The cost of living in Bali varies greatly depending on your lifestyle. If you live just like how locals do, the estimated monthly cost is around IDR 8,000,000 (USD 511.) But, if you want to party all night and are always looking for an upscale dining experience, you have to have a sky-is-the-limit budget. Typically, most digital nomads live comfortably on IDR 15,000,000 (USD 1,000) to IDR 45,000,000 (USD 2,900) a month. Let’s go into more detail on what is the cost of living in Bali for a single person to live comfortably.
Housing and Accommodation Costs
| Accommodation Type | Duration | Ubud (IDR) | Canggu (IDR) | Seminyak (IDR) | Denpasar (IDR) | Kuta (IDR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse/Hostel | Per Night | 150,000 – 300,000 | 200,000 – 400,000 | 250,000 – 500,000 | 150,000 – 300,000 | 200,000 – 400,000 |
| Guesthouse/Co-Living Space | Monthly | 3,000,000 – 10,000,000 | 4,000,000 – 12,000,000 | 5,000,000 – 14,000,000 | 3,000,000 – 10,000,000 | 4,000,000 – 10,000,000 |
| Apartment | Monthly | 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 | 7,000,000 – 14,000,000 | 8,000,000 – 16,000,000 | 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 | 6,000,000 – 12,000,000 |
| Villa (1-2 Bedrooms) | Monthly | 10,000,000 – 20,000,000 | 15,000,000 – 30,000,000 | 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 | 10,000,000 – 20,000,000 | 12,000,000 – 24,000,000 |
| Villa (1-2 Bedrooms) | Yearly | 100,000,000 – 200,000,000 | 150,000,000 – 300,000,000 | 200,000,000 – 400,000,000 | 100,000,000 – 200,000,000 | 120,000,000 – 240,000,000 |
The average monthly accommodation expenses in Bali are more affordable compared to Western countries. With a monthly budget studio-type apartment in Sydney, you can get a comfortable 2 bedroom villa in Seminyak. You can also consider a co-living house in Bali to save more money. Personally, I like co-living more than the hotel in Bali. It’s cheaper, more homey, and has better amenities, like a public kitchen, and co-working space, plus you can meet new people to connect with.
You can book a hotel or guesthouse for just a couple of weeks or two while you explore the area. Seminyak and Canggu are the party hubs of Bali, and if you’re a social butterfly, you’ll love it here. Ubud is more for culture vultures and yogis, surrounded by lush rice terraces and a more relaxed atmosphere. Nusa Dua and Jimbaran are great for families with kids, with calm beaches and kid-friendly resorts.
Before signing a long-term lease, I highly recommend viewing it in person. You can find a list of villas on websites like Airbnb or Booking.com, and local-based real estate agents can be an option. But, it’s cheaper to meet the landlord in person. That’s because most of the platforms take a huge commission so the landlord has no choice but to raise the price. If you do decide to rent a villa, make sure to ask your agent or landlord about the following: water and electricity bills, garden and pool maintenance, and any additional fees.
Internet and Utility Costs
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost (IDR) | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Electricity | 600,000 – 4,000,000 | $40 – $255 |
| Water | 200,000 – 600,000 | $3.40 – $6.80 |
| Internet | 300,000 – 1,000,000 | $20 – $65 |
| Cooking Gas (LPG) | 6,000 per kilogram | $0.38 per kilogram |
On average, my living expenses on utilities are around IDR 3,000,000 (about USD 192) per month, and that covers everything for my two-bedroom villa. With two air conditioners, a TV, a PC, a fridge, and a laptop, my electricity bill takes the largest slice, usually around IDR 2,000,000.
For water, there are two main supply types in Indonesia: government-provided (called PAM) and groundwater. If your place uses PAM, you’ll pay based on consumption; otherwise, it’s often free. With four people in the villa, our water bill typically comes out to around IDR 400,000 each month.
I’m sure that most digital nomads agree that home internet is a MUST! I’ve going to co-working spaces daily to work, it’s totally drained my energy. Not worth it. Thankfully, my current villa has a reliable home connection from Indihome, Indonesia’s top provider. The speed’s a solid 30 Mbps, and it costs around IDR 370,000 (USD 26.70) per month, which I’d say is pretty reasonable for the convenience and consistency.
Food and Grocery Expenses
This is where I spend money the most. My average monthly expenses for food and groceries are around IDR 6,000,000 a month. Here’s the trick, split where you buy your groceries. I usually go to local markets first to buy fresh local produce and then buy what’s left in supermarkets. The reason I do this is because, the imported items are way expensive, even compared to your home country, including fruits and vegetables.
For example, mango in local markets is around IDR 35,000 per kilogram, and in Pepito supermarket 1 Kg mango is IDR 70,000. That’s twice the local market’s price!
Dine Out Expenses
Who doesn’t love to go out and hunt some delicious food? Bali is a heaven for food. With its diversity people coming from various countries making food choices also varied. For those who prefer international food, it costs about IDR 300,000 to IDR 1,500,00 per person. Actually, it can go higher than that if you opt for a more upscale dining experience.
But, what’s the point of living in Bali if you don’t try the local food, especially the famous tasty local beer? So many local warungs or local restaurants serve traditional dishes for just a few dollars. One of my favorite is Warung Sabar in Amed. The food costs for one grilled chicken, french fries, and a drink, only cost around IDR 100,000 (USD 63.) You can have a cheaper option in Bali’s street food. Tacos and satay are usually around IDR 15,000 to IDR 45,000. You can definitely save more if you like to eat local food.
Transportation and Vehicle Costs
For someone who doesn’t go out so often, the estimated monthly cost for transportation is around IDR 500,000 a month. Bali doesn’t have good public transportation, so most people here go around using ride-sharing apps, like Go-Jek, or Grab, or taxis like Blue Bird. To give you a picture, for a short scooter ride, around 1-2Km it cost IDR 16,000. So, for a round trip would be IDR 32,000.
If you’re someone with high mobility, I would suggest you go for a car or scooter rental. There are various rental options daily, weekly, and monthly. The most commonly used scooter rental costs about IDR 800,000 a month. It is sure the most cost-effective option if you plan to move around Bali frequently.
Healthcare and Insurance
While medical costs in Bali are generally affordable, it’s crucial to get travel health insurance. Cigna and Allianz are 2 well-known international insurance providers that offer a range of travel insurance packages. Most digital nomads and expats get a minimum of IDR 3,500,000 (USD 235) per month, but you can get it as low as IDR 1,000,000 (USD 67) if you’re on a super tight budget.
Many short-term visitors get travel insurance that covers everything from check-ups to emergency evacuations. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and even if you’re healthy, you never know what can happen. Plus, if you need any kind of surgery, you’ll want to be evacuated to a nearby country like Singapore or Thailand for treatment.
If you’re on a super tight budget, you can get Indonesia’s national health insurance BPJS Kesehatan for around IDR 230,000 (USD 16) per month. It’s only available for treatment at public hospitals, but it’s super cheap and covers everything from doctor visits to surgeries. If you want to get treated at a private hospital in Bali, you’ll need to top up your coverage. Either way, you’ll want to have some extra savings for when you need treatment at a private hospital.
Leisure, Activities, and Lifestyle
For leisure and lifestyle, I allocate IDR 3,000,000 (USD 200) a month. Here’s the overview of various activities I tried in Bali.
The Practice in Canggu is one of my favorite yoga studios in Bali. You can drop in for a class for around IDR 130,000. A monthly membership is around IDR 1,500,000. Surfing Bali is famous for its surf, and there are many surf schools around the island. Bali Green Surf School in Seminyak offers a 1-hour group lesson with board rental for around IDR 500,000.
If you’re into working out, Avenue Fitness in Seminyak has a great gym and offers daily passes for IDR 100,000. A monthly membership is around IDR 1,200,000. Spa treatments A traditional Balinese massage is a must when you’re in Bali. Sundari Day Spa in Seminyak offers a 60-minute massage starting at IDR 300,000.
Education and Schooling Costs
I don’t have first-hand experience with the schools in Bali, but I’ve asked plenty of questions to my friends who have made Bali home and the search for the perfect school is a top priority for many families. For those looking for international schools in Bali, here are some of the most popular options.
Green School Bali
For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition fees are as follows:
- Early Years (Gecko & Starling): IDR 170,454,706 per year
- Kindergarten: IDR 201,457,563 per year
- Primary School (Grades 1–3): IDR 231,877,586 per year
- Primary School (Grades 4–5): IDR 237,118,301 per year
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): IDR 269,933,500 per year
- High School (Grades 9–10): IDR 287,231,902 per year
- High School (Grades 11–12): IDR 310,563,685 per year
Located in Ubud, Green School is one of the most well-known international schools in Bali. The campus is made entirely of bamboo and is powered by solar energy, making it an attractive option for like-minded families who value eco-living and sustainable education. Green School offers a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) based curriculum and has a strong focus on project-based learning. They have a preschool through high school program.
Bali Island School (BIS)
For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition fees are:
- Kindergarten 1 (3-year-olds): IDR 32,603,000 per year
- Kindergarten 2 (4-year-olds): IDR 43,470,000 per year
- Kindergarten 3 (5-year-olds): IDR 115,500,000 per year
- Grade 1: IDR 186,377,000 per year
- Grade 2: IDR 186,377,000 per year
- Grade 3: IDR 188,008,000 per year
- Grade 4: IDR 188,008,000 per year
- Grade 5: IDR 188,008,000 per year
- Grade 6: IDR 207,026,000 per year
- Grade 7: IDR 223,327,000 per year
- Grade 8: IDR 223,327,000 per year
- Grade 9: IDR 223,327,000 per year
- Grade 10: IDR 228,725,000 per year
- Grade 11: IDR 266,797,000 per year
- Grade 12: IDR 266,797,000 per year
There is also an application fee of IDR 2,500,000 and a capital levy of IDR 21,192,000 per year.
BIS is another popular international school in Bali, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from preschool through grade 12. Many families choose BIS because of its reputation for preparing students for future international moves. The campus is located in Sanur and offers a beautiful ocean view.
Canggu Community School (CCS)
CCS is a hidden gem in the international school scene in Bali. They offer a preschool through high school program and are located in the heart of Canggu. CCS has a strong focus on community and offers a well-rounded curriculum. They are an IB candidate school, which means they are working towards authorization to offer the IB program in the future.
The cost of tuition varies greatly. From what my friends have paid, preschool is around $7,000 to $10,000 USD per year. Once your little ones start elementary school, prices jump to around $11,000 to $14,000 per year, and middle and high school can range from $15,000 to $20,000 USD per year. While it’s a big investment, many expat families feel it’s worth it for the education and community their children receive.
Homeschool
Homeschooling is also popular in Bali. If you’re a digital nomad couple, this can be a great option as you can work while your partner teaches the kids. I’ve heard great things about Wolsey Hall Oxford and Bridgeway Academy, both of which are structured programs that you complete at your own pace. Prices vary from $500 to $5,000 USD per year, depending on the program and courses you choose.
Tutor
Tutoring is also widely available in Bali. If your child needs extra help in a specific subject or you want them to have an extra edge, many experienced tutors are available who are familiar with international curricula. You can expect to pay around $15 to $40 USD per hour, depending on the subject and tutor.
Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Fee (IDR) | Fee (USD) | Duration of Stay | Extension Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) | 500,000 | ~32.25 | 30 days | Once for 30 days |
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa | 2,000,000 | ~129.02 | 60 days | Twice for 60 days each |
| Multiple-Entry Tourist/Visit/Business Visa | 3,000,000 | ~192.23 | 60 days per visit | Valid for 1 year; multiple entries allowed |
| Limited Stay Visa (KITAS) | 2,343,090 | ~150.00 | 6 months to 2 years | Extendable |
| Second Home Visa | 21,000,000 | ~1,345.61 | 5 or 10 years | Extendable |
Indonesia has various visas for business or tourism purposes. The visas above are general visa types, each visa fee may vary based on your nationality and the current exchange rate. If you’re not sure about what visa to pick, consult the official Indonesian immigration website or contact the nearest Indonesian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
The most popular tourist visa in Bali is the Visa on Arrival. When I first arrived in Bali, I also used the electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) for around IDR 500,000. You can buy it directly from the official Indonesian immigration website. It’s super easy, you just fill out your details and pay with your credit card. However, check your visa status after paying because sometimes the system gets glitchy.
Now, I have a remote working visa from visa-indonesia.com and it costs IDR 13,500,000 per year. What I love about their service is that they do everything for you! I hate paperwork and dealing with red-tape, so it’s amazing to have someone do it all for me. Plus, a week before my visa expires, they call me to remind me. Not just a text, they actually call me to remind me not to overstay and get in trouble.
Taxes and Finances
When living in Bali, understanding the tax and financial landscape is crucial to managing your budget effectively. As a foreigner, you might be subject to taxes both in Indonesia and your home country. Here’s what you need to know:
Income earned in Bali is subject to Indonesian income tax, which ranges from 5% to 30% depending on your income level. If you’re a digital nomad or freelancer, you may be considered a non-resident and subject to a 20% withholding tax on your income. For those employed by an Indonesian company, your employer will typically handle your taxes and deduct them from your salary. Residents may benefit from a tax-free allowance of IDR 54 million (approximately USD 3,800) per year.
Consulting with a tax professional or financial advisor is essential to understand your specific tax obligations and optimize your finances. Bali offers a range of banking options, including local and international banks. Opening a bank account in Bali is straightforward, often requiring a minimum deposit. Many banks provide online banking services and credit cards, though some may have restrictions on foreign transactions or require a minimum balance.
To save money while living in Bali, consider these tips:
- Shop at Local Markets: Buying from local markets and warungs can be significantly cheaper than shopping at international stores.
- Opt for Rentals: Renting a scooter or car can be more cost-effective than purchasing a vehicle, especially for short-term stays.
- Use Public Transport: Ride-sharing apps like Gojek and Grab are more affordable than taxis and offer a convenient way to get around.
- Cook Your Own Food: Preparing your own meals can save you around IDR 50,000 (approximately USD 3.50) per meal compared to dining out.
- Exchange Money Wisely: Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas due to unfavorable rates. Instead, use ATMs or local banks.
By understanding the tax and financial landscape in Bali, you can make informed decisions and optimize your finances to enjoy a comfortable and affordable lifestyle on the island.
Safety and Security in Bali
Bali is generally a safe and secure destination, but like any place, it’s essential to take some common-sense precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in tourist areas. Be mindful of your belongings and keep valuables secure. Traffic in Bali can be chaotic, especially in busy areas like Kuta and Ubud. Exercise caution when crossing roads and always wear a helmet when riding a scooter.
While Bali has a low risk of terrorism, it’s wise to stay informed about local conditions and follow government travel advisories. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, can occur. Stay updated on local conditions and follow evacuation procedures if necessary.
Medical care in Bali is generally good, but some hospitals may not meet Western standards. Investing in health insurance that covers medical evacuation to Singapore or other countries with high-quality medical care is advisable.
To stay safe and secure in Bali, consider these tips:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local conditions and follow government travel advisories.
- Secure Your Belongings: Be vigilant with your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Use Reputable Services: Opt for reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab.
- Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter and consider taking a scooter safety course.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and take regular breaks in the sun to avoid heat exhaustion.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and avoid activities that may be considered disrespectful or insensitive.
By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can enjoy a safe and secure lifestyle in Bali.
Realistic Monthly Budget Examples
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (IDR) | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Guesthouse/Co-Living Space (Canggu) | 4,000,000 – 12,000,000 | $255 – $770 |
| Apartment (Denpasar) | 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 | $320 – $640 |
| Villa (1-2 Bedrooms, Kuta) | 12,000,000 – 24,000,000 | $770 – $1,540 |
| Utilities and Internet | ||
| Electricity | 600,000 – 4,000,000 | $40 – $255 |
| Water | 200,000 – 600,000 | $13 – $40 |
| Internet | 300,000 – 1,000,000 | $20 – $65 |
| Cooking Gas (LPG, 10 kg) | 60,000 | $3.80 |
| Food and Dining | ||
| Groceries (Local Markets & Stores) | 3,000,000 – 6,000,000 | $192 – $385 |
| Dining Out (Local & Int’l) | 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 | $130 – $320 |
| Transportation | ||
| Ride-Sharing/Short Scooter Trips | 500,000 – 1,000,000 | $32 – $65 |
| Scooter Rental | 800,000 | $51 |
| Healthcare and Insurance | ||
| Travel Health Insurance | 1,000,000 – 3,500,000 | $67 – $235 |
| Leisure and Lifestyle | ||
| Yoga, Gym, and Surfing | 1,200,000 – 3,000,000 | $77 – $192 |
| Spa Treatments (2-3 per month) | 600,000 – 1,200,000 | $38 – $77 |
| Education (International School) | ||
| Kindergarten (BIS) | 3,900,000 | $255 |
| Primary School (BIS) | 15,600,000 | $1,020 |
| Visa Costs | ||
| Visa on Arrival (30 days, single) | 500,000 | $32.25 |
| Single-Entry Tourist Visa (60 days) | 2,000,000 | $129.02 |
| Taxes and Financial Services | ||
| Bank Fees and Taxes | 500,000 – 1,500,000 | $32 – $96 |
Total Monthly Estimated Cost Range:
- Lower Range: IDR 19,260,000 ($1,235)
- Upper Range: IDR 54,860,000 ($3,515)
Conclusion
Bali is an amazing place to visit and stay long-term. The culture is so alive and you can connect with the local community easily. Bali’s cost of living is much lower than in Western countries, but you still have to be mindful of your expenses. You can live comfortably in Bali on a low budget, but you have to plan ahead.
Accommodation, utilities, and food are affordable in Bali. You can get a comfortable studio apartment in Seminyak for the same price as a monthly hotel stay in Sydney. I like co-living houses in Bali because it’s cheaper than a hotel and has a public kitchen and co-working space. Plus, you can meet new people and connect with them.