker Visa (E33G) for digital nomads that allows one year of stay with renewal options, requiring proof of employment with a foreign company, a minimum bank balance of USD 2,000, and income earned outside Indonesia.
The Visit Visa is valid for 60 days and can be extended twice for 60 days each (totaling 180 days), while the Second Home Visa offers 5 to 10 years of stay but requires a deposit of approximately IDR 2 billion (around USD 130,000) in an Indonesian state bank.
How long does it take to get residency in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, obtaining a long-stay visa or temporary residency in Indonesia typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish when you include document preparation, visa application processing, and arrival registration requirements.
Factors that can delay the process include incomplete documentation, delays in obtaining required legalization or apostilles from your home country, and the need to convert property titles or establish sponsorship arrangements for work visas.
To become eligible for permanent residency (KITAP) in Indonesia, an expat must generally hold a temporary stay permit (KITAS) for at least 4 consecutive years, though pathways vary based on marriage to an Indonesian citizen or significant investment.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Indonesia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Makassar in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most in Makassar are logistics and shipping (due to the city's major port), wholesale trading and distribution for eastern Indonesia, and construction and infrastructure services supporting the region's ongoing development.
Getting hired in Makassar without speaking Bahasa Indonesia is realistic for regional or technical specialist roles where the employer environment is bilingual, but local-market roles almost always require Indonesian language proficiency.
The most accessible roles for foreign job seekers in Makassar are specialist positions in supply chain management, port operations, telecom and technology field operations, and education or NGO roles where international experience is valued over local language skills.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats working in professional roles in Makassar typically earn between IDR 25 million and 60 million per month gross (approximately USD 1,490 to 3,570 or EUR 1,370 to 3,280) for mid-level specialist and manager positions.
Entry-level to mid-level expat positions in Makassar generally start around IDR 20 million to 35 million per month gross (approximately USD 1,190 to 2,080 or EUR 1,100 to 1,920), depending on industry and required expertise.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Makassar, particularly those covering eastern Indonesia regional operations, can command IDR 60 million to 120 million per month gross or higher (approximately USD 3,570 to 7,140 or EUR 3,280 to 6,570).
Employers in Makassar sponsor work visas less frequently than in Jakarta, but it does happen when the role clearly requires specialist expertise and the employer is already experienced with immigration compliance procedures.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Makassar right now?
What do expats love most about living in Makassar right now?
Expats in Makassar consistently praise three things: the excellent value for money compared to Jakarta or Bali (you get significantly more space for the same budget), the incredible local food culture that rivals anywhere in Indonesia, and the city's position as a gateway to exploring eastern Indonesia's islands and diving spots.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised is the ability to live in a large, air-conditioned home with modern amenities at a fraction of what similar accommodation would cost in more popular expat destinations.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most is the affordability of daily services, from household help to ride-hailing and dining out, which allows for a comfortable lifestyle even on moderate incomes.
Socially, expats enjoy Makassar's genuine local hospitality and the opportunity to experience authentic Indonesian culture without the tourist bubble that characterizes Bali, making meaningful connections with the local community more accessible.
What do expats dislike most about life in Makassar right now?
The top complaints from expats in Makassar are the increasingly frustrating traffic congestion, the limited selection of international schools and English-language services, and the aggressive local driving style that can be stressful for newcomers.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most is the unpredictable traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours, which can turn a 15-minute trip into an hour-long ordeal without warning.
The bureaucratic issue causing the most headaches is the complexity of immigration procedures and the need to work with local agents or helpers for routine administrative tasks, even when the rules seem straightforward on paper.
These frustrations are generally considered manageable rather than deal-breakers, as most expats find that the lower cost of living, space, and quality of life benefits outweigh the inconveniences once they adjust their expectations and routines.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Makassar right now?
The biggest culture shocks for expats moving to Makassar are the relationship-based approach to getting things done (rather than process-driven), the different sense of time and scheduling flexibility, and the need to rely on local helpers or agents for everyday administrative tasks.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most is the expectation of indirect communication and the importance of maintaining harmony, which means direct Western-style feedback can be perceived as rude or confrontational.
The aspect of daily routines that takes longest to adjust to is the early morning start time (many Makassar residents begin their day before 6 AM) combined with the afternoon heat that slows the pace of activity between roughly noon and 3 PM.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Indonesia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Makassar in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Makassar is restricted, meaning foreigners cannot hold full freehold title (Hak Milik) but can legally own property through use-right structures like Hak Pakai (Right of Use) or via a foreign-owned company (PT PMA).
The main restrictions for foreigners buying property in Makassar are minimum price thresholds (varying by region and property type), the requirement for a valid residence permit (KITAS, KITAP, or Second Home Visa) for registration, and limitations on the types of land titles that can be held.
Foreigners in Makassar can own apartments and condominiums with strata titles relatively easily, while landed houses require Hak Pakai status, and direct ownership of vacant land is generally not permitted without a corporate structure.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Makassar.
What is the average price per m² in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, residential land in prime Makassar corridors averages around IDR 8 to 12 million per square meter (approximately USD 475 to 715 or EUR 440 to 660 per m²), while built houses typically range from IDR 10 to 20 million per m² (approximately USD 595 to 1,190 or EUR 550 to 1,100 per m²) depending on location and construction quality.
Property prices in Makassar have shown gradual appreciation over the past two to three years, driven by urban development, infrastructure improvements, and growing demand in coastal areas like Tanjung Bunga, though price growth has been more moderate than in Bali or Jakarta.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Makassar here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Makassar in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Indonesia are available but limited, with only a handful of banks offering products specifically designed for non-citizens who hold valid residence permits and meet strict eligibility requirements.
The banks most commonly cited as foreigner-friendly for mortgages in Indonesia are Permata Bank (which launched an expat-focused mortgage program in 2025), J Trust Bank (backed by a Japanese financial group with experience serving international clients), and Commonwealth Bank Indonesia (an Australian bank subsidiary familiar with expat needs).
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners include a down payment of 30% to 50% of the property value, interest rates starting around 4.5% to 7% for a fixed period before jumping to floating rates of 10% to 12.5%, and maximum loan terms of 10 to 15 years depending on the bank.
To qualify for a mortgage as a foreigner in Makassar, you typically need a valid KITAS or KITAP residence permit, proof of stable income (often at least IDR 25 million per month), a minimum of 2 years working in Indonesia (or 4 years if self-employed), and the property must have eligible title status such as Hak Guna Bangunan.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Makassar, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| BPS Makassar | Official statistics office publishing Makassar's core economic indicators. | We used it to anchor Makassar-specific inflation and cost of living data. We cross-checked figures against national releases for consistency. |
| Bank Indonesia | Indonesia's central bank and top source for monetary policy and exchange rates. | We used it to set national inflation baselines and USD/IDR conversions. We referenced JISDOR rates for all currency calculations. |
| Governor of South Sulawesi UMK Decree | Official legal wage decision for Makassar in 2026. | We used it as the local wage floor benchmark. We built comfortable salary estimates as multiples of this official minimum. |
| Indonesia Immigration eVisa Portal | Official government portal for Indonesian visa applications. | We used it to describe current visa application processes. We verified visa categories and requirements directly from official sources. |
| Directorate General of Immigration | Official immigration authority defining visa categories and processes. | We used it to describe Second Home and long-stay visa options. We based processing time estimates on official statements plus real-world buffers. |
| BPS Crime Statistics 2024/2025 | Official national crime statistics compilation with stated methodology. | We used it to ground safety discussions in official data. We combined it with South Sulawesi regional tables for Makassar-relevant context. |
| Ministry of Health Facility Registry | Government registry for licensed health facilities and classifications. | We used it to verify hospital class, type, and official status. We combined it with private hospital sources to explain healthcare options. |
| Siloam Hospitals Makassar | Official site of a major private hospital group used by expats. | We used it to identify services and typical private hospital costs. We triangulated consultation fees across multiple provider references. |
| Makassar Independent School | Official school website providing curriculum and admissions information. | We used it to name specific international school options in Makassar. We estimated fees based on typical Indonesian international school pricing. |
| Rumah123 Property Portal | Major property marketplace with transparent listing-based price indicators. | We used it to estimate market price bands for land and houses. We extracted median price per m² data from current Makassar listings. |
| PWC Tax Summaries Indonesia | Professional tax advisory reference for Indonesian tax regulations. | We used it to confirm progressive tax brackets and rates. We calculated effective tax rates for typical expat income ranges. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Indonesia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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