When I first thought about moving to Bali, I kept hearing stories of people living here on a budget. Some said they survived on just $500 a month, others spent $3000 or more. But the number that kept coming up was $1000 a month, the so-called “sweet spot.”
Now that I’ve actually experienced it myself, I can confirm: yes, you can live in Bali for $1000 a month, and quite comfortably too. But how far that money goes depends a lot on the lifestyle you choose. Whether you’re happy with simple meals at local warungs or if you need daily brunches, beach clubs, and imported groceries. Here’s how life on $1000/month in Bali really looks.
Accommodation in Bali
Accommodation is by far the biggest expense, and it shapes the entire Bali experience.
Guesthouses
I’ve stayed in a local guesthouse (called kost) where you get a private room with a bed, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and sometimes cleaning service included. These usually cost around $250 – $350 per month. They are basic but comfortable, and often located in central areas near cafes and shops.
Villas
If you want more privacy, long-term villa rentals are surprisingly affordable compared to Western countries. A one-bedroom villa with a small pool in Ubud, Canggu, or Uluwatu can cost around $400 – $600/month if you rent directly from the owner. The villas are usually furnished, with kitchens and sometimes weekly cleaning included.
Tips for saving: Don’t just rely on Airbnb, the prices are inflated. Walk around neighborhoods you like, check local Facebook groups, or use Balinese rental agents. Monthly rentals are always much cheaper than nightly stays.
For me, budgeting $400/month for housing strikes a good balance: not too simple, not overly luxurious.
Food and Dining Out
Food in Bali is where you really control your spending. You can eat like a local for just a few dollars a day, or you can spend the same as back home if you stick to western cafes.
Warungs (local eateries)
Go to the local warung and you will find a plate of nasi campur (rice with vegetables, chicken, tempeh, and sambal) costs around $1.50 – $2.50. Eating at warungs most days means your food bill can stay under $150/month.
Western cafe
Bali has a huge cafe culture. Smoothie bowls, sourdough toast, specialty coffee. Meals usually cost $5 – $10, and if you eat this way every day, expect your food budget to jump to $400 – $500/month.
Cooking at home
Groceries are affordable if you stick to local produce, such as rice, vegetables, fruit, fish, and chicken are cheap. But imported products like cheese, wine, and cereal are expensive. I once paid $10 for a small block of cheddar! Cooking at home can save money, but many long-term travelers still prefer eating out because it’s convenient and affordable. On average, I spend around $250 – $300/month on food, eating local half the time, and Western the other half.
Transportation
Transportation in Bali mainly comes down to one question: do you ride a scooter or not?
Scooter rental
Most long-term travelers rent scooters, which cost $60 – $80/month, with fuel at only about $2 per tank. It’s by far the most affordable and flexible way to get around. Riding through rice fields or along the coast with the wind in your face is part of the Bali experience.
Taxis and ride apps
If you are not comfortable on a scooter, you will rely on Gojek, Grab, or Bluebird taxis. Short rides are cheap, but if you are using them every day, the costs add up quickly, easily $200+ per month. For budget living, scooters are the way to go. I usually spend around $70/month on transportation.
Coworking and Internet
Bali has built its reputation as one of the world’s top digital nomad hubs, and for good reason. No matter where you stay, you’ll find reliable places to get work done.
Coworking space
The island is full of dedicated coworking hubs like Dojo in Canggu, Outpost in Ubud, and BWork in Berawa. Memberships usually cost $100 – $150/month and include fast Wi-Fi, comfortable workstations, air conditioning, and even community events like workshops or networking nights. I love them because you don’t just get a desk, you get an instant community of other remote workers, entrepreneurs, and creatives. It makes working abroad feel less isolating.
Cafes with Wi-Fi
If you prefer a more casual vibe, almost every café in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud has free Wi-Fi. Some even have charging outlets at every table, comfy seating, and an open-air atmosphere with rice field views. The unspoken rule is simple: order a coffee or a meal, and you can stay for a few hours. For me, it’s hard to beat the feeling of sipping an iced latte while working with the sound of scooters outside and tropical greenery all around.
Home internet
Most villas and guesthouses include Wi-Fi in the rent, and while speeds can vary, many places now offer 30 – 50 Mbps, which is good enough for Zoom calls and streaming. In some rural areas, the connection can be weaker, but mobile data is cheap and works as a good backup. I’ve used my hotspot more than once during a sudden outage, and it usually saves the day.
Personally, I like to mix it up, working from home on quiet days, heading to cafes when I want a change of scenery, and keeping a coworking membership for reliable internet and community. Budgeting around $100/month for coworking gives me peace of mind and flexibility.
Lifestyle and Entertainment
This is the part of living in Bali where your budget really shows your personality. Bali can be a playground of free natural beauty or a world of luxury indulgence, the choice is yours.
Free and low-cost activities
Some of my favorite days cost next to nothing. Watching the sunset on Echo Beach, hiking down to a hidden cove in Uluwatu, or visiting a local temple where the entry fee is just a couple of dollars. Yoga studios are everywhere, classes usually cost $7 – 10, and they’re often in open-air shalas surrounded by jungle. And then there are massages, nothing feels better than an hour-long Balinese massage for $7 – 15.
Mid-range fun
When I want to treat myself, I take weekend trips to nearby islands. A ferry to Nusa Penida and a budget guesthouse can be done for $50 – 100, while a weekend in Lombok or the Gili Islands might cost around $150 depending on transport and accommodation. These trips feel like mini-vacations within a vacation, new beaches, new landscapes, new adventures without breaking the bank.
Luxury extras
Of course, Bali also has a glamorous side. Trendy beach clubs in Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu can easily run you $50 – 100/day if you’re ordering cocktails and food by the pool. Fine dining is world-class, but comes with Western prices, $30 – 50 for a meal isn’t unusual. Imported alcohol is expensive too; a single cocktail at a club can cost as much as a full meal at a local warung.
For balance, I usually set aside around $150–200/month for “fun money.” That covers my gym membership, a couple of yoga classes, the occasional massage, and weekend adventures. I like knowing I can enjoy both sides of Bali, its simple, natural beauty and its vibrant social scene, without overspending.
A Realistic Monthly Budget
If you’re wondering how far $1000 can take you in Bali, here’s a practical breakdown of what living on the island might look like:
- Accommodation – $400: A comfortable private room in a guesthouse or a simple one-bedroom villa.
- Food – $300: Eating a mix of local warungs ($2–$3 meals) and the occasional café brunch.
- Transport – $70: Renting a scooter plus fuel to get around easily.
- Coworking / Wi-Fi – $100: Access to a coworking space or paying for a reliable internet package.
- Lifestyle & Misc – $130: Gym membership, occasional nights out, shopping, or small personal expenses.
That brings the total to around $1000 per month, enough for a simple yet comfortable lifestyle where you can balance work, leisure, and exploration.
Can You Live Comfortably with $1000?
The short answer: yes. On $1000 a month, you can live a comfortable, balanced life in Bali, not too simple, not overly extravagant.
You won’t be living in luxury villas every week, but you’ll still enjoy delicious meals, have a cozy place to live, explore Bali’s nature, and even treat yourself to massages or yoga classes. For me, it feels like a good life, one that’s affordable and still full of experiences.
FAQs About Living in Bali on $1000/Month
- Is $1000 enough to live well in Bali?
Yes. $1000/month is enough for a comfortable lifestyle with private housing, eating out often, scooter rental, and some fun activities. - What is the biggest expense in Bali?
Accommodation is the largest expense. Renting a villa or guesthouse will usually take up 40–50% of your budget. - Is $1000 enough for a couple in Bali?
For two people, $1000/month would be very tight. Realistically, couples should budget at least $1500 – $2000/month for comfort. - Can digital nomads live on $1000/month?
Yes, many do. With coworking spaces and affordable villas, $1000 covers both living and working expenses. - What hidden costs should I consider?
Visa extensions, health insurance, and occasional trips outside Bali can add extra expenses beyond the $1000 budget.
Final Thoughts
Living in Bali for $1000 a month is not only possible, it’s enjoyable if you embrace a mix of local and expat lifestyles. For me, it’s about balance: savoring $2 nasi campur at a warung, but also treating myself to a Western brunch or a yoga class.
If you plan wisely, $1000 a month gives you not just survival, but a lifestyle many dream of: waking up to the sound of roosters, scooter rides through rice fields, sunsets on the beach, and a pace of life that feels both affordable and fulfilling. If you’re considering the move, come with an open mind, flexibility, and a willingness to live a little simpler, and you will see just how far $1000 can take you in Bali.
