Indonesia is scattered with kosts but will this type of accommodation suit your needs?
When looking for a place to rent in Indonesia you may come across the word ‘kost’. But what is a kost and what is their attraction?
A kost can simply be translated as a room to rent. And in a nutshell this is exactly what it is: a room. Some are purpose built, so a room within a small apartment building of a few storeys. Or it could be a room within a larger house with the hostess family living under the same roof.
As it is just a room the major draw to kosts is their affordable price. Rent is paid monthly and is significantly less than living in a condominium. Making them ideally suited to those who are budget sensitive or keen to live in the centre of a city to avoid commuting costs and time.
The difference between a kost and a condominium are the facilities. Generally kitchens are communal and shared between a number of kosts. However, rents tend to inclusive. Therefore this could include cleaning services, Internet, laundry services, water and parking which means that communal areas are cleaned on a regular basis.
Factors such as air conditioning, furniture, whether there is a private bathroom or even small kitchenette will also influence the rent. Additionally facilities such as a gym or swimming pool. If you are looking for a more luxurious kost search for ‘elite kost’ or ‘kost exclusive’. These are likely to have extras such as television or air conditioning.
For some a kost is more than just a place to live. It is also a lifestyle choice. They can open up your social network due to the shared living aspect. For some the lack of signed contract is an appeal as it gives you flexibility for length of stay. On the flip side it also means that you are at the hands of your landlord should their intentions change for the kost.
Either way kosts play an important role in Indonesian life. Whether you are looking for a central Jakarta bolthole at a cheap price or want to have a taste of Balinese life in Denpasar. They can provide an interesting insight into local life but additionally can serve a great purpose for anyone looking for a straightforward and affordable letting.
