The Real Cost of Living in Bali: Is It Actually Cheap?
Bali is often painted as a budget traveler’s dream—a place where you can live in a villa, eat out every day, and sip cocktails on the beach without burning a hole in your wallet. But how much of that is true? Is Bali actually as cheap as everyone says, or is it just another overhyped fantasy?
Let’s break down the real cost of living in Bali—no sugarcoating, no Instagram filters.
Accommodation: From Dirt Cheap to Ridiculously Expensive
- Budget: $200 – $500/month → A simple guesthouse, local-style apartment, or shared villa.
- Mid-Range: $700 – $1,500/month → A decent private villa with a pool in Canggu or Ubud.
- Luxury: $2,000+/month → A high-end villa with daily housekeeping, ocean views, and a private chef (yeah, it exists!).
🏠 Reality Check: Bali’s rental prices have skyrocketed, especially in hotspots like Canggu and Uluwatu. Long-term leases (1+ years) are cheaper, but short-term rentals can be stupidly overpriced thanks to demand from influencers and digital nomads.
Food & Drinks: Eat Like a Local or Burn Through Cash
- Street food/warungs: $2 – $5 per meal (Nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay, etc.).
- Western-style cafes: $7 – $15 per meal (Smoothie bowls, avo toast, fancy salads—yeah, it adds up!).
- Fine dining: $30+ per meal (Want a steak or sushi? Get ready to spend big).
- Bintang beer: $2 – $3 (cheap and everywhere!).
- Cocktails at a beach club: $10 – $20 (yeah, that ‘sunset mojito’ isn’t cheap).
🍽 Reality Check: If you eat local, Bali is super affordable. But if you’re chasing ‘expat’ food or Western-style brunches every day, your food budget will match major cities.
Transport: Scooter or Grab?
- Scooter rental: $50 – $100/month (+ gas, which is dirt cheap).
- Car rental: $300 – $700/month (with a driver, it’s more).
- Taxis/Grab rides: $2 – $10 per ride (depending on distance and traffic).
🏍 Reality Check: Riding a scooter is the cheapest way to get around, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. If you’re not comfortable riding, expect to pay more for taxis (or spend hours stuck in traffic).
Visas & Legal Stuff: You Gotta Pay to Stay
- Tourist Visa: Free (30 days) or $35 (extendable for 60 days).
- Business Visa: $300 – $500 (valid for 6 months, but no working allowed!).
- KITAS (long-term visa): $1,000 – $2,000 per year (needed if you want to stay long-term legally).
🛂 Reality Check: If you plan on staying in Bali long-term, visa runs get annoying and expensive. You’ll need to budget for proper paperwork (or risk dealing with ‘visa agents’ who may or may not scam you).
Entertainment & Social Life: Bali Knows How to Party
- Beach club entry: $10 – $50 (sometimes includes drinks/food credit).
- Nightclubs & bars: $5 – $20 for entry (drinks are extra).
- Surf lessons: $10 – $30 per session.
- Yoga classes: $8 – $15 per session.
- Gym memberships: $30 – $100/month (depends on the gym and location).
🍾 Reality Check: Bali can be cheap or expensive, depending on your lifestyle. If you’re partying at beach clubs every weekend, your budget will disappear fast.
Hidden Costs That Catch People Off Guard
- Medical insurance: $50 – $150/month (hospitals in Bali aren’t cheap!).
- Import taxes: Electronics, cosmetics, and other imported goods cost way more than back home.
- Laundry services: $10 – $20/month (unless you wash your own clothes, which… let’s be honest, you won’t).
- Random ‘expat tax’: Some prices are magically higher for foreigners—bargain wisely.
So… Is Bali Actually Cheap?
💰 YES – If you live like a local. Eat at warungs, rent a modest place, ride a scooter, and avoid the ‘expat bubble.’
💸 NO – If you live like an Instagram influencer. If you want beach clubs, Western food, and a luxury villa, Bali will cost you just as much as living in a Western city.
Bali can be a paradise for your wallet—but only if you know how to play the game. So, are you ready to do Bali the smart way? Or will you fall into the ‘Bali is cheap’ trap? 🤘🔥
