The quick version: A realistic comfortable monthly budget in Bali is IDR 18–28 million (~$1,100–$1,720) — mid-range accommodation, a scooter, a mix of local and expat dining, and basic insurance. Most long-term residents actually land around IDR 20–30 million (~$1,230–$1,840)/month. You can go much lower living locally, or spend without limit on a Canggu villa and full-time driver. Bali is not as cheap as it was five years ago, but it remains one of the best-value destinations for anyone earning in USD, EUR, GBP, or AUD.
Bali has long attracted expats, digital nomads, and long-term travellers with its combination of low cost of living, warm weather, and genuine quality of life. How much does it actually cost to live in Bali in 2026? The honest answer: it depends almost entirely on the choices you make. This guide breaks down every major expense category with real numbers — not aspirational budget figures, not luxury resort prices. What you’ll actually spend if you live here.
Use our free Bali trip cost calculator to get a personalised estimate →
Accommodation: The Biggest Variable
Rent is where Bali’s cost of living splits most dramatically by lifestyle.
| Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic room / local kost | IDR 1.5–3 million (~$90–$185) |
| Mid-range furnished apartment (Seminyak/Ubud) | IDR 7–15 million (~$430–$920) |
| Furnished villa with pool (Canggu benchmark) | IDR 15–35 million (~$920–$2,150) |
Most long-term rentals are negotiated annually and paid upfront, which gives you significant leverage on price. Paying 6–12 months upfront can reduce monthly effective rent by 15–25% compared to month-to-month arrangements. Not sure where to base yourself first? See our where to stay in Bali guide.
Food: As Cheap or Expensive as You Want
Eating at local warungs — the small family-run restaurants that line every street in Bali — costs IDR 20,000–40,000 per meal ($1.20–$2.50). A full nasi goreng, mie goreng, or nasi campur with a drink rarely exceeds IDR 35,000 at a proper local spot. If you eat local for most meals, a food budget of IDR 1.5–2.5 million per month ($90–$155) is realistic.
Western-style cafes and restaurants in Canggu and Seminyak run IDR 80,000–180,000 per main course ($5–$11), with specialty coffee at IDR 40,000–65,000 per cup. A monthly food budget eating primarily at these spots would run IDR 4–7 million ($245–$430). Most long-term residents split the difference — local for everyday meals, expat cafes for work sessions and social occasions.
Transport
The default transport in Bali is a scooter. Monthly rental for a basic automatic scooter runs IDR 500,000–800,000 ($31–$49). Fuel costs roughly IDR 300,000–500,000 per month ($18–$31) depending on how much you ride. Total scooter cost: IDR 800,000–1.3 million per month ($49–$80).
Grab (the regional Uber equivalent) is available but adds up quickly. Budget IDR 1–2 million per month ($60–$120) if you rely on ride apps rather than your own scooter. Renting a car with driver runs IDR 400,000–600,000 per day ($25–$37) for full-day use.
Health and Travel Insurance
This is where many expats underestimate costs. Basic BPJS health insurance (Indonesia’s national scheme, available to foreigners on certain visas) runs IDR 150,000–250,000 per month ($9–$15). However, BPJS has significant limitations for expats — language barriers, limited English-speaking staff, and inconsistent coverage for non-routine care.
Utilities and Internet
Electricity in Bali runs IDR 500,000–1.5 million per month ($31–$92) for a typical villa or apartment, scaling significantly with air conditioning use. Most villa rentals include electricity up to a cap, with excess billed separately. Internet (fibre via IndiHome or First Media) typically runs IDR 300,000–500,000 per month ($18–$31) for a 50–100 Mbps connection.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Bali’s entertainment costs are highly variable. A Bintang beer at a local warung: IDR 30,000–45,000 ($1.85–$2.80). A cocktail at a Canggu rooftop bar: IDR 90,000–150,000 ($5.50–$9.20). A day at a beach club: IDR 300,000–800,000 ($18–$49) minimum spend. Yoga classes in Ubud or Canggu run IDR 100,000–180,000 ($6–$11) per session, with monthly passes at IDR 800,000–1.5 million ($49–$92).
Monthly Budget Tiers
| Tier | Monthly Budget | What it gets you |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | IDR 8–12 million ($490–$735) | Local accommodation, warung meals, scooter, minimal entertainment. Achievable but requires conscious spending. |
| Comfortable | IDR 18–28 million ($1,100–$1,720) | Mid-range accommodation, mixed local/expat dining, own scooter, occasional beach clubs, basic insurance. The realistic baseline for most expats. |
| Expat standard | IDR 35–60 million ($2,150–$3,680) | Good villa in Canggu/Seminyak, regular expat-level dining, car for occasional use, comprehensive international insurance, regional travel. |
| Luxury | IDR 80 million+ ($4,900+) | Premium villa, fine dining, full-time driver, top-tier insurance, frequent regional travel. No ceiling. |
What Most Expats Actually Spend
Based on conversations with long-term Bali residents across different lifestyles, the realistic monthly spend for someone living well — not austerely, not extravagantly — lands between IDR 20–30 million per month ($1,230–$1,840). This assumes a decent villa share or mid-range apartment, a scooter, regular cafe working sessions, social activities, and proper health insurance. Below that figure, compromises start to show. Above it, quality of life improves noticeably.
For comparison: a similar lifestyle in Singapore would cost 4–5x more. In Lisbon or Barcelona, 2–3x more. Bali’s cost advantage remains real and significant — particularly for anyone earning in USD, EUR, GBP, or AUD.
What’s Getting More Expensive
Bali is not as cheap as it was five years ago. Villa rents in Canggu have doubled in many areas since 2020, driven by post-pandemic demand and the influx of remote workers. Popular cafe areas have repriced upward. The most budget-conscious expats are moving to areas like Sanur, Lovina, or Tabanan for lower costs while maintaining quality of life. That said, Bali remains one of the world’s best value destinations for anyone earning a developed-world income.
• Where to stay in Bali — pick the right base for your budget
• Bali Healthcare Guide — insurance and hospitals in detail
• Digital Nomad Guide — visas, internet, and working remotely
• Moving to Bali — the full relocation guide
Sort your health insurance before you land
Health insurance is a necessary line item, not an optional one. For nomads on shorter stays or those moving between countries, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance (~$56/4 weeks) is a cost-effective entry point. For longer-term residents, a local Indonesian policy or a full international plan makes more financial sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live comfortably in Bali?
A comfortable monthly budget runs IDR 18–28 million (~$1,100–$1,720), covering mid-range accommodation, a scooter, a mix of local and expat dining, and basic health insurance. Most long-term residents actually spend closer to IDR 20–30 million ($1,230–$1,840) once insurance and social life are factored in.
What is the cheapest way to live in Bali?
A budget of IDR 8–12 million ($490–$735)/month is achievable with local accommodation, warung meals, scooter transport, and minimal entertainment — though it requires conscious spending choices and usually means basing yourself outside the most popular expat areas.
Is Bali getting more expensive?
Yes. Villa rents in Canggu have roughly doubled in many areas since 2020, and popular cafe areas have repriced upward. Budget-conscious expats are increasingly moving to Sanur, Lovina, or Tabanan for lower costs while keeping a similar quality of life.
How much should I budget for health insurance in Bali?
Nomad-style coverage through providers like SafetyWing starts around $50–$70/month; comprehensive international plans run $150–$400/month. Most expats land in the $80–$150/month mid-tier range, which is good value given local private hospital costs.