Bali has become a favorite destination for travelers and expats thanks to its affordable lifestyle and stunning natural beauty. The cost of living in Bali attracts people who want both comfort and culture without overspending. Before planning your move or long stay, it helps to know where Bali is and why its location in Indonesia makes it so unique for work, leisure, and retirement.
Finding a place to live is one of the biggest parts of calculating the cost of living in Bali. The island offers a wide range of housing options, from simple guesthouses to luxury villas with private pools. Prices vary depending on location, amenities, and lease terms.
For budget-conscious travelers or expats, small apartments, homestays, and guesthouses are the most common choices. Monthly rent can start from as low as $250–$400 USD in less tourist-heavy areas. You can explore more details in this guide on housing in Bali, which breaks down neighborhoods and average costs.
Those seeking a balance between comfort and cost often choose mid-range villas or serviced apartments. These typically come with modern facilities, better internet, and often shared amenities such as pools or gardens. Expect to spend between $600–$1,200 USD per month depending on location and property type.
If you want a high-end lifestyle, Bali offers plenty of luxury villas, many with private pools, staff, and ocean views. Prices can range from $2,000 to over $5,000 USD per month. For a deeper look at the rental market and long-term lease options, see rentals in Bali.
Areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud usually come with higher rental prices due to their popularity with tourists and expats. Choosing quieter towns or inland locations can significantly reduce monthly rent.
Food in Bali is one of the most affordable parts of daily living. Your monthly food budget depends largely on where and how you choose to eat.
Warungs, or small local eateries, serve delicious meals at very low prices. A plate of rice with chicken or vegetables can cost as little as $1–$2 USD. Eating at warungs is not only budget-friendly but also a way to connect with tradition in Bali, since many recipes reflect authentic family cooking.
Bali also has a wide range of international restaurants and trendy cafés. Meals in mid-range restaurants may cost $5–$10 USD, while high-end dining can easily reach $20 or more per person. Coffee shops with Western-style menus are also popular with digital nomads, though prices are usually higher than warungs.
Groceries are relatively inexpensive if you stick to local produce. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and rice are widely available in markets for just a few dollars per week. However, imported goods like cheese, wine, and packaged snacks can raise your grocery bill significantly. A typical monthly grocery budget for one person ranges from $150 to $300 USD.
Food costs are flexible and will vary with lifestyle choices, making Bali suitable for both budget travelers and luxury seekers.
Getting around Bali is affordable compared to most Western countries. The type of transportation you choose will depend on budget, convenience, and lifestyle.
Scooters are the most common and cost-effective way to travel. Rental prices range from $60–$80 USD per month, with fuel costing less than $2 USD per liter. This makes scooters ideal for both locals and expats living on a budget.
For those who prefer not to drive, ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are widely available. Short trips can cost $1–$3 USD, while longer rides between towns may cost $10–$20 USD. Hiring a private driver is another option, especially for families or groups, with daily rates from $30–$50 USD.
Expats or families staying long term may choose to rent or buy a car. Monthly car rentals usually start at $400 USD, not including fuel and insurance. Cars provide more comfort but also add significant costs to monthly living.
It’s important to consider the weather in Bali. Heavy rains during monsoon season can make scooter travel risky, while cars or taxis may be safer alternatives. Planning your transport choices around weather patterns ensures both safety and convenience.
Bali offers flexible options for every lifestyle, making it easy to match your transport budget to your personal needs.
When calculating the cost of living in Bali, utilities are an important factor. The largest expense is usually electricity, especially if you rely on air conditioning. Monthly electricity bills can range from $50–$150 USD depending on how often you use AC, lighting, and appliances.
Water bills are relatively low, often between $5–$10 USD per month. Cooking gas is also inexpensive, with refills costing just a few dollars. These small expenses add up but remain affordable compared to Western countries.
Most villas and apartments in Bali include internet in the rent. Speeds vary, but fiber-optic is now available in many areas. Monthly internet costs range from $25–$50 USD. Mobile data plans are affordable too, often under $10 USD for generous packages.
For a single person, total utilities and internet costs average $80–$200 USD monthly. Families and those renting larger villas should budget more. If you are considering a move or investment, browsing international property resources can give you a better perspective on long-term living and ownership costs abroad.
Healthcare is an essential part of planning your cost of living in Bali. The island offers a mix of local clinics and international-standard hospitals, giving residents and expats several options depending on their needs and budgets.
For minor illnesses or routine care, local clinics are affordable and widely available. A visit may cost only $10–$20 USD. These facilities are convenient for basic treatment, though they may not have advanced equipment.
Bali also has private hospitals that meet international standards, often staffed by English-speaking doctors. Visits here are more expensive, ranging from $50–$100 USD or more per consultation. These hospitals are preferred by many expats for peace of mind and better facilities. You can learn more in this detailed guide on healthcare in Bali.
Insurance is highly recommended for anyone staying long term. Local insurance providers offer affordable plans, but international coverage ensures access to better hospitals and even medical evacuation if needed. Premiums may range from $500 to $2,000 USD per year, depending on coverage and age.
Entertainment and lifestyle spending play a big role in the cost of living in Bali. The island offers activities for every budget, from free adventures to luxury experiences.
Bali makes it easy to enjoy life without spending much. For example, you can relax on the beach, hike through rice fields, or join local festivals. Visiting temples and markets is also affordable. To understand more about the island’s unique charm, explore these fun facts in Bali.
If you enjoy cafés, gyms, or yoga studios, your monthly budget may range from $200–$400 USD. In addition, eating at international restaurants or going out with friends can quickly raise your costs.
For those living a premium lifestyle, Bali offers exclusive beach clubs, spa retreats, and private tours. These choices often increase entertainment expenses to $800–$1,000 USD or more each month.
In short, Bali provides flexible options to fit any lifestyle. As a result, your entertainment budget will depend on how simple or luxurious you want your daily life to be.
Education is an important part of the cost of living in Bali, especially for families moving to the island. Parents can choose between local schools and international schools, depending on their needs.
Local schools are the most affordable option. Tuition is often less than $1,000 USD per year. However, classes are mainly taught in Indonesian, which may not suit every expat family.
Many expats choose international schools for English-language instruction and global curriculums. These schools are located in popular areas such as Canggu, Sanur, and Ubud. Tuition usually ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 USD per year, depending on grade level and school reputation.
In addition to tuition, families should budget for uniforms, books, activities, and transport. These extra costs can add several hundred dollars each year. Therefore, it is important to plan carefully.
Schooling is often one of the biggest expenses for expats in Bali. While daily living can be affordable, education may raise a family’s budget. As a result, planning ahead helps balance both lifestyle and schooling needs.
Understanding sample budgets can make the cost of living in Bali easier to plan. Your lifestyle choices will shape how much you spend each month.
A single traveler who eats mostly at local restaurants, rents a simple room, and uses a scooter can live on $600–$900 USD per month. This includes housing, food, transport, and small extras.
Expats or couples who prefer a private villa, mix of local and international food, and some leisure activities usually spend $1,100–$1,800 USD monthly. This budget covers utilities, transportation, and entertainment while maintaining comfort.
Those seeking premium villas, frequent dining at high-end restaurants, private drivers, and regular spa visits should expect to spend $2,500+ USD per month. Luxury living also includes international schooling or premium healthcare for families.
These examples show how flexible Bali can be. Whether you live simply or indulge in luxury, the island can meet your financial comfort zone.
The cost of living in Bali can be as affordable or expensive as you make it. With the right strategies, you can stretch your budget while still enjoying the island’s lifestyle.
Housing in Seminyak or Canggu can be costly. Instead, consider quieter areas like Sanur or inland towns. Rent is cheaper, and daily expenses are lower.
Warungs offer filling meals for just a few dollars. By eating local food instead of dining at international restaurants, you can save hundreds each month.
Scooter rentals are affordable and convenient. Ride-hailing apps like Gojek also keep transportation costs low compared to private drivers or car rentals.
If you plan to stay long term, explore visa and residency in Bali. Legal residency options can make your stay smoother and help you avoid costly penalties.
For many expats, saving money also means thinking about the future. Considering retirement in Bali allows you to enjoy an affordable lifestyle with long-term stability.
Buying fresh produce at traditional markets is far cheaper than purchasing imported goods at supermarkets. This small change can lower grocery bills significantly.
The cost of living in Bali is flexible and can fit almost any lifestyle. Budget travelers, digital nomads, and retirees all find value on the island. Daily costs are affordable, and options range from simple guesthouses to luxury villas.
For many expats, Bali is more than a temporary destination. It is also a smart place to invest. You can explore property for sale in Bali to see current opportunities. In addition, the complete guide to buying property in Bali explains the entire process step by step.
Yes, the cost of living in Bali is much lower than in many Western countries. However, your lifestyle choices can raise or reduce expenses.
On average, you need $600–$900 USD for a budget lifestyle. In contrast, a mid-range lifestyle costs $1,100–$1,800 USD monthly.
Yes, you can live in Bali for $1,000 USD per month. For example, you can rent a modest room, eat at warungs, and use a scooter.
Housing is usually the largest expense. In addition, education, healthcare, and luxury dining can significantly increase your monthly budget.
Bali and Thailand are both affordable. However, Bali can be slightly higher in rent and imported goods, while Thailand offers more variety in big cities.
Rent depends on location and property type. For instance, guesthouses may cost $300 per month, while luxury villas can exceed $2,500 USD.
No, local groceries are very affordable. On the other hand, imported goods like cheese or wine can make your grocery bill much higher.
Basic healthcare is inexpensive. However, private hospitals and international insurance plans can raise your costs if you want premium services.
Yes, families can live well in Bali. Still, schooling and larger housing make their cost of living higher compared to single expats.
Yes, many retirees choose Bali because of its lower costs. In addition, retirement visas make it easier to enjoy long-term stays.
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