Thinking about moving to Bali? You’re not alone! Bali’s beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and warm, laid-back vibe have made it a hotspot for expats, digital nomads, and travelers looking for an affordable paradise. But before you pack your bags, it’s essential to get a realistic idea of the cost of living in Bali. This guide covers the essentials—accommodation, food, transportation, and more—to help you plan and make the most of your Bali adventure.
1. Accommodation Costs in Bali
Housing is often the biggest expense in any location, and Bali offers a range of options depending on your budget and lifestyle. If you’re willing to splurge, you can find luxurious villas with private pools, while budget-friendly apartments are available for those who don’t mind simple living.
- Shared Accommodation: In Bali, it’s common for expats and digital nomads to rent a room in a shared villa. These typically range from $300 to $700 USD per month, depending on location and amenities. You’ll often get access to shared facilities like a pool or kitchen, making it a great choice for socializing and keeping costs low.
- Private Villa or Apartment: For a bit more privacy, one-bedroom apartments or small villas are available for around $500 to $1,500 USD per month, depending on the location and whether you choose places like Canggu, Ubud, or Seminyak.
- Luxury Villas: Bali’s luxury villas can be a dream, with prices starting from $2,000 and going upwards of $5,000+ USD per month. These high-end homes often come with beautiful views, pools, and modern amenities.
The cost of living in Bali can vary significantly depending on the type of housing you prefer and where it’s located. Neighborhoods like Seminyak and Canggu are pricier but popular among expats, while Ubud is known for its more tranquil, affordable atmosphere.
2. Food and Dining Expenses in Bali
One of the great joys of living in Bali is the food! You can indulge in delicious, affordable Indonesian food or try out some incredible Western-style cafes and restaurants. Here’s what to expect:
- Local Eateries (Warungs): If you’re sticking to local cuisine, Bali is exceptionally affordable. You can get a tasty meal from a warung (small family-owned restaurant) for around $1 to $3 USD. A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles) is both filling and inexpensive.
- Mid-Range Dining: Bali has many trendy cafes and restaurants serving international cuisine. Meals at these spots typically cost between $5 to $15 USD per dish. Canggu and Ubud, in particular, are filled with health-conscious cafes that serve everything from smoothie bowls to avocado toast.
- High-End Restaurants: For a more upscale dining experience, high-end restaurants in Bali can range from $20 to $50 USD per person. These restaurants often focus on high-quality ingredients and offer beautiful settings, which is a big part of the dining experience in Bali.
If you enjoy cooking at home, groceries are also affordable. Imported goods can be more expensive, so if you stick to local products, you can save quite a bit.
3. Transportation Costs
Getting around Bali is relatively easy and inexpensive. The primary forms of transportation are scooters, car rentals, and the occasional ride-hailing app.
- Scooter Rental: Renting a scooter is the most popular way to get around Bali. Scooter rentals typically cost between $40 and $70 USD per month, depending on the scooter model and rental location. Gas is very cheap—around $1 to $2 USD per fill-up—which makes it an affordable option.
- Car Rental: If you prefer driving a car, expect to pay around $300 to $500 USD per month for a rental. Keep in mind that traffic can be intense, so driving in Bali requires a bit of patience and adaptability.
- Ride-Hailing Services: Bali has local ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab, which offer affordable rides if you’re not keen on driving yourself. A short ride can cost as little as $1 to $5 USD, depending on distance.
With these transportation options, the cost of living in Bali remains affordable, especially if you choose a scooter for day-to-day travel.
4. Utilities and Internet
Utilities are generally affordable, although costs can vary depending on your accommodation and energy consumption.
- Electricity and Water: Monthly electricity and water bills are typically between $30 and $70 USD. Villas with air conditioning or larger properties will naturally have higher costs.
- Internet: Internet is affordable and generally reliable in Bali. A monthly plan costs around $20 to $40 USD, with fiber-optic options available in many areas. Bali also has an abundance of cafes and coworking spaces with Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected.
5. Healthcare and Insurance
Healthcare in Bali is affordable, with both public hospitals and private clinics available. Many expats opt for private healthcare, as it offers a higher standard of care and shorter wait times.
- Health Insurance: A good health insurance plan for expats can range from $40 to $150 USD per month, depending on the coverage level. International insurance policies are also an option if you’re planning to travel frequently.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: If you don’t have insurance, visiting a clinic for minor issues usually costs around $10 to $30 USD. Bali also has a few international-standard hospitals for emergencies, though these come at a higher cost.
For most people, healthcare doesn’t break the bank, which keeps the overall cost of living in Bali manageable.
6. Entertainment and Leisure
Living in Bali means having access to beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and endless adventure activities. Here’s what to expect:
- Outdoor Activities: Exploring beaches, waterfalls, and rice terraces is often free or very cheap. Entry to temples or popular sites can be between $1 to $5 USD, while yoga classes, a favorite among locals and visitors, cost around $8 to $15 USD per session.
- Nightlife and Dining Out: Going out to clubs or bars costs roughly the same as in any other tourist destination. Cocktails at a beach club can range from $5 to $15 USD, while beers are around $2 to $5 USD. For a night out, budget anywhere from $20 to $50 USD, depending on where you go.
The cost of living in Bali offers great value for the quality of life it provides. With so many low-cost entertainment options, it’s easy to enjoy your time without breaking the bank.
7. Miscellaneous Costs and Extras
- Fitness Memberships: Gym memberships typically range from $20 to $60 USD per month, with some facilities offering drop-in rates for around $5.
- Language Classes: Taking language classes in Indonesian can be a fun way to immerse yourself. Private lessons can cost around $10 to $15 USD per session.
- Coworking Spaces: Bali is home to several coworking spaces popular among digital nomads, with membership rates ranging from $50 to $200 USD per month.
8. Total Monthly Budget Breakdown
To give you an overall picture of the cost of living in Bali, here’s a sample monthly budget:
- Accommodation: $500 (one-bedroom villa/apartment)
- Food (mix of dining out and groceries): $250
- Transportation (scooter rental and gas): $50
- Utilities and Internet: $60
- Healthcare and Insurance: $50
- Entertainment/Leisure: $100
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $100
Total Monthly Cost: Approx. $1,110 USD
This budget covers a comfortable lifestyle that includes everything from a nice place to stay, eating out regularly, and enjoying some entertainment. Of course, the cost of living in Bali can be adjusted depending on individual lifestyle choices, but most people find it very manageable to live here comfortably.
Final thoughts
Bali’s charm goes beyond its scenic beauty; it’s also known for its affordable living. The cost of living in Bali can accommodate a range of budgets, making it accessible for many people looking to enjoy island life without breaking the bank. With a bit of planning, Bali offers an incredible lifestyle, filled with rich culture, friendly locals, and endless activities. So if you’ve been dreaming of paradise, now you have a better idea of what living in Bali might actually look like.