How Cost of Living in Bali Attracts Expats

At 65.5% less than New York, the cost of living in Bali amazes most visitors. The island paradise provides great value to anyone seeking an affordable tropical lifestyle in 2025. Couples can live comfortably with a monthly budget between $1,900 and $3,800, which covers housing and other expenses.

A single person’s cost of living in Bali is surprisingly low. You can get by with just $500 to $1,000 monthly. A closer look at Bali’s living costs shows families can save money too, with a family of four needing about $2,300 monthly before rent. Living costs vary based on location – a two-bedroom villa with a pool costs around $760 in Ubud but drops to $300 in Lovina. The cost difference between Bali and the US is striking, with Bali’s rent averaging 68.1% lower than New York’s.

This complete guide breaks down actual living expenses for different lifestyles in Bali. The real numbers about housing, food, transportation, and healthcare help travelers, digital nomads, and retirees plan their stay in paradise. Bali remains a great value destination compared to Thailand, the Philippines, or other popular spots for singles and families looking to relocate.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Bali 2025

The cost of living in Bali varies based on your household situation. Let’s get into what locals and expats spend in 2025. These numbers might surprise anyone used to Western prices.

Average monthly expenses for a single person

A single person’s living costs in Bali can vary substantially depending on lifestyle choices. Simple expenses start at IDR 1,000,000-1,500,000 per month. Monthly costs without rent come to about $650 (IDR 10,921,864). Budget-conscious individuals can enjoy paradise without spending too much.

Here’s what a single person typically spends each month:

1. Accommodation: IDR 6,000,000-10,000,000 ($360-600)
2. Food/groceries: IDR 2,000,000-4,000,000 ($120-240)
3. Transportation: IDR 1,000,000-3,000,000 ($60-180)
4. Utilities: IDR 1,000,000-2,000,000 ($60-120)
5. Entertainment: IDR 1,000,000-3,000,000 ($60-180)

Living costs drop as you move away from tourist hotspots. Local warungs serve meals starting at $1-2, which can save you much more than eating at Western restaurants.

Cost of living in Bali vs US: key differences

Digital nomads and retirees find Bali attractive because of its dramatic cost differences compared to the US. Living here costs 65.5% less than New York, excluding rent. Rental prices stay 68.1% below New York’s rates.

The price gaps are clear:

• Restaurant prices: 78.6% lower than in the US
• Grocery costs: 56.1% lower than in the US
• Transportation: Local transport tickets cost IDR 4,400 versus $2.50 in the US
• Healthcare: Doctor visits cost $18 compared to $265 in New York

Imported goods remain costly. Shopping like locals helps maximize your budget. Bali often beats Thailand and the Philippines in value, offering resilient infrastructure that balances comfort and affordability for singles.

What is the cost of living in Bali for couples and families

The cost of living in Bali Indonesia becomes more economical with shared expenses. Couples live well on $1,006-$1,936 monthly, covering rent, utilities, food, and transport. A family of four needs about $2,300 (IDR 38,661,602) monthly without rent.

Housing costs vary widely for families planning retirement or longer stays:

• 1-bedroom apartment in city center: IDR 15,574,696 ($900)
• 3-bedroom apartment outside center: IDR 28,466,829 ($1,700)
• Villa with pool in Ubud: $760 monthly
• Similar villa in Lovina: $300 monthly

International school fees add IDR 70,000,000 to 200,000,000 ($4,000-12,000) annually for families with children. The daily living cost savings often balance out these education expenses. This makes Bali attractive for month-long stays or permanent moves.

Housing Costs in Bali: What You Need to Know

Housing takes the biggest chunk of your living expenses in Bali. Your accommodation costs will vary based on where you choose to live and what type of property you prefer in this tropical paradise.

Renting a villa, apartment, or kos

Bali’s housing market caters to every budget and lifestyle. A villa rental might set you back USD 100 to USD 500 per night for short stays. Long-term commitments can bring these costs down, with monthly villa rentals ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 5,000.

Your choice of location makes a big difference in what you’ll pay:

1. Seminyak and Canggu: These premium spots cost USD 250-500 per night for villas
2. Ubud: This cultural center has more budget-friendly options at USD 150-350 per night
3. Umalas and Kerobokan: You’ll find better deals here at USD 100-350 per night
4. Lovina: The most affordable area where a two-bedroom villa costs USD 300 monthly compared to USD 760 in Ubud

A “kos” (local boarding house) is the most economical choice for single people, starting at USD 400 monthly. Apartments strike a balance, with one-bedroom units in city centers costing around IDR 15,574,696 (USD 900) monthly.

Digital nomads who plan to retire or stay longer should know that monthly living costs in Bali become more reasonable with extended stays. Expats often find their housing costs are 68.1% lower than similar accommodations in the US.

Hidden costs like maintenance and utilities

The base rent isn’t the only expense you need to plan for in Bali. Your utility bills will add USD 50-150 to your monthly budget. Electricity costs range from USD 50-200 monthly depending on how much you run your air conditioning.

You’ll need to budget USD 100-300 monthly for pool and garden upkeep. Security guards and housekeepers might cost USD 200-500 per month. Internet service adds another USD 30-60 to your monthly expenses.

The local “Banjar” (community council) expects property owners to chip in for ceremonies and projects. While not legally required, these social commitments can help you become part of the community.

Villa staff management typically costs:

• Housekeepers: IDR 2-3 million (USD 120-180)
• Pool and garden maintenance: IDR 100,000-200,000 (USD 6-12)
• Basic amenities: IDR 2-3 million (USD 120-180)

Tips for negotiating better rental deals

The right timing can help you get better housing deals in Bali. April-May and September-October are shoulder seasons that often come with lower rates than busy periods like July-August.

Longer stays give you more room to negotiate. Property owners prefer long-term tenants and might offer 30-40% discounts for extended stays. A villa that costs USD 200 per night might go for USD 2,000-4,000 monthly with a long-term lease.

Less touristy areas offer better deals compared to Thailand and the Philippines’s living costs. Places like Tabanan or Amed are cheaper than popular spots like Canggu or Seminyak.

Working directly with property owners instead of management companies often leads to better deals. Be upfront about your budget while respecting local customs. Many owners would rather have reliable tenants at lower rates than empty properties, especially during slow tourism months.

Daily Living Expenses in Bali

Living expenses take up a big chunk of your budget in Bali. These costs impact everything from your morning coffee to your evening entertainment. A realistic budget helps anyone who wants to stay for a month or relocate permanently.

Food costs: local warungs vs Western restaurants

Food prices in Bali vary widely. Local warungs (family-run eateries) serve authentic meals for just IDR 15,000-50,000 ($1-3) per dish. Western restaurants and cafés charge IDR 50,000-150,000 ($5-10) for similar portions.

Price differences add up quickly for retirees. Monthly grocery budgets range from IDR 2-5 million ($120-300) at supermarkets. Market shopping cuts these costs to IDR 1-3 million ($60-180) monthly. A single person spends about $34 (IDR 571,988) on food each day.

Street food stalls are the most budget-friendly option. Meals start at IDR 15,000 ($1), making Bali’s living costs much lower than Western countries. Luxury seekers can enjoy fine dining starting at IDR 200,000 ($13) per person – nowhere near what you’d pay abroad.

Transportation: scooters, taxis, and ride-hailing apps

Transportation is a key expense in Bali’s cost of living. Scooter rentals cost IDR 600,000-900,000 ($40-60) monthly and are the cheapest way to get around. Fuel costs are low, with a full tank at about $3.

Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab provide convenient options. Motorbike rides start at IDR 10,000-25,000 ($1-2), and short car trips cost IDR 20,000-40,000 ($2-3). Taxi fares begin at IDR 7,500 with IDR 11,667 per mile after that.

Private car rentals with drivers cost IDR 600,000-1,000,000 ($40-65) daily. This is a big deal as it means that these services are cheaper than abroad but cost more than scooters.

Utilities, internet, and mobile phone plans

Monthly utilities make up an important part of Bali’s living costs. A standard apartment’s electricity, water, and garbage collection average IDR 1,441,951 ($86). Air conditioning usage can push electricity bills between IDR 500,000-1,500,000 ($33-100) monthly.

Internet service costs IDR 390,000 ($25) monthly for 60 Mbps connections. Mobile phone plans with 10GB+ data run about IDR 65,748 ($4) monthly – much cheaper than Thailand and the Philippines.

Water bills stay low at IDR 50,000-100,000 ($3-7) monthly. Couples typically spend between $86 and $177 monthly on utilities, based on their usage and accommodation type.

Unexpected Costs You Should Plan For

Living in Bali comes with extra costs that many newcomers don’t see coming. These hidden expenses can throw off your budget if you’re not ready for them.

Healthcare and insurance expenses

You need to plan your healthcare costs carefully when moving to Bali. A simple doctor’s visit costs between Rp 200,000-800,000 ($13-50). Hospital stays and emergencies can get expensive fast. Treatment for rabies alone can cost up to $2,500. This is a big deal as it means that serious health issues needing evacuation could cost more than $100,000 per person.

Anyone staying longer than a month should get health insurance. Monthly international coverage starts at Rp 750,000-1,500,000 ($50-100). Premium plans can go up to $200-400 monthly. Most expats who plan to retire here choose regional policies that give them good coverage without breaking the bank.

Visa fees and renewals

Visa costs affect your Bali budget by a lot. A tourist Visa-on-Arrival costs Rp 500,000 ($35) for 30 days, and extensions cost another Rp 500,000. Indonesia changed many visa fees in December 2024. Long-term KITAS permits doubled from Rp 1,500,000 to Rp 3,000,000 ($100 to $200).

A 2-year KITAS jumped from Rp 1,750,000 to Rp 5,000,000 ($117 to $333). Social-cultural visas for 6-month stays run about Rp 2,000,000 ($133). You should also set aside $50-150 monthly for possible visa runs or agent fees when comparing costs with Thailand and the Philippines.

Entertainment, fitness, and leisure activities

Your monthly Bali budget should include fun activities that improve your lifestyle. Gym memberships cost $30-60 monthly, and yoga classes range from $10-20 per session. Beach clubs charge entry fees plus minimum spending, with cocktails costing $8-15.

A single person should budget $100-200 monthly for fun activities. Entry fees for tourist spots and temples cost $2-10. Day trips to places like Nusa Penida cost between $30-100. Even with these costs, having fun in Bali costs much less than in the US.

How to Optimize Your Bali Budget in 2025

Your money goes further in Bali when you know where and how to spend it. Smart decisions about where you live, shop, and your lifestyle can help you save money in 2025.

Choosing the right location to live

Where you live in Bali makes a big difference to your expenses. Tourist spots like Seminyak and Canggu are expensive, and you’ll pay 30-40% more for housing than in quieter areas. Budget-conscious singles should look at places like Lovina in North Bali. You can rent a villa with a pool for $300 monthly there, while a similar place in Ubud costs $760.

Some wallet-friendly areas include:

• Tabanan: Affordable housing with rice field views
• Amed: Beachside living at reasonable prices
• Sidemen: Peaceful countryside villas for $250 monthly
• Bingin Beach: Affordable beach town popular with surfers

The internet works well everywhere on the island, so you can work remotely from these cheaper locations.

Smart shopping and eating habits

Your daily spending choices can save you money in Bali. Local markets are half the price of supermarkets for groceries. You’ll save 15-20% on basic items by avoiding tourist shops like Circle K.

Food costs drop when you eat at local warungs ($1-2 per meal) instead of Western restaurants ($5-10). Shop at supermarkets early in the morning or on weekday evenings. You’ll find better products and fewer people.

Supermarket loyalty cards at places like Uncle Jo give you special discounts. These savings add up if you’re retiring or staying long-term.

Comparing Bali with Thailand, Philippines’s living costs

Bali offers better value than Thailand and the Philippines. Thailand costs 13.1% more than the Philippines, and Bali sits right between them price-wise.

Here’s how Bali compares to Thailand:

• Restaurant meals: You’ll pay 20.6% less at mid-range restaurants in Bali
• Transportation: Monthly passes cost 67% less in Bali
• Utilities: Internet costs 76.5% more in Thailand

Living in Bali costs 65.5% less than New York. Better infrastructure and healthcare than many similar destinations make Bali an excellent choice for digital nomads, families, and retirees in 2025.

Cost of Living in Bali Frequently Asked Questions

What is the estimated cost of living in Bali for 2025?

The cost of living in Bali varies depending on lifestyle choices. A budget-conscious individual can live comfortably on $500 to $1,000 per month, while couples can enjoy a good lifestyle for $1,900 to $3,800 monthly. These figures include housing, food, transportation, and basic utilities.

Is it possible to live in Bali on $1,000 a month?

Yes, it’s possible to live in Bali on $1,000 a month, especially if you adopt local habits. This budget can cover basic accommodation, local food, transportation via scooter rental, and essential utilities. However, it requires careful planning and may not include many luxuries or frequent dining at Western restaurants.

How does Bali’s cost of living compare to Western countries?

Bali is significantly more affordable than most Western countries. Overall, it’s about 65.5% less expensive than New York when excluding rent. Housing costs are particularly lower, with rent prices averaging 68.1% less than comparable accommodations in New York. Food, transportation, and healthcare are also considerably cheaper.

What are some unexpected costs to plan for when living in Bali?

Some unexpected costs in Bali include healthcare insurance (ranging from $50 to $400 monthly), visa fees and renewals (which can add up to several hundred dollars annually), and cultural contributions to local communities. Additionally, entertainment and leisure activities, while cheaper than in Western countries, should be factored into your budget.

How can I optimize my budget while living in Bali?

To optimize your budget in Bali, consider living in less touristy areas like Lovina or Tabanan, which offer significantly lower housing costs. Eat at local warungs instead of Western restaurants, shop at local markets for groceries, and use a scooter for transportation when possible. Also, look for long-term rental deals and negotiate prices, especially during shoulder seasons.

How affordable is healthcare for expats living in Bali?

Healthcare in Bali is generally affordable compared to Western standards. A basic consultation at private clinics typically costs $20 to $50, while comprehensive health insurance packages for expats range from $50 to $400 monthly, depending on coverage.

Can digital nomads find reliable internet in Bali at an affordable price?

Yes, digital nomads can find reliable internet in Bali, especially in major hubs like Canggu, Ubud, and Bingin Beach. Fiber optic internet packages with speeds around 50-100 Mbps usually cost $20 to $50 per month. Additionally, co-working spaces offering high-speed internet and community events are widely available.

What does transportation typically cost per month in Bali?

Monthly transportation costs in Bali are quite low. Renting a scooter generally ranges between $40 to $80 per month, while hiring private transportation or ride-sharing services like Grab or Gojek are also economical. Public transportation, though limited, is extremely budget-friendly.

What housing options provide the best value for money in Bali?

Long-term villa rentals, guesthouses, and homestays offer the best value for money. Comfortable villas can be rented for as low as $400 to $800 per month outside busy tourist areas, while guesthouses and homestays often range from $200 to $500 monthly, including basic amenities.

Are groceries and dining out expensive in Bali?

Groceries are inexpensive if shopping at local markets, with monthly costs averaging between $100 to $200 per person. Dining out is affordable, especially at local warungs, where meals typically cost $2 to $4. Western restaurants are pricier, averaging $8 to $20 per meal.