Breaking Down Bali Living Expenses for Your Next Trip

Budgeting for a move or a long trip can be daunting. Whether you’ll be at a destination for a few months or are looking to settle down somewhere completely new, being aware of the living costs in the area can help you plan ahead financially. 

Bali living expenses can vary greatly depending on your budget and lifestyle. The island is known for its relatively cheaper living costs compared to other countries in the west. It is possible to spend a mere $1,000 per month here. This, coupled with the rise of the “workcation” lifestyle, makes Bali an especially attractive destination for digital nomads. If you’re looking to spend some time in Bali, here is a breakdown of Bali living expenses. 

Visa costs

Make sure you have the correct visa for your stay.

You can get a Visa on Arrival at airport immigration for Rp.500,000. This is valid for 30 days. Other than that, here are several other visa options:

• Single Entry Tourist Visa: Rp.2,000,000, valid for 60 days
• Business Visa: Rp.3,000,000, valid for 60 days with multiple entries allowed
• Second Home Visa: Rp.21,000,000 for 5 to 10 years
• Digital Nomad Visa (E33G): Rp.7,000,000 for 1 year

Be sure to follow all the requirements and not overstay your visa. 

Accommodation costs

A majority of your Bali living expenses will go toward accommodation. This cost will vary according to the area you’re staying in and the type of accommodation you opt for. Different kinds of accommodation include: guesthouses, hostels, co-living spaces, apartments, and houses or villas. 

Co-living spaces are becoming increasingly popular. They provide a shared kitchen and common area where you can socialise with other tenants, and most spaces are also attached to a coworking space – perfect for those who work remote. 

Many visitors staying long-term choose to stay away from busy areas, choosing to rent a house in greener locations or share a villa with friends. This is one way to save on living cost, as rent in non-touristy areas may be cheaper.

Below are a range of prices for accommodation in Bali’s main areas. On top of rent, utility at these places may range anywhere between Rp.300,000 to Rp.4,000,000 per month depending on accommodation type and usage. 

Accommodation in Canggu

Canggu is a popular tourist destination, central to beaches and rice fields as well as cafes and Bali’s bustling nightlife. Living in Canggu will set you back:

• Guesthouse / hostel: Rp.150,000 to Rp.300,000 per night
• Co-living space: Rp.4,000,000 to Rp.12,000,000 per month
• Apartment: Rp.7,000,000 to Rp.14,000,000 per month
• 2-bedroom house or villa: Rp.15,000,000 to Rp.30,000,000 per month

Accommodation in Seminyak 

Bali living expenses may be slightly higher if you’re staying in Seminyak. Accommodation in this area will cost you:

• Guesthouse / hostel: Rp.250,000 to Rp.500,000 per night
• Co-living space: Rp.3,000,000 to Rp.10,000,000 per month
• Apartment: Rp.5,000,000 to Rp.10,000,000 per month
• 2-bedroom house or villa: Rp.20,000,000 to Rp.40,000,000 per month

Accommodation in Ubud

For a cooler climate, consider staying in Ubud. Accommodation here ranges from:

• Guesthouse / hostel: Rp.150,000 to Rp.300,000 per night
• Co-living space: Rp.3,000,000 to Rp.10,000,000 per month
• Apartment: Rp.5,000,000 to Rp.10,000,000 per month
• 2-bedroom house / villa: Rp.10,000,000 to Rp.20,000,000 per month

Accommodation in Denpasar

Tucked away from the overcrowded streets in the south of Bali, Denpasar is the island’s capital. Bali living expenses here is considerably cheaper. The Sanur area is especially popular for people who have lived in Bali for decades. It’s commonly known as a haven for retired folks with its quiet, chill vibes. Accommodation here costs roughly:

• Guesthouse / hostel: Rp.150,000 to Rp.300,000 per night
• Co-living space: Rp.3,000,000 to Rp.10,000,000 per month
• Apartment: Rp.5,000,000 to Rp.10,000,000 per month
• 2-bedroom house / villa: Rp.10,000,000 to Rp.20,000,000 per month

Food costs

Bali living expenses for food depends on whether you buy groceries to cook for yourself or go out to eat. 

Groceries

Your budget for groceries will be determined by your daily consumption and where you go to get them. There are plenty of local supermarkets, but if you’re longing for a sense of home, you can find supermarkets that carry imported goods, too. The cheapest option for groceries is to shop at your local market. 

Shopping at supermarkets will set you back around Rp.2,000,000 to Rp.5,000,000 a month, while getting groceries at the local market will cost between Rp.1,000,000 to Rp.3,000,000 a month.

Dining out

Even if you prefer to dine out, you can still save on food costs thanks to Bali’s abundance of warungs. These small establishments typically serve local dishes like nasi goreng, nasi campur, and various vegetable dishes. Eating at a warung will cost anywhere between Rp.15,000 to Rp.50,000 per meal, although some places that are more established can charge more. 

If you’re looking for something that better suits your preferences, there is a plethora of mid-range restaurant offering international menus with more comfortable seating and higher quality ingredients. Here, expect to spend between Rp.50,000 to Rp.150,000 per meal.

There are also many high-end restaurants in Bali serving fine dining and gourmet food. Your meal will set you back between Rp.150,000 to Rp.500,000 or higher. If you’re feeling like a fancy dinner or are looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, Merah Putih Bali can be the right choice for you. This luxury Indonesian restaurant in Petitenget offers an exquisite dining experience, bringing your palate on an adventure through the country’s diverse cuisine. Book a table to secure your spot and use these exclusive gift vouchers. 

Transportation costs

Public transit is virtually non-existent in Bali. Motorbikes are the most common mode of transport on the island as they allow people to navigate the narrow roads and increasing traffic. So, motorbike or car rentals are another aspect included in Bali living expenses. The cost depends on the type of vehicle you go for. 

Motorbike rental

You can choose to rent a scooter daily or monthly. You’ll be paying Rp.60,000 to Rp.100,000 per day or Rp.800,000 to Rp.1,500,000 per month. This rental doesn’t include petrol, which costs around Rp.100,000 to Rp.300,000 a month depending on how far you travel.

Car rental

Many car rental companies offer the option of renting with a driver. This service costs Rp.600,000 to Rp.1,000,000, which would include petrol and the driver’s fee for 8-10 hours. Alternatively, you can choose to drive yourself. Renting the car alone is around Rp.250,000 to Rp.500,000 a day. 

Online ride-hailing services 

Don’t want to drive in Bali traffic? Book a motorbike or car via ride-hailing apps. The price you pay is determined by the distance to your destination and whether or not your trip takes place during peak hours. 

Bali living expenses for motorbike taxis are Rp.10,000 to Rp.25,000 for a short trip and Rp.50,000 to Rp.100,000 or more for longer trips. If you’re ordering a car, be prepared to pay Rp.20,000 to Rp.40,000 for a short trip and Rp.80,000 to Rp.150,000 or more for longer trips. 

Leisure and entertainment

There are many things you can do in Bali to keep yourself entertained. The best part is, Bali living expenses for most of these activities costs next to nothing! Activities like running on the beach, surfing, or simply watching the sunset would only cost you transport. 

Those who have the budget for it can sign up for a gym membership or take part in yoga, pilates, and even dance classes. You can also enjoy treatments and massages at various day spas. For these activities, it’s safe to budget between Rp.1,000,000 to Rp.3,000,000.

Healthcare 

Keep yourself covered with the right health insurance. Both public and private insurance are available in Indonesia. While Indonesia’s national health insurance may be cheaper, it takes longer wait times and the facilities may not meet your needs or standards. One-off medical care without insurance, such as visits to the General Practitioner, can range anywhere between Rp.200,000 to Rp.500,000 depending on which hospital you go to. 

International insurance like Cigna, Allianz, and IMG are popular choices for travellers. Premiums will range according to coverage, but expect to spend around Rp.15,000,000 to Rp.50,000,000 per year. 

In conclusion: Bali living expenses to live comfortably on the island

Bali offers a wide range of living costs, making it accessible to both the budget-conscious and the luxury seekers. 

A frugal digital nomad or backpacker can get by on Rp.15,000,000 a month. Those with a mid-range budget can expect to spend around Rp.25,000,000 to Rp.40,000,000 monthly, while a luxurious lifestyle can bring monthly expenses to Rp.50,000,000 or more.

FAQ