Konte Bali

So you’re sitting at your desk, probably daydreaming about rice paddies, tropical smoothies, and maybe ditching the 9-to-5 to move somewhere that actually feels like…life. Bali pops into your head—of course it does. But then the big question hits you: how much does it cost to live in Bali?

Let me just cut to the chase: it depends. Yeah, I know, super unhelpful answer. But hang tight. I’m gonna break it down for you from someone who’s lived there, messed up a few things, figured out a bunch, and talked to a lot of other expats doing the same dance.

Whether you’re a digital nomad, slow traveler, remote worker, retiree, or someone just looking for a serious change of pace, this guide’s gonna help you actually understand what it costs to live in Bali without any sugar-coating or clickbait nonsense.

Rent in Bali – From Beach Bungalows to Jungle Villas

Okay, straight up—housing is usually your biggest monthly expense anywhere. And in Bali? Same deal, but there’s way more flexibility than in places like the U.S., Australia, or the UK.

So, you can spend anywhere from $200/month for a super basic room in a guesthouse to $2,000/month for a private pool villa in Canggu with all the Instagram vibes. Most folks land somewhere in between.

Here’s a rough idea (and yes, this changes based on location, season, and how good you are at negotiating):

• A simple room in Ubud or Kerobokan: $250–$450/month
• A one-bedroom apartment in Seminyak or Canggu: $500–$900/month
• A two-bedroom villa with a pool in Uluwatu: $1,200–$1,800/month

If you’re staying long-term, don’t book on Airbnb—it’s way overpriced. Once you’re in Bali, look around. Ask locals. Walk the streets. Facebook groups like Bali Housing & Rental are goldmines. You’ll find way better deals from local landlords once you’re on the ground.

Also, don’t sleep on yearly rentals. You can save a ton by paying upfront. I rented a 2-bedroom villa in Ubud for 85 million IDR (~$5,500 USD/year) and it included cleaning, garden maintenance, and WiFi. That’s less than $460/month. And yes, it had a pool.

Eating Out vs. Cooking – Bali’s Food Costs Will Surprise You

Here’s where Bali kinda spoils you. Eating out is so cheap that most people never cook. I mean, unless you really love it (or you’re trying to go keto, vegan, or do some niche health thing), you’ll probably eat out almost every day.

Local warungs (little eateries) serve nasi goreng, mie goreng, chicken satay, and tons of tasty stuff for like $1–$3 a meal.

Western-style cafés and restaurants are gonna run you a bit more, obviously:

• Smoothie bowl in Canggu? $4–$6
• Flat white? Around $2.50–$3.50
• Burger and fries? Closer to $7–$10
• Date night sushi in Seminyak? Yeah, expect $20–$30 per person with drinks

If you cook at home (which I honestly only did when I got homesick and craved spaghetti), groceries aren’t as cheap as you’d expect. Imported stuff is pricey. Like, almond milk for $6, cheese for $8, a bottle of wine for $15+. Local fruits and veggies though? Super affordable. Mangoes, avocados, dragon fruit, tempeh—all that good stuff.

I’d say most people spend about $200–$600/month on food, depending on how fancy you get.

Transportation – Scooters, GoJek, and the Occasional Traffic Meltdown

Alright, if you’re gonna live in Bali, you need to get comfortable with two things: scooters and helmets. Because driving a car in Bali is kinda like trying to wrestle a jellyfish—it’s just a mess.

You can rent a scooter for $50–$70/month or buy one used for $500–$700 (and resell it later). Gas is dirt cheap—like $2–$3 for a full tank. Just make sure your international driver’s license is sorted or you might get stopped by the local police, and yeah, they’ll fine you (aka ask for a bribe).

Not into driving? No worries. There’s GoJek and Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber). You can ride pillion on a scooter for like $1–$2 per trip or get a car for longer rides. It’s super cheap and honestly kinda fun.

I budget around $60–$100/month for transport and that’s with using a scooter almost every day.

Internet & Mobile – Digital Nomads, You’re Safe Here

This one’s big for remote workers. Internet in Bali is… mostly solid, especially in coworking spaces, cafés, and modern villas.

If you’re renting long-term, make sure your place has fiber-optic or at least 20 Mbps. My villa in Ubud had 50 Mbps down, and I had no trouble Zooming or uploading videos.

You can also get pocket WiFi as backup, or tether your phone. A SIM card with data is cheap:

• Telkomsel SIM card: Around $1–$2
• Monthly data package (30–40GB): $7–$10

And yes, 4G is solid in most areas, especially in Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and Sanur. Remote areas like Sidemen or Amed? Might be a little spottier.

Wellness, Gyms & Self-Care – Treat Yo’ Self Vibes

Living in Bali means you’ll probably become that person who starts doing yoga, drinks green juices, and talks about energy healing. It just happens.

Good news? Self-care is affordable here.

• Yoga classes: $5–$10 each, or $50–$90/month for unlimited packages
• Gym memberships: $20–$60/month, depending on how bougie the gym is
• Massages (legit ones): $7–$15/hour
• Chiropractor or physiotherapy sessions: Around $30–$50

I used to get a massage every week—no shame. It’s just part of life there. Everyone’s into wellness, and you won’t break the bank to stay feeling good.

Utilities – Electricity, Water & All That Boring Stuff

Okay, this one kinda depends on your lifestyle. If you’re blasting the A/C 24/7, your electricity bill’s gonna spike.

Here’s the breakdown from my place:

• Electricity: $40–$80/month (more if you use A/C a lot)
• Water: Usually included in rent
• Garbage & Banjar (local village fees): Maybe $5–$10/month
• WiFi (if not included): $20–$40/month

Some villas charge you based on prepaid electricity via a token system. You just go to the nearest convenience store, give them your meter number, and they’ll top it up. Kinda like a prepaid phone card from 2002.

Visa Costs – The Real Deal

Ah yes, the visa rabbit hole. This trips a lotta people up, so let me lay it out plain.

If you’re doing short-term (under 60 days), you can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for $35, which can be extended once for another 30 days. Easy peasy.

But for longer stays, you’ll need something like:

• Social-Cultural Visa (B211a): Around $300–$500, good for 180 days with extensions
• KITAS (long-term work/stay visa): $$$$, varies massively (think $700–$2,000+)
• Or go the Digital Nomad Visa route if it’s available when you’re reading this (it’s being talked about a lot)

I always recommend using a legit visa agent in Bali. Don’t mess with overstay fines. They’re 1 million IDR/day, and it adds up real fast.

Health Insurance & Medical Stuff

Okay, I get asked this all the time. “What if I get sick in Bali?”

Honestly, the healthcare is decent—especially in areas like Denpasar, Ubud, and Canggu where expat-friendly clinics are easy to find. Siloam and BIMC are two of the bigger hospitals people trust.

A walk-in clinic visit can cost $15–$30. For more serious stuff, you’ll want travel or expat insurance.

I use SafetyWing, which costs around $45/month, but some folks go with Cigna Global or Allianz if they need full coverage.

Don’t skip this. Stuff happens—like Bali Belly, scooter accidents, or worse.

For Families – Schools & Childcare Costs in Bali

If you’re bringing kids, Bali actually has some awesome international schools—but they ain’t cheap.

• Green School Bali: From $10,000–$20,000/year
• Canggu Community School: Around $12,000–$18,000/year
• Dyatmika or Pelangi School (a bit more affordable): $5,000–$9,000/year

Some families go the homeschooling route, hire tutors, or use online curriculums to keep costs down. There’s a big community for that in Ubud and Canggu.

Childcare and nannies though? Super reasonable. A full-time live-in nanny might cost you around $200–$400/month. And they’re usually amazing.

So… What’s a Realistic Monthly Budget to Live in Bali?

Here’s the million-rupiah question, right?

Let me throw out a few lifestyle-based examples. Obviously, this can vary depending on your habits, where you live, and how fancy you like your lattes.

Budget Nomad (Super Frugal)

• Room in guesthouse: $250
• Food (mostly local): $150
• Scooter rental: $60
• Data/Internet: $10
• Misc: $80

Total: ~$550/month

Mid-Range Remote Worker (Balanced Living)

• Private villa in Ubud: $600
• Food (mix local/Western): $300
• Scooter + GoJek: $100
• Yoga/massages/gym: $100
• Visa/insurance: $100
• Utilities: $70
• Misc: $130

Total: ~$1,400/month

Luxury Expat (No Holding Back)

• Beachfront villa in Canggu: $1,800
• Private driver + car: $400
• Dining out daily: $600
• Gym, yoga, wellness: $300
• Insurance + visa: $200
• Household staff: $300
• Entertainment/shopping: $400

Total: ~$4,000+/month

So yeah, you really can live in Bali for under $700/month if you keep things super chill. But most folks I know average around $1,200–$1,800/month for a comfortable, fun lifestyle without going nuts.

Which Areas in Bali Are Cheaper or More Expensive to Live In?

This one’s a biggie. The cost of living in Bali isn’t the same all over the island—some spots are way pricier just because of demand, trendiness, or access to certain amenities.

Let’s break down a few popular zones:

Canggu – Trendy, Pricey, Digital Nomad Central

Canggu is where all the surfboard-toting, MacBook-carrying nomads flock. It’s Bali’s answer to Venice Beach or Bondi. Think smoothie bowls, tattoos, boutique gyms, and traffic that’ll make you question your life choices.

Rent here is high. Villas can go for $1,000–$2,000/month, especially near Echo Beach or Batu Bolong. But you’re paying for vibe and community. The coworking spaces (like Dojo, BWork, Outpost) are excellent, and everything’s within scooter distance.

Cafés are more Westernized, so you’ll pay more, too. But it’s easy to network, and there’s always something going on—sunset jams, beach workouts, crypto meetups, etc.

Ubud – Cheaper, Quieter, More Spiritual

If you’re more into yoga, art, and being surrounded by jungle vibes, Ubud is your place. It’s noticeably cheaper than Canggu—rent is often $300–$700/month, and food can be way more local if you’re not hitting up the vegan restaurants every day.

Life here’s slower. It attracts a more conscious crowd—lots of healers, artists, and people taking a break from the hustle. You’ll still find expats, but less influencer culture.

Uluwatu – Surf Heaven With a Cost

Down in the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu is all about those cliffside sunsets and perfect waves. It’s gotten more developed lately, so prices are creeping up. Villas can be $800–$1,500/month, but you can find older spots or more basic rooms for way less.

This area’s not walkable, so scooter life is a must. Internet’s hit-or-miss depending on your spot, but for surfers and beach bums? It’s paradise.

Sanur – Family Friendly, Under the Radar

Sanur’s slept on. It’s super laid-back, great for families or retirees, and way calmer than Canggu. You’ll find solid long-term housing options around $400–$900/month, and the beach is chill—no big waves, which makes it great for kids or folks who don’t surf.

It’s also got decent international schools, supermarkets with more imported goods, and better roads (thank god). The expat community here skews older, but that also means fewer drunk backpackers at 2am.

Sneaky Costs You Probably Didn’t Think About

Alright, here’s where stuff gets real. Everyone talks about rent and food, but there are a bunch of little expenses that pop up once you’re actually living in Bali. None of them are crazy expensive on their own, but they do add up.

Here’s what caught me off guard my first few months:

Laundry

Most people don’t have washing machines in their rentals (especially short-term). You’ll drop your clothes off at a laundry service and pick them up 24 hours later—folded and smelling like heaven. It’s super convenient but adds up.

• Regular laundry: $0.60–$1/kg
• Weekly average for one person: $4–$8

Cleaning Services

Even if you’re in a small apartment, you’ll want cleaning help. Bali’s dusty. Ants show up overnight. Leaves blow in like it’s autumn.

• Cleaner once/week: $15–$30/month
• Daily staff (some villas include this): may be included in rent or $100–$200/month

Retreats & Experiences

You’ll get FOMO. Guaranteed. Yoga retreats, breathwork sessions, ecstatic dance, cacao ceremonies, you name it—Bali has it.

• Weekend retreat in Ubud: $150–$300
• Healing session with a Balinese priest: $30–$50
• Sound bath with crystals and gongs: $15–$25

None of this is “necessary,” but most people get curious. I told myself I’d just chill… two months later, I was barefoot at a full moon ceremony with a singing bowl on my head. Zero regrets.

Visa Run Travel

Depending on your visa, you might need to leave the country every couple months. That means booking flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok just to reset your time.

A quick visa run costs:

• Roundtrip flight to KL or SG: $100–$150
• 2-night stay: $50–$100
• Food, transport, etc.: $50–$80

So that’s $200–$350 every 2–6 months, depending on your visa and how fancy you wanna travel.

Smart Ways to Save Money Living in Bali (That I Learned the Hard Way)

Okay, if you’re still reading, you’re either already planning your move or at least 70% convinced. So let me throw you some stuff I wish I knew earlier. These aren’t magic tricks, but they will keep you from overspending like a rookie.

Don’t Prepay for Housing Online

Look, Airbnb is tempting, especially if you want to “secure something before you land.” But here’s the thing—prices are jacked up. Locals list the same place for 30–40% cheaper if you just walk in or contact them directly.

Fly in, stay in a guesthouse for a week, and go house hunting. You’ll get way better deals.

Learn Some Bahasa Indonesia

Even a little bit goes a long way. When locals see you making an effort, they often give you better prices, or at least treat you less like a walking wallet.

• “Berapa harganya?” = How much is this?
• “Terlalu mahal!” = Too expensive!
• “Saya tinggal di sini.” = I live here.

Avoid Imported Foods

The cheese aisle at Pepito? It’s a trap. Stick to local brands, shop at traditional markets for fruit and veggies, and skip imported wine (or at least ration it—yes, I said it).

Rent a Scooter Monthly, Not Daily

Daily scooter rentals run $5–$7/day, which adds up fast. Monthly rentals are way cheaper—$50–$70/month, sometimes with helmet and rain poncho included. Just check the brakes before you hand over the cash.

How Digital Nomads Make It Work Long-Term

If you’re coming to Bali to work remotely, you’re in good company. There’s a whole ecosystem built around it—coworking spaces, networking meetups, Nomad Festivals, etc.

Here’s how most folks balance life and work:

• Wake up early (sunrise here is beautiful and early)
• Hit the gym or yoga
• Work from a café with strong WiFi
• Midday break (maybe a swim or massage)
• Work again in the evening if needed
• Sunset beach hang or social event

You’ll see people working in cafés with their laptops out at all hours. No one looks twice. And coworking spaces? Worth it if you need reliable internet, A/C, printing, or to meet others.

• Monthly coworking memberships: $120–$200
• Day pass: $10–$15

You can totally skip this if you have great WiFi at home, but I liked mixing it up just to avoid going stir-crazy.

Currency, Cash & Paying for Stuff

Quick heads-up if you’re used to tapping your card for everything—Bali’s not quite there yet.

You’ll mostly be dealing with Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and cash is king, especially in smaller towns or warungs.

• 1 USD = ~16,000 IDR (fluctuates)
• ATM fees: $2–$5 per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts
• Best banks for expats: BCA, Mandiri, CIMB Niaga

Some bigger places accept cards, but there’s often a 3% fee. GoJek, Grab, and food delivery apps use GoPay or OVO, which you top up with cash or local cards.

Best combo? Local SIM + local digital wallet + some cash + a backup credit card for emergencies.