Cost of living in Bali: example prices

Bali is cheaper than most Western cities, but prices vary a lot by area and lifestyle. Treat the figures below as rough guides from one community source (Expat.com). They are not official statistics. Check current listings before you plan a budget.

Typical monthly budget

The Expat.com guide gives these example figures:

• Rent, 1-bedroom in an expat area: about USD 750–1,250 per month.
• Rent, 3-bedroom villa for a family: about USD 1,500–3,000 per month.
• Transport for a single person (scooter plus ride-hailing): about USD 60–150 per month.
• Transport for a family of four (car plus scooter): about USD 200–400 per month.
• Scooter rental: IDR 600,000–1.5 million per month (about USD 36–90).

The same guide says popular expat areas have seen rent rise by roughly 10–15% over the past two years. It describes a "budget tier" lifestyle (a modest villa or room, local food and a scooter) starting at around USD 1,000 per month. A comfortable lifestyle costs noticeably more.

What drives the cost

• Area. Expat hotspots such as Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu cost more than quieter parts of the island. Rent is the biggest variable.
• Rental term. Prices are usually quoted per month. Paying a year upfront is common in Bali and often gets a lower monthly rate, but it ties up a lot of cash. Check what you are paying for before you transfer money.
• Food. Eating at local places is much cheaper than eating at Western-style cafés and restaurants. This is usually the biggest difference between a budget and a comfortable lifestyle.
• Transport. Most residents use scooters. Riding one legally requires a valid licence and a helmet, and a scooter accident without insurance can be costly.

Costs not covered here

The source I could confirm gives no reliable prices for the following. Check them yourself before you commit:

• Health insurance and private hospital care. Get quotes from insurers that cover treatment in Indonesia, and check whether they include evacuation.
• International school fees. Ask each school directly. Fees usually vary by year group and may include separate enrolment charges.
• Visa and permit fees. Check the Indonesian immigration website (imigrasi.go.id) for current fees, since they change.
• Electricity, internet and water. Ask the landlord whether utilities are included in the rent.

Common mistakes

• Budgeting only for rent and food and forgetting insurance, visa renewals and the occasional trip home.
• Signing a long lease without seeing the property or checking who the owner is.
• Comparing prices from old blog posts. Rents in popular areas have been rising.
• Not keeping a cash reserve for the first months while you find your feet.