Living in Bali for a Month: What It Really Costs

A comprehensive breakdown of expenses for digital nomads, expats, and long-term visitors

Bali has become the ultimate destination for digital nomads, remote workers, and those seeking an affordable tropical lifestyle. But what does it actually cost to live here for a month? After extensive research and real-world experience, here’s your complete guide to budgeting for life in the Island of the Gods.

🏠 Accommodation: Your Biggest Monthly Expense

Budget Options ($200-500/month)

• Kos (Local Boarding Houses): $150-300/month
• Shared Villas with Roommates: $200-400/month
• Basic Studios in Local Areas: $250-500/month

Mid-Range Comfort ($500-1,200/month)

• Modern Studios in Canggu/Seminyak: $500-800/month
• 1-Bedroom Apartments: $600-1,000/month
• Co-living Spaces: $700-1,200/month

Luxury Living ($1,200+/month)

• Premium Villas with Pools: $1,200-3,000/month
• Beachfront Properties: $1,500-4,000+/month
• Serviced Apartments: $1,000-2,500/month

💡 Pro Tip: Prices vary dramatically by location. Ubud and Canggu command premium rates, while areas like Denpasar or East Bali offer significant savings.

🍜 Food & Dining: Eating Like a Local vs. Tourist

Local Indonesian Cuisine

• Warung meals: $1-3 per meal
• Street food: $0.50-2 per serving
• Local markets: $10-15 per week for groceries
• Monthly local food budget: $100-200

Western/International Food

• Cafe meals: $5-12 per meal
• Restaurant dining: $8-25 per meal
• Imported groceries: $30-50 per week
• Monthly mixed diet: $300-600

Cooking at Home

• Local ingredients: $50-80/month
• Mix of local/imported: $100-150/month
• Fully Western ingredients: $200-300/month

🥥 Reality Check: You can eat incredibly well for $200/month if you embrace local cuisine, but expect $400-600/month for a Western-heavy diet.

🏍️ Transportation: Getting Around the Island

Motorbike (Most Popular Option)

• Monthly rental: $30-60
• Petrol: $15-25/month
• Insurance: $10-15/month
• Maintenance: $5-10/month
• Total monthly cost: $60-110

Car Rental

• Monthly rental: $200-400
• Petrol: $60-100/month
• Parking fees: $20-30/month
• Total monthly cost: $280-530

Alternative Transport

• Gojek/Grab daily: $3-8 per day ($90-240/month)
• Bemo (local buses): $0.30-0.50 per ride
• Taxi services: $5-15 per trip

🛵 Local Insight: 90% of expats rent motorbikes. It’s economical, practical, and essential for navigating Bali’s traffic.

📱 Communication & Internet

Mobile Phone

• Local SIM card: $3-5 initial cost
• Monthly data plans: $5-15/month
• International calls: $2-5/month

Internet for Remote Work

• Home WiFi: $15-30/month
• Co-working spaces: $50-150/month
• Portable WiFi device: $20-40/month

Streaming & Entertainment

• Netflix (local pricing): $4/month
• Spotify: $2/month
• Other subscriptions: $5-10/month

📶 Digital Nomad Reality: Budget $50-100/month for reliable internet across multiple locations.

⚡ Utilities & Services

Basic Utilities (if not included in rent)

• Electricity: $20-60/month (varies with AC usage)
• Water: $3-8/month
• Gas (cooking): $3-5/month
• Trash collection: $2-3/month

Additional Services

• Laundry service: $15-25/month
• House cleaning: $20-40/month
• Pool maintenance: $15-25/month (if applicable)

💡 Energy Tip: Air conditioning is your biggest expense. Use fans when possible to keep electricity costs down.

🏥 Healthcare & Insurance

Basic Healthcare

• Clinic visits: $5-15 per visit
• Pharmacy medications: $2-10 per prescription
• Dental cleaning: $15-30
• Massage therapy: $5-15 per session

Insurance Options

• Travel insurance: $30-60/month
• Local health insurance: $25-50/month
• International coverage: $100-300/month

Emergency Fund

• Hospital deposit: $500-1,000 (refundable)
• Serious medical evacuation: $10,000-50,000

🏥 Health Reality: Basic healthcare is affordable, but serious conditions require expensive evacuation to Singapore or Australia.

🎭 Entertainment & Lifestyle

Regular Activities

• Gym membership: $25-60/month
• Yoga classes: $8-15 per class
• Surfing lessons: $15-25 per session
• Movie tickets: $3-5 each

Social Life

• Drinks at local bars: $2-5 per drink
• Beach clubs: $30-100 per day
• Live music venues: $5-15 entry
• Festivals and events: $10-50 per event

Adventure & Travel

• Local tours: $20-100 per day
• Weekend trips: $50-200
• Diving/snorkeling: $30-80 per trip
• Cultural experiences: $5-30 each

🎪 Lifestyle Budget: Allocate $200-500/month depending on your social activity level.

💰 Monthly Budget Breakdowns by Lifestyle

🎒 Backpacker Budget ($600-900/month)

• Accommodation: $200-350
• Food: $100-150
• Transportation: $60-80
• Utilities/Internet: $30-50
• Entertainment: $100-150
• Miscellaneous: $110-120

🏄‍♂️ Digital Nomad Comfort ($1,200-1,800/month)

• Accommodation: $500-800
• Food: $300-400
• Transportation: $80-120
• Utilities/Internet: $70-100
• Healthcare: $50-80
• Entertainment: $200-300

🌴 Expat Luxury ($2,500-4,000+/month)

• Accommodation: $1,200-2,500
• Food: $500-800
• Transportation: $200-400
• Utilities/Services: $150-250
• Healthcare/Insurance: $200-300
• Entertainment: $250-500
• Savings/Emergency: $200-500

💡 Money-Saving Strategies

Accommodation Hacks

• Long-term discounts: Negotiate 20-30% off for 3+ month stays
• House-sitting: Free accommodation in exchange for pet/property care
• Seasonal timing: Avoid July-August and December-January peak prices
• Location arbitrage: Live 20 minutes from tourist areas for 50% savings

Food Budget Optimization

• Shop at traditional markets: 60-70% cheaper than supermarkets
• Cook Indonesian dishes: Local ingredients cost fraction of imported ones
• Lunch at warungs, dinner at home: Best of both worlds approach
• Buy in bulk: Split large purchases with friends

Transportation Savings

• Buy a used motorbike: Often cheaper than long-term rental
• Share rides: Split costs with other expats
• Walk/cycle short distances: Save money and stay fit
• Negotiate monthly rates: Better deals for regular taxi routes

⚠️ Hidden Costs & Unexpected Expenses

Visa and Legal Costs

• Visa extensions: $35-150 depending on type
• Visa runs: $100-300 for trips to other countries
• Work permits: $200-1,000 for business visas
• Agent fees: $50-200 for visa services

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

• Peak season surcharge: 50-100% increase during holidays
• Monsoon season discounts: 20-40% savings June-September
• Festival periods: Temporary price spikes during Nyepi, Galungan

Emergency Expenses

• Motorbike repairs: $20-200 depending on damage
• Phone replacement: $100-500 if stolen/damaged
• Flight changes: $50-300 for rebooking fees
• Medical emergencies: $500-5,000+ for serious conditions

🌟 Is Bali Really Affordable?

Compared to Western Countries

Bali offers 60-80% cost savings compared to major Western cities, especially for accommodation and food. Your money stretches significantly further here.

Compared to Other Southeast Asian Destinations

• More expensive than: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos
• Similar to: Thailand, Philippines
• Cheaper than: Singapore, Malaysia (KL)

The Value Proposition

Beyond just lower costs, Bali offers:

• Year-round tropical climate
• Strong expat community
• Excellent co-working infrastructure
• Rich cultural experiences
• Easy visa processes
• World-class beaches and nature

📊 Final Budget Recommendations

Conservative Estimate: $800-1,000/month

Perfect for those wanting to live simply but comfortably, eating mostly local food and staying in basic accommodation.

Comfortable Living: $1,500-2,000/month

Ideal for digital nomads wanting modern amenities, mixed diet, reliable internet, and regular entertainment.

Luxury Lifestyle: $3,000+/month

For those seeking Western-standard accommodation, frequent dining out, and premium experiences.

🎯 Conclusion: Planning Your Bali Adventure

Living in Bali for a month can cost anywhere from $600 to $4,000+ depending on your lifestyle choices. The key is understanding that:

• Location matters enormously – Tourist areas cost 2-3x more
• Local integration saves money – Embrace Indonesian culture and cuisine
• Flexibility reduces costs – Avoid peak seasons and negotiate long-term rates
• Hidden expenses add up – Budget 20% extra for unexpected costs

The magic of Bali isn’t just in its affordability, but in the quality of life it offers. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or luxury-seeking expat, the island provides incredible value for money when you know how to navigate the costs.

Ready to make the move? Start with a conservative budget, gradually increase spending as you discover what matters most to you, and remember that the best investment is in experiences that will last a lifetime.