Bali is such an incredible place, it’s a place full of life and beauty, and that is precisely why it’s always attracting people from all over the globe. As 2025 rolls around, if you’re dreaming of making the move or spending some quality time there, it’s important to know what costs you’re looking at. Let’s dive into what you need to know about living expenses—from where you’ll live to how you’ll eat.
1. Where to Live
Finding a place to live and stay in Bali is pretty straightforward, you basically got plenty of options to choose from.
Budget-friendly
If your main concern is to not break the bank, you can snag a room or studio apartment for about $200 to $400 a month. Canggu or Ubud are popular areas, offering more budget-friendly options—especially if you don’t mind sharing your space.
Middle Ground
if you have a bit more cash to play with, you could rent one-bedroom apartment in a nice area like denpasar or canggu for $500 to $1,000 a month, usually these kind of place offers extra facilities such as gym or swimming pool. Ideal for a balance of comfort and cost.
Luxury Living
If luxury is your middle name, then prepare to spend $1,500 to $3,000 a month for a fab villa. These places offer plenty of space and high-end features.And don’t forget about utilities—those will add another $50 to $150 monthly to your rent, based on use.
2. Eating Out and Groceries
Bali’s food scene is a big draw and can fit almost any budget, depending on how you choose to dine.
Eating Like a Local
Grab meals at local warungs for as little as $2 to $5. It’s cheap, delicious, and a wonderful way to taste authentic Balinese flavors.
Western Dining
Prefer more Western settings? Restaurants can range from $10 to $25 a meal. For a special night, upscale dining might range from $30 to $100.
Groceries
Cooking at home is affordable. Expect to spend from $100 to $200 per month if you’re sticking to a one-person grocery list.
Read also : Where to Shop for Groceries in Bali: A Guide for Expats and Visitors
3. Transportation & Getting Around
Transportation in Bali is straightforward and mostly budget-friendly.
Renting Scooters
Renting a scooter is extremely popular as it’s an easy and affordable way to get around, costing between $50 to $100 a month. Gas is cheap too, usually about $1 a gallon.
Taxis and Ride-shares
Don’t feel like driving? Use metered taxis or apps like Gojek and Grab. These rides usually cost between $2 to $5 for short trips.
Public Transport
Bali’s public transportation isn’t extensive, but you can use local bus (Trans Dewata, costing around $0.50 to $1 per trip.)
4. Staying Healthy
Health care in Bali is fairly reliable and affordable, even though it’s still not as cutting edge when compared to Western standards.
Doctor Visit
Visiting a doctor generally costs from $10 to $50, depending on what you need. It’s wise to have health insurance just in case.
Pharmacy Visits
Over-the-counter meds are inexpensive; usually, they’ll set you back just a few bucks.
Read also : Understanding Bali Belly: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
5. Fun and Leisure
From yoga to nightlife, Bali has a lot to offer, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Activities
Yoga classes or surfing sessions are priced between $10 to $30, and monthly passes can save you a few bucks if you make it a routine.
Nightlife
Nights out can vary quite a bit—expect to spend from $20 to $100 depending on where you go and what you order.
Exploring Nature
For outdoor adventures like visiting waterfalls or hiking, guided tours are often available for less than $30.
6. Other Costs
Don’t forget about other regular expenses. Mobile phone plans might cost around $5 to $15, and home internet is about $30 to $50 a month.
Other things to consider is that starting from February 14, 2024, Bali will implement a tourist tax, officially known as the “Love Bali Tourist Levy.” This tax will be a one-time fee of IDR 150,000, which is approximately USD 10, applicable to most international visitors arriving in Bali. The fee is in addition to any visa fees that tourists may already pay upon entering Indonesia.
For tourists, this levy aims to contribute to the sustainability of Bali’s tourism and support local initiatives. It is important for travelers to be aware of this when planning their trips. Check out the official website for more detail lovebali.baliprov.go.id
Bali can be a fantastic place to live without blowing your budget. Depending on the lifestyle you choose, living costs can be as low as $600 a month or more than $2,000 for a more lavish lifestyle.
With smart budgeting, you’ll enjoy all that Bali has to offer—culture, cuisine, and nature, along with its warm and welcoming people. Doesn’t matter if you’re there for a few months or making it your new home, Bali is ready to welcome you with open arms. Let the adventure begin!
