Bali vs Thailand Cost of Living: Comparing Bangkok and Bali for Expats
Asia continues to attract global citizens seeking new opportunities abroad. Affordable living costs, cultural diversity, and expanding career markets have made several Asian destinations particularly appealing for expatriates.
According to the International Expat Insider Survey 2025, reported by the BBC and based on responses from more than 10,000 expatriates across 172 countries, half of the world’s ten best destinations for expats are located in Asia. These include Thailand, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Among them, Thailand and Indonesia stand out for their lifestyle offerings, employment opportunities, and relatively low cost of living.
Cities such as Bangkok and popular Indonesian destinations like Bali, including areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud, have become increasingly popular among foreign residents.
This article provides a detailed Bali vs Thailand cost of living comparison, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and everyday expenses for expatriates.
Cost of Living in Thailand
Thailand has long been recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible destinations for expatriates. The country combines modern urban infrastructure with relatively affordable living expenses.
Career Opportunities in Bangkok
According to Agoda, many expatriates choose Thailand due to the wide range of job opportunities in Bangkok, particularly in sectors such as technology, finance, tourism, and e-commerce.
Bangkok also provides a lower cost of living compared with major Western cities such as London or New York. Affordable housing in many neighbourhoods and an efficient public transport system contribute to a relatively high quality of life at a lower cost.
Average Living Costs in Bangkok
For a single expatriate, the cost of living in Bangkok averages around USD 600–700 per month, excluding rent.
Although this figure is higher than in some other Thai cities, it remains considerably lower than in many Western countries and several East Asian economies, including Japan.
Food and Local Food Prices in Thailand
Thailand’s cuisine is one of the country’s most recognised attractions. Visitors and expatriates alike often praise the accessibility of local food, which is widely available across markets, street stalls, and small restaurants.
Food costs vary depending on where people choose to eat.
Meals at local food stalls or inexpensive restaurants typically cost around 80 Baht per dish. In contrast, dining at popular restaurants or tourist areas may cost between 300 and 500 Baht per meal.
Street food is particularly popular among residents. Prices for simple dishes commonly range from 20 to 40 Baht.
Beverages remain relatively inexpensive as well. Bottled mineral water generally costs 10 to 20 Baht, while soft drinks or fresh fruit juices are usually priced between 20 and 40 Baht.
Transportation Costs in Thailand
Transportation across Thailand is generally affordable and widely accessible.
One of the country’s most recognisable transport options is the tuk-tuk, a three-wheeled vehicle often used for short urban journeys. Tuk-tuk fares typically range from 30 to 100 Baht, depending on distance and negotiation with the driver.
In addition to tuk-tuks, Bangkok offers extensive public transportation networks including buses and rail systems.
- Bus fares generally range from 7 to 30 Baht
- Train tickets may cost between 100 and 500 Baht, depending on distance and class
- Monthly public transport passes cost approximately 1,150 Baht
For island travel, ferry services connect many destinations across the country. Ferry tickets for inter-island journeys usually range between 200 and 1,000 Baht, depending on the route.
Taxi services are also widely available in major cities and provide another convenient option for residents.
Housing Costs in Thailand
Accommodation is often the largest expense for expatriates living in Thailand.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Bangkok is approximately 24,700 Baht. Larger apartments, such as three-bedroom units, can reach 61,500 Baht per month.
However, costs drop significantly outside the city centre. In suburban areas, renting a one- to three-bedroom apartment typically costs between 10,000 and 30,000 Baht per month.
For short-term stays, hotel prices vary widely. A night in a hotel generally ranges from 500 to 3,000 Baht, depending on the location and type of accommodation.
Other Monthly Expenses in Thailand
Beyond accommodation and food, expatriates should also consider additional regular expenses.
Typical monthly costs include:
- Electricity and water: 1,000–3,000 Baht
- Internet services: 500–1,000 Baht
- Mobile phone credit, cable television, or gym memberships: 200–2,000 Baht
Estimated Monthly Budget in Bangkok
A rough monthly estimate for living in Bangkok includes:
- Food and beverages: 5,000–10,000 Baht
- Transportation: 1,000–3,000 Baht
- Accommodation: 10,000–60,000 Baht
- Miscellaneous expenses: 2,000–5,000 Baht
Overall, total monthly living expenses typically range between 22,000 and 80,000 Baht.
Cost of Living in Bali for Expats
Bali has become one of the most popular destinations for expatriates in Southeast Asia. The island offers a combination of tropical landscapes, international communities, and a lifestyle closely connected to tourism.
However, the Bali vs Thailand cost of living comparison shows that living expenses in Bali can vary significantly depending on lifestyle and location.
Popular areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud tend to be more expensive due to high demand among digital nomads and foreign residents.
Accommodation Costs in Bali
Accommodation options in Bali range from modest boarding houses to private villa rentals.
According to the book Moon Over Bali (2017) by Agnes Jessica, air-conditioned boarding rooms typically cost around IDR 1.4 million per month and usually include basic furniture.
Budget options without air conditioning can start from IDR 700,000 per month.
Those seeking greater comfort may choose villas or apartments with facilities such as private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
Costs vary widely depending on the area, particularly in tourist zones such as Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud.
Food Costs in Bali
Food expenses in Bali depend heavily on personal lifestyle.
Meals at local warungs or food stalls may cost around IDR 20,000 per dish. Based on this estimate, daily food spending can reach approximately IDR 60,000, or around IDR 1.8 million per month.
Dining at restaurants catering to international visitors or expatriates typically increases the monthly food budget.
Transportation in Bali
Unlike Bangkok, Bali has limited public transportation options. As a result, many expatriates rely on motorbikes for daily travel.
Monthly motorbike rentals generally range between IDR 600,000 and IDR 1,000,000, depending on the type of vehicle.
Ride-hailing services and taxis are also available but may be more expensive for frequent use.
Additional Monthly Expenses in Bali
Other routine expenses include:
- Internet data and mobile services
- Laundry services
- Entertainment and social activities
These additional costs usually range from IDR 300,000 to IDR 700,000 per month.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Bali
Based on a modest lifestyle estimate:
- Accommodation: IDR 700,000
- Food: IDR 1,800,000
- Transportation: IDR 600,000
- Additional expenses: IDR 300,000
Total monthly expenses may reach approximately IDR 3,400,000.
According to 2023 data from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the average monthly consumption expenditure in Bali Province is IDR 1.74 million per person.
This suggests that personal lifestyle choices significantly influence the cost of living on the island.
Overall, estimated living costs in Bali range between IDR 2,516,971 and IDR 4,000,000 per month, equivalent to roughly IDR 84,000 per day for basic living expenses.
Minimum Wage and Living Costs in Bali
The Bali Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) has been set at IDR 2,996,561 per month, based on Bali Governor’s Decree Number 946/03-M/HK/2024.
This figure represents a 6.5% increase compared with the previous year. However, when compared with the estimated monthly cost of living, the minimum wage may still fall short of covering all living expenses, particularly for residents in popular tourist areas.
