Bali Cost of Living: What It Really Costs to Live in Paradise Long-Term

Where To Go For Vacation

5 Jul, 2025

So, let’s cut straight to it: the Bali cost of living in 2025 ain’t what it used to be. You might’ve seen those dreamy YouTube videos where a couple spends $500/month living on coconuts and sunshine, but I gotta tell you — either they’re living in the jungle with no Wi-Fi, or they left out a lot of details.

Living in Bali is still cheaper than a lot of western cities, yeah. But cheap and comfortable aren’t the same thing. If you're looking for good Wi-Fi, a place with aircon that doesn’t cut out, actual decent healthcare nearby, and a lifestyle where you don’t feel like you’re roughing it 24/7... you're looking at more than just a few hundred bucks a month.

I’ve been bouncing between Canggu, Ubud, and Sanur for the better part of 3 years now. And lemme tell you — whether you’re a digital nomad, a semi-retired couple, or someone just thinking about relocating for a few months to test the waters, understanding the real cost of living in Bali can save you a bunch of headaches (and cash).

Rent in Bali – It’s Not Just Beach Huts and Bamboo Villas Anymore

Alright, housing. This is gonna eat up most of your budget — no matter how you slice it.

If you’re in Canggu or Seminyak (aka where all the action is), you’re lookin’ at about IDR 8 million to 20 million a month (roughly $500–$1,300 USD/month) for a decent one-bedroom villa with aircon, a small pool, and okay Wi-Fi.

Want to save a bit? Move inland. Ubud, Sanur, or even North Bali can go way cheaper. I know folks paying around $250/month for a nice private room with a shared kitchen in places like Ubud. The downside? You’ll probably be scooting 15–20 mins to get to anything resembling nightlife or Western-style cafés.

Most places want 3 to 6 months upfront, especially if you’re dealing with local landlords. If you’re going through Airbnb, prices are inflated and sometimes double what you'd pay long-term. Don’t book your whole stay through there unless you're okay burning money.

And don’t forget about the electricity — villas with pools and constant aircon can burn through IDR 1.5M to 2.5M/month ($100–$170 USD) easy, depending on usage. Especially if you're someone like me who leaves the aircon running "just to keep the room cool."

Transportation – Scooters Are Cheap, But There’s a Catch

Okay, let's talk wheels.

Everyone — and I mean everyone — rides a scooter in Bali. You can rent one for about IDR 700K–1.2M/month ($45–$80 USD), depending on the model. Automatic ones are easy to drive even if you’ve never touched a scooter before. And honestly, the traffic in Canggu looks worse than it is once you get the hang of it.

But here’s what nobody tells you: Bali traffic is chaos with palm trees. Expect near misses, potholes that appear overnight, and random dogs darting out at 40km/h. If you’re not confident driving, you can use GoJek or Grab (the local version of Uber). A ride from Berawa to Batu Bolong might cost you like IDR 12K ($0.80) — dirt cheap. But that adds up fast if you’re not renting.

Also — if you’re renting long-term, you should really get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Cops do pull you over, especially if you look fresh off the plane. No IDP? Expect to pay an “on-the-spot fine” of IDR 250K–500K ($15–$30). Don’t ask me how I know 😅.

Food in Bali – Street Nasi or Organic Brunch? Pick Your Lane

Now this is where Bali can be cheap... if you’re smart.

Eat local — I’m talkin’ warungs (those humble little roadside spots) — and you can have a full meal for IDR 20K–40K ($1.50–$3). Think: rice, veggies, a protein, spicy sambal. Delicious and budget-friendly.

But if you’re like me and start craving sourdough avocado toast with a side of turmeric latte, you’ll be dropping IDR 80K–150K ($5–$10) easy per meal. Places like Crate Cafe, Milk & Madu, or Zest Ubud aren’t exactly cheap, especially if you eat out 2–3x a day. I legit had a smoothie bowl the other day that cost more than a full tank of petrol.

Cooking at home? Meh. Groceries at Pepito or Bali Buda are surprisingly pricey. Imported cheese? Forget it unless you wanna spend IDR 150K ($10+) for a tiny brick of cheddar. You’re better off eating local or doing a mix: warung meals during the week, then splurging on the weekend.

Oh, and don’t sleep on night markets! You’ll get grilled satay, fruit, noodles, and dessert for like $5 total. Kinda feels like cheating the system.

Internet & SIM Cards – You’ll Need Both, Trust Me

If you work online, pay close attention here.

Most villas come with Wi-Fi. Some of it’s solid. Some of it... is not. The speeds vary wildly depending on the area and ISP. In Ubud, I was getting 20 Mbps down, and it felt like a dream. In Canggu, I once had a place that dropped out every time it rained (which is a lot during rainy season).

If you’re picky or need stable connection, look for listings with Biznet or Indihome. Those are your best bet. Worst case, tether off your phone — which is why having a good SIM card is crucial.

Telkomsel is king in Bali. Get a tourist SIM for about IDR 100K ($7) with some initial data. Then top it up as needed. I usually spend around IDR 200K/month ($13) for 25–30GB. Plenty for work and Netflix.

If you're doing Zoom calls regularly, consider renting a coworking space. Outpost, Dojo, BWork — these spots are pricey (like IDR 2M–4M/month ($130–$260)), but you get reliable Wi-Fi, AC, coffee, and that sweet community vibe.

Healthcare & Insurance – Don’t Be Dumb, Get Coverage

Bali’s got good clinics and hospitals — but they’re not free, and they ain't cheap if you're uninsured.

A quick visit to a decent clinic (like Prime Plus or BIMC) can set you back IDR 400K–600K ($25–$40). Not insane, but if something serious happens (motorbike crash, dengue, food poisoning from that shady chicken), you're looking at millions of rupiah in bills.

I use SafetyWing, which is around $45/month and covers most things you’d run into. Some folks use World Nomads or IMG Global. Just make sure you’ve got something.

Dental care is actually pretty affordable and solid. Cleanings for IDR 300K ($20ish), fillings maybe IDR 500K–700K. Avoid sketchy spots and you’ll be fine.

Oh, and pharmacy meds? Super cheap. You can get antibiotics, creams, and over-the-counter stuff like ibuprofen without a prescription. Just don’t self-diagnose too hard, yeah?

Entertainment, Nightlife & Fun Stuff – Budget or Blowout, You Decide

Living in Bali doesn’t mean you're just working and sipping coconuts. There's a lot going on.

You can live the budget life — hit the beach, surf, hang at free yoga classes or sunset bars where all you need is a Bintang (local beer, around IDR 30K/$2).

Or you can go full luxury. Day passes at beach clubs like Finns or Atlas Super Club run around IDR 600K–1M ($40–$65) with food and drink credit. Worth it once in a while, especially if you wanna live your Instagram fantasy for a day.

Massages? Dirt cheap and addicting. Expect to pay IDR 120K–250K ($8–$15) for a 60-minute full-body massage. I get one every week now — it’s basically therapy at this point.

Surfboard rental is like IDR 50K/hour. Yoga drop-ins are around IDR 100K/class, but you can find unlimited passes for IDR 500K–800K/month depending on the studio.

So yeah, you could easily spend $300/month on “fun stuff” if you’re not careful. But it's also possible to live super lean if you're watching your wallet.

Monthly Costs – What a Real Budget Looks Like (for 2025)

Alright, here’s the part everyone skips to. What’s the real Bali cost of living month-to-month?

Let me break it down by lifestyle type, using what I’ve actually spent and seen people spend around me:

Budget Backpacker (very basic, warungs, shared rooms):

Rent: $200
Food: $150
Transport: $50
Fun/Extras: $50
SIM/Wi-Fi: $10
Total: ~$460/month

Mid-Range Digital Nomad (solo villa, eats out, works online):

Rent: $700
Food: $300
Transport: $75
SIM/Wi-Fi: $20
Coworking: $150
Insurance: $45
Fun/Wellness: $200
Total: ~$1,490/month

Couple or Small Family (2BR villa, Western comforts):

Rent: $1,200
Food: $600
Transport (car & bike): $150
SIM/Wi-Fi: $30
School/Childcare: $400
Healthcare/Insurance: $100
Fun/Family Time: $300
Total: ~$2,780/month

Yup — you can live well in Bali for under $1,500. But you can also blow through $3K if you want a villa with a view, chef-cooked meals, and two massages a week.

Misc Stuff Nobody Warns You About

Quick sidebar — these are things I wish someone had warned me about before moving to Bali:

Trash & pollution can be bad in some areas. Choose your location wisely.
Flooding happens during rainy season. If your villa is on a slope or in a rice field, ask about drainage.
ATM fees are ridiculous. Bring a card like Wise or Revolut to dodge them.
Noise can be random — roosters, ceremonies, mopeds at 3am. Get earplugs.
Dogs wander everywhere. Cute, but also... territorial. Avoid petting strays.

So Is Bali Worth It in 2025?

If you’re craving sunshine, slower living, and the chance to reset or work remotely somewhere that doesn’t cost you your entire paycheck — Bali still delivers. Just not in that “$500/month dream life” kind of way people on TikTok keep talking about.

You get what you pay for here. Spend more, and you’ll be way more comfortable. But if you’re willing to adapt, eat local, and live a little outside the tourist bubbles, Bali can be very affordable.

Oh — and it's addicting. I said I’d stay 2 months. It's been 3 years. Happens to the best of us.

Visas, Extensions, and “Oh Yeah, That” Fees You’ll Run Into

So, nobody really talks about this until you’re standing in line at immigration sweating through your shirt.

Visa stuff in Bali can be kinda confusing, especially if it’s your first time. Most folks enter with a Visa on Arrival (VOA) — costs about IDR 500K ($35) and gives you 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days, which costs another IDR 500K. So, two months total.

But here’s the thing: unless you like dealing with immigration offices and paperwork (I sure don’t), you’ll wanna pay an agent to handle the extension. That adds maybe IDR 300K–500K ($20–$35) on top. Still worth it.

If you’re staying long-term — like 6 months or more — you’ll wanna look into a social visa (211a) or a KITAS (a type of temporary residency). Those are more expensive and require some paperwork, sometimes a sponsor, sometimes even bank statements.
For example:

Social Visa: Around $300–$400 for 6 months, including all extensions.
Digital Nomad Visa: Not officially here yet (as of mid-2025), but being talked about a lot.
KITAS (retirement or investor): Can cost $1,000+, but lets you stay longer and do more.

So yeah — tack on at least $30–$60/month in visa costs if you're doing it legally, and more if you're staying long-term.

Oh, and one more sneaky fee? Exit tax. It’s included in your ticket price these days, but if you’re doing any border runs (Singapore, KL), remember to check the fine print. Some airports still tack on a weird fee if you overstay even by a day.

Schooling, Daycare & Family Stuff – If You’re Bringing Kids

This part trips people up a lot. Bali looks like a playground, but if you’re moving here with kids, schooling is a big deal — and it ain’t cheap.

There’s a growing number of international and alternative schools, especially in Ubud and Canggu. Green School, Montessori, Bali Island School — all excellent, but you're paying for that quality.

Tuition varies like crazy:

Mid-tier international schools: IDR 30M–60M/term ($2,000–$4,000)
High-end ones: Up to $10,000/year or more
Local schools: Much cheaper, but little-to-no English support

I’ve got friends who spend $800/month just for part-time daycare for their toddler. It’s solid care, English-speaking staff, meals included, but still — it adds up.

For homeschooling parents, Bali is a dream. There are co-op groups, learning pods, nature-based programs. Just be ready to do some legwork.

Oh, and babysitters/nannies? Way more affordable than back home. Expect to pay IDR 300K–400K/day ($20–$30) for someone experienced and trustworthy. That’s for a full day, by the way — not hourly. Life. Saver.

Shopping – From Groceries to Home Goods

If you’re the type who can’t live without your go-to brands, be ready for sticker shock.

Imported stuff is expensive here. A box of cereal? IDR 120K ($8). Almond milk? IDR 90K for the good kind. Even stuff like shampoo or sunscreen can be 2x the cost you’re used to — especially anything organic or “natural.”

Local markets and supermarkets help balance that out. For example:

Local eggs: IDR 25K/dozen
Papayas the size of your head: IDR 10K–15K each
Fresh chicken breast: IDR 45K/pack

But let’s say you’re setting up a new place. Need plates, pillows, hangers, towels? You’re off to Ace Hardware or Informa, where everything looks familiar — and is priced like it came from Target in 2010.

Also, Tokopedia and Shopee (Indonesia’s version of Amazon) are lifesavers. You can get everything from iPhone chargers to rice cookers delivered to your door, often way cheaper than buying in-store. Just... maybe don’t expect next-day Prime delivery speeds.

Got Pets? Here’s What It’ll Cost to Bring or Adopt Animals in Bali

This one's kinda niche, but I get asked about it all the time.

If you’re thinking of bringing a pet from overseas — say a dog or cat — Bali’s got strict quarantine laws. It’s technically illegal to bring animals into Bali from other countries due to rabies concerns. Enforcement varies, but I know folks who tried and got blocked at the last minute. Better to research thoroughly or talk to an import agent.

But adopting locally? Totally doable — and super needed. Loads of stray dogs and cats need homes, and there are rescue groups all over (Bali Dog Adoption, BAWA, etc.).

Costs:

Adoption fee: Usually free or small donation
Vaccinations + sterilization: IDR 300K–500K total
Monthly food + vet visits: IDR 500K–800K ($30–$50)

Pet care here is solid if you go to the right clinics. Sunset Vet and Balipet are the go-to places for expats. I had my dog treated for a skin infection, and the whole thing — meds, tests, follow-up — cost less than a night out in Seminyak.

Oh — one last thing: leash your dog. Bali dogs are territorial, and fights happen. Ask me how I know.

Best Times to Move (and Save Money)

Timing your move to Bali can actually impact how much you spend.

Tourist season is usually July to September and around Christmas/New Year. That’s when prices jump — especially rent. I’ve seen villas go from IDR 10M to 15M overnight just ‘cause the Aussies are on holiday.

Best time to arrive? February to April or October to early December. Low season, better deals, less crowded beaches, and less stress in general.

Rainy season runs Nov to March, but it’s not the end of the world. Yeah, you’ll get soaked once or twice a week, but the island is quieter, greener, and honestly kinda cozy. Just bring a rain poncho and some patience.

How Much Money Should You Bring to Start?

Let’s say you’re moving here semi-long-term — like 6 months to a year. How much should you realistically bring?

Here’s a starter pack:

3–6 months rent up front: $2,000–$4,000
Scooter rental & deposit: $100–$150
Visa & extensions: $100–$300
Emergency fund: $1,000 minimum
First-month costs (food, transport, setup): $800–$1,200

So you’re looking at a starting bankroll of $4,000–$6,000 USD to move comfortably, get set up, and not panic if something goes sideways. More if you’ve got kids or plan to splurge.

I’ve seen people arrive with $1,000 and make it work, but man... that’s stressful living. Having some buffer money makes the whole experience way smoother — trust me on this one.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Big

Let’s run through some real talk. Here’s where I’ve seen people burn through their budget fast:

Paying tourist prices for rent. Always ask around, go direct to landlords, or use Facebook groups like “Bali Housing & Rentals.”
Not checking the Wi-Fi before renting. Don’t trust the listing — run a speed test when you tour.
Staying in a party area and wondering why you can’t sleep. (Cough, Canggu short-cuts, cough.)
Skipping insurance. You don't wanna end up crowdfunding your scooter crash.
Forgetting about rainy season. It impacts everything from mood to mold.

You still with me? That’s a whole lot of info, but now you’ve got a solid handle on what the Bali cost of living actually looks like — not the sugar-coated version you’ll see in influencer reels, but the real-life numbers from someone who’s been through it, screwed it up a few times, and figured out how to live comfortably without bleeding money.

If you're planning the move, let me know what your budget looks like — I can help you figure out what area and setup might work best. Or if you're already in Bali, shoot me your numbers — I’m always curious how other folks are living it out here.