Living in Bali is a dream for many. The island is famous for its golden beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and tropical climate. Beyond being a holiday destination, Bali has increasingly become home to expat, digital nomads, and long-term residents.
However, if you plan to relocate and live in Bali, it is vital to understand what your monthly expenses may look like.
Bali Living Cost 2025: Complete Guide to the Cost of Living in Bali, Indonesia
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of living in Bali in 2025, including accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and other daily needs, so you can budget effectively before making the move.
Cost of Living in Bali: Overview
The Bali living cost depends heavily on your lifestyle, preferred location, and housing type. While certain areas, such as Seminyak and Canggu, are known for higher living costs, others like Denpasar or Tabanan offer more economical options.
Broadly speaking, a modest monthly budget for a single person in Bali could range from IDR 3.5 million to 8 million (243 – 648 USD), while a more comfortable lifestyle with private villas, dining out, and frequent travel may cost IDR 12 million or more.
Below is a breakdown of the main expense categories.
Accommodation Costs in Bali
Accommodation will be your biggest expense when you live in Bali. Prices vary greatly depending on location, property type, and contract duration.
Boarding Houses and Simple Rooms (kos-kosan)
Cost: From IDR 700,000 to 1,500,000 per month
Details: Basic kos (boarding houses) are common in Denpasar, Gianyar, and Singaraja. A simple furnished room may include a bed and a fan. Air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi typically start at IDR 1,400,000.
This option suits students, local workers, or those looking to start life in Bali on a low budget.
Apartments and Villas
Cost: From IDR 5 million to 20 million per month
Details: Apartments and private villas are common in tourist hubs like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak. Villas often include kitchens, pools, and private gardens. Prices rise sharply during high season or in beachside areas.
If you plan to relocate with family or work remotely, this may be a more comfortable option.
Long-Term Airbnb or Homestay
Cost: Around 270 to 1300 usd per month
Details: Many digital nomads choose this route for convenience and flexibility. Long-term bookings usually offer discounted rates, especially outside the peak tourist months.
Tip: Renting for six months or a year is much cheaper than renewing monthly cost or weekly cost.
Bali Living Cost: Food and Dining Expenses when Move to Bali
Food is relatively affordable, especially if you eat like the locals. Your spending depends on whether you cook at home or dine out frequently.
Eating Local Food
Cost: Around IDR 20,000 per meal
Monthly estimate: IDR 1.5 million to 2 million
Details: Eating at warungs (local eateries) is the cheapest option. Meals typically include rice, vegetables, tempeh or chicken, and sambal.
Cooking at Home
Cost: IDR 800,000 to 1.2 million per month for groceries
Details: Shopping at traditional markets is more affordable than at supermarkets. Fresh produce, rice, eggs, and spices are widely available at lower prices.
Western Cafés and Restaurants
Cost: IDR 80,000 to 200,000 per meal
Details: Popular cafés and international restaurants in Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu are significantly more expensive than local eateries. Frequent dining out can raise your budget substantially.
Transportation in Bali
Public transport is limited in Bali, so most residents rely on motorbikes or private transport.
Motorbike Rental
Cost: IDR 600,000 to 1 million per month
Daily rate: IDR 50,000 to 100,000
Details: Motorbikes are the most efficient way to travel. They are cheap to rent, fuel is inexpensive, and traffic congestion is easier to navigate on two wheels.
Car Rental
Cost: IDR 300,000 to 700,000 per day
Details: Renting a car offers comfort for families or those who travel longer distances. Monthly rentals are available at lower daily rates if negotiated directly with local providers.
Online Ride-Hailing (Gojek/Grab)
Cost: IDR 10,000 to 30,000 per short trip
Details: Ride-hailing apps are affordable for occasional trips, especially for those who do not drive.
Tip: If you will be in Bali long-term, getting an Indonesian driving licence (SIM C) is recommended for motorbike use.
Utilities and Internet
Utilities and internet costs vary based on the size of your accommodation and your usage habits.
Electricity
Cost: IDR 300,000 to 1 million per month
Details: Usage depends largely on air conditioning. Small rooms without AC will cost much less than large villas with multiple AC units.
Internet
Cost: IDR 300,000 to 800,000 per month
Details: Bali has several reliable internet providers. Some villas and apartments include Wi-Fi in the rent. If you work remotely, choose higher-speed packages for stability.
Personal and Daily Necessities
Daily essentials are an often-overlooked part of your Bali living expenses. These include toiletries, laundry, and cleaning supplies.
Personal care items (soap, shampoo, detergent): average monthly IDR 500,000 to 1 million, depending on your lifestyle.
Laundry: Around IDR 7,000 to 10,000 per kg, or more if you use express service.
Mobile data: Packages start from IDR 50,000 per month and are widely available.
Shopping at local markets or small shops will lower your costs compared to supermarkets.
Estimated Bali Cost of Living: Simple Lifestyle
To help you plan, here is an example of a modest monthly budget for living in Bali as an expatriate or digital nomad:
- Boarding house rent: IDR 700,000 – 1,400,000
- Food (local warungs): IDR 1,800,000
- Motorbike rental: IDR 600,000
- Internet & utilities: IDR 600,000 – 1,000,000
- Personal expenses: IDR 500,000
Total: Around IDR 3.4 million to 4.8 million per month
This would cover basic needs and allow you live comfortably.
Estimated Living Expenses in Bali: Mid-Range Lifestyle
If you prefer more comfort, private space, and dining out:
- Apartment or villa: IDR 8 million – 15 million
- Food (mixed local and café): IDR 3 million
- Motorbike or car hire: IDR 1.5 million
- Internet & utilities: IDR 1.5 million
- Personal & entertainment: IDR 2 million
- Gym memberships: IDR 1 million
- International School: IDR 5-10 million
Total: Around IDR 20 million to 35 million per month in Bali.
This suits freelancers, couples, or small families who wish to enjoy more amenities and space.
Most Affordable Areas to Live in Bali
Location affects the cost of living in Bali. Here are areas generally considered more economical:
Denpasar: The provincial capital offers affordable housing, local food options, and access to public services.
Tabanan and Singaraja: Less touristy, with lower rents and a quieter atmosphere, suitable if you work online.
Gianyar: Near Ubud but with lower accommodation prices and a relaxed local feel.
In contrast, areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu tend to have higher rents due to their popularity with tourists and surfers.
Understanding of the Cost to Live in Bali: Single, Family, or with Child
The cost of living in Bali in 2025 can be very manageable with proper budgeting. While you could spend IDR 3.5 million per month living simply, a more comfortable lifestyle might cost IDR 12 million or more. But you also have to include a visa costs in there.
Average Cost of Living in Bali for a Single Person
Living in Bali as a single person can be quite manageable, especially if you adopt a modest lifestyle. Most single residents choose to rent a small room or studio apartment, use a motorbike for daily transport, and eat at local warungs, which helps keep expenses low.
Basic monthly costs typically include accommodation, food, transport, utilities, internet, and personal needs. While the total will vary depending on lifestyle and location, many single expatriates find that living in less touristy areas and cooking at home allows them to maintain a comfortable standard of living while keeping their budget under control.
Living in Bali for Families
If you are planning to live in Bali with children, it is important to consider the expenses for international schooling, which can significantly influence your overall budget. Bali offers a range of reputable international schools in Bali, especially around areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Denpasar.
The schools providing curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, or Australian and British systems. These schools often charge additional fees for enrolment, uniforms, school materials, extracurricular activities, and transport. Factoring in these educational needs will help ensure a well-planned and comfortable living experience for your family in Bali.
Whether you are a digital nomad, remote worker, or someone planning to relocate to Indonesia from western countries, understanding your expected expenses will help you enjoy the island’s beauty without financial stress.
By planning wisely and embracing the local way of life, living in Bali can be both affordable and rewarding.
