Bali has always been seen as one of the cheaper places to live in Southeast Asia, but in 2025, that picture is a little more complicated. Prices have gone up in a lot of areas, especially in the south, and if you have been seeing content about how cheap it is to live here, you might not be getting the full story. Some people get by on less than a thousand a month, while others spend triple that without even realizing it. It all comes down to where you stay, what you eat, how you get around, and the kind of setup you are actually looking for. What looks affordable at first can start to add up fast when you factor in the things people rarely discuss, like visa fees or just how much more expensive Western products are compared to local options.
If you are moving to Bali or planning to stay a little longer, this guide shows what it actually costs to live here. You will see what you need if you are trying to keep things as cheap as possible and what kind of place you would be living in with that budget. If you are going for something a bit more comfortable, you will also see what that looks like and how much extra it takes to get there.
Accommodation and Rent
Rent is usually where most of your monthly budget goes. If you are trying to keep things more affordable, guesthousesare one of the most common choices. You get a private room, usually with a bathroom and either a fan or AC. Some places offer a shared kitchen, and once in a while, you will find a room with a small kitchen built in. Prices for a guesthouse are usually around $200 a month, which makes it one of the most budget-friendly options.
If you are going for something more comfortable, villas offer a completely different living setup. These are full houses, usually in quieter areas, with more space and better design. A lot of them have private pools, enclosed gardens, and a more modern layout overall. They are built for longer stays, which means better natural light, proper working areas, and a stronger, more reliable internet connection. Even though they are more expensive, that extra comfort makes a big difference if you are planning to stay a few months or work remotely. Most decent villas go for around $1,000 a month, sometimes a little less if you are outside the most popular areas.
Food and Groceries
Food is another category where costs can change a lot depending on your preferences. If you stick with local food and eat at warungs, which are small family-run restaurants, meals are really affordable. Dishes like nasi goreng or mie goreng usually start around 25,000 rupiah, which comes out to about $1.50. Even though they are simple places, most warungs are clean, organized, and serve decent food. For many, it becomes the go-to option for everyday meals.
However, if you want Western food, the prices jump quickly. Meals like burgers, pizza, or pasta usually fall somewhere between $6 and $10, depending on the place and the dish. Compared to local food, it is a big difference, and if you eat that way all the time, your monthly spending adds up fast.
Regarding grocery shopping, it is often not a way to save money. If anything, it usually ends up costing more than just eating out. If you shop at places like Pepito, Bintang, or Grand Lucky, you will find a lot of imported items, but the prices are high. Things like cheese, cereal, sauces, or wine can get really expensive. A lot of it is priced the same as a Western restaurant, so if you are buying that kind of stuff, you are just paying to cook it yourself. Even local products do not always come out cheaper; if you go to the market to buy vegetables, rice, and eggs to make a full meal, the cost is often the same as just grabbing something at a warung.
Transportation
Getting around in Bali is pretty straightforward. Almost everyone rents a scooter. It is the fastest and cheapest way to move, especially in areas where traffic gets crazy. Monthly rental prices start around $60 for a basic model and can go up to $100 or more if you want something newer or more powerful.
It also gives you way more freedom to explore. You can get to places that are harder to reach by car or where drivers are not willing to go. If you are visiting spots that are more remote or want to move on your own schedule, having a scooter makes a big difference. The only thing is, traffic here can get pretty chaotic, especially in tourist-heavy areas. A lot of roads are narrow, filled with potholes, and there is barely any street lighting at night, so it takes some getting used to.
If you are not comfortable riding a scooter, there are always Gojek and Grab. You can order a car or a motorbike directly from your phone. A short ride on the back of a scooter usually costs around $1, but if you are booking a car, expect to pay closer to $3 for the same distance. It is still cheap compared to most Western countries but more expensive than renting a scooter.
Travel Insurance
If you are planning to ride a scooter in Bali or do anything more adventurous like diving or hiking, it is a really good idea to have travel insurance. SafetyWing is travel insurance made for digital nomads, backpackers, or anyone taking an extended trip. It is one of the best options out there if you are staying abroad for a while.
It covers medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost luggage, motorbike accidents which are common in Bali, and even flight delays. You can also upgrade your plan to include adventure sports or add extra protection for your gear, like cameras and laptops. It works in over 180 countries, and you can sign up even if you are already traveling. Plus, claims are quick and straightforward. You can get covered with SafetyWing to ensure peace of mind during your stay.
Gyms and Fitness
If you are planning to hit the gym while you are in Bali, it is actually pretty affordable. A single session usually costs a little over $3, but most people just pay monthly, which comes out to around $16. Most gyms at that price are pretty average, providing enough equipment to get a decent workout in with basic machines, free weights, and usually some kind of air conditioning. There are some more upscale places with extra features, but unless you are after something specific, you probably will not need anything more than the basics.
Beaches and Surfing
A lot of the beaches in Bali look like they are free, but in reality, many of them charge a small entrance fee, usually around $1. It is not a big deal, but if you are hitting multiple beaches every day over a longer stay, those small fees start to show up in your costs. This happens more often in the southern part of the island, which has white sand, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise water. On the other hand, beaches closer to areas like Canggu and Kuta are usually free to access. They are not as scenic but have more built-up areas and better infrastructure.
If you are into surfing, renting a board is straightforward. Most places charge between $5 and $10 for a couple of hours, depending on the beach and the board type. If you are just starting out and want a lesson, expect to pay somewhere between $20 and $30 for a one-hour private session with an instructor.
Beach Clubs and Coworking
There is also the option of spending the day at a beach club. Atlas Beach Club is one of the biggest ones on the island. You can spend the whole day there, and while it can get expensive depending on the package, there is a cheaper online ticket starting at around $7. This includes entry, a free drink, and access to the pools and main areas.
If you are planning to work online, you will want to know about the coworking situation. A lot of guesthouses and hotels already offer pretty decent Wi-Fi, which is enough for most people. But if you need something faster and more stable, coworking spaces are a solid option. Most coworking spots charge somewhere between $100 and $150 per month. Many of them also double as cafés, and signing up for a plan usually gets you a discount on food and drinks.
Other Monthly Costs
One more thing to factor in is your phone plan. Most people go with Telkomsel or XL Axiata, the two main providers in Bali, and the prices are really low. You can get around 60GB of data for about $29, which is more than enough for most people. Coverage is solid across the island.
A small cost people often forget is laundry. Most places you will stay do not come with a washing machine, so people usually drop their clothes off at a local laundry shop. It is usually charged by weight, and the average is around $0.60per kilo.
Visas
You will also need to include the visa in your budget. There are two main types:
- B1 Tourist Visa: This costs $35 and gives you thirty days in the country. You can extend it once for another thirty days, but after that, you will need to leave Indonesia. Many people fly to nearby countries like Thailand or Malaysia for a few days before returning to restart the process, so you must account for those flight costs.
- B211A Visa: This is common among digital nomads. It gives you sixty days right away, and you can renew it twice, staying up to six months without leaving the country. The visa itself costs about twice as much as the B1, and you will usually need an agency to help you, which adds fees.
In the end, the total cost for both options ends up being pretty similar when you factor in the flights for the B1 or the agency fees for the B211A.
Final Summary
The real cost of living in Bali depends on how you set up your day-to-day life. If you are keeping things basic, staying in a guesthouse, eating mostly local food, renting a scooter, and sticking to essentials, it is totally possible to live here for under $1,000 a month.
However, if you are going for more comfort, staying in a villa, mixing in Western food, using gyms and coworking spaces, and adding extras like beach clubs or surfing, you are probably looking at something closer to $2,000 a month. Bali gives you the flexibility to adjust how you live based on what matters to you and how much you want to spend.