Bali cost of living: How much does it cost to live in Bali?

Introduction: Cost of living in Bali

In my previous article How to Reach Financial Independence: A Guide To FIRE movement, I have presented the concepts to retire early by budgeting and investing your income. As I try to travel more these days and the COVID seems behind us, I thought it would be nice to make a new series of articles where i talk about the living cost in paradises around the world. First stop: Bali. So let’s have a look to the living cost in Bali!

Bali is considered by many as a paradise on earth. The island has beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and relatively low cost of living make it a desirable place to spend your golden years. However, it’s important to carefully consider the cost of living in Bali before making the move. Prices for accommodation, food, and transportation can vary depending on your location and lifestyle. If you’re planning to retire in Bali, it’s important to do your research and budget accordingly to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable retirement.

The stockholder.me tip

I can’t emphasize enough that you can live like a local, get a good meal and have a night in a guest house for a few dozens of dollars.

But on the other side, it’s easy to burn your money in restaurants and villas costing hundreds/thousands dollars. Bali is a very touristic place with many temptations and might not be as unexpensive as it looks.

In this guide, we’ll go over the cost of living in Bali and provide tips for saving money and stretching your budget further, so that you can make the most of your retirement in this beautiful destination.

Bali Budget Travel: How Much Does it Really Cost to Live in Bali?

Bali is a popular destination for travelers, particularly those on a budget. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, affordable accommodation, and relatively low cost of living. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of living in Bali can vary depending on your lifestyle and location. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for various expenses while living in Bali:

Please note that the prices in this article might change depending on your standing, post-covid and with inflation hitting the world.

Accommodation prices in Bali

Prices for accommodation in Bali can range from as low as $200 per month for a basic room in a shared house to several thousand dollars per month for a luxury villa. It’s important to shop around and negotiate prices, as they can vary greatly depending on the location and time of year. For example, many freelancers live on the island for a few months by renting a bedroom in a guesthouse or a villa.

Food prices in Bali

Food costs in Bali are generally quite reasonable, with local meals starting at around $1-3 and Western meals costing around $5-10. If you’re on a tight budget, you can save money by eating at local warungs (food stalls) and markets. Alcohol is relatively expensive in Bali, with a beer costing around $3+ and a cocktail costing around $7+.

Transportation costs in Bali

Transportation costs in Bali are quite reasonable, with a one-way trip on a local bus costing around $0.50 and a one-way trip on a taxi starting at around $2. Renting a motorbike is a popular and affordable option, with prices starting at around $5 per day. It’s also possible to rent a taxi per day, it’s what I did when I visited Bali but I can’t remember the price I paid and it was when the island opened after COVID. I recommend you to ask the question on one of the many Bali’s Facebook group.

Activities prices in Bali

Prices for activities in Bali can vary greatly, with some activities such as snorkeling and temple visits costing as little as $5, while others, such as rafting and diving, costing upwards of $50. It’s important to shop around and compare prices to find the best deals.

Overall, it’s possible to live in Bali on a budget of around $500 per month, depending on your lifestyle and location. However, if you want to live a more luxurious lifestyle, you should budget for a higher cost of living. It’s important to keep in mind that prices can vary greatly depending on the location and time of year, so it’s a good idea to do your research and budget accordingly.

5 Ways to Save on the Bali Cost of Living

If you’re planning to live in Bali, you may be wondering how to save money on the cost of living. Here are five ways to stretch your budget further while living in Bali:

1. Rent a room in a shared house: Instead of renting a whole apartment or villa, consider renting a room in a shared house. This can be a cost-effective way to save money on rent and utilities.
2. Shop at local markets: Local markets and warungs (food stalls) offer fresh produce and other goods at much lower prices than supermarkets. By shopping at these local vendors, you can save money on groceries.
3. Rent a motorbike: I would like to tell you that the public transportations are cheap and effective but the truth is that it is not the case! This point is not really about saving money but more on saving time. Keep that in mind: it’s a nightmare to drive in Bali, the roads do not absorb the traffic – even off season – so you might get stuck for some time. If you are alone (or in a small group) and you plan to move quite a lot, I recommend you to rent a bike. You will have more freedom to visit whatever you are interested by and avoid traffic jam. Stay safe on the road and be vigilent though! If you travel with your family, tyou can rent antire taxi/van for a day. You won’t always avoid traffic jam but it shouldn’t be too expensive.
4. Take advantage of free activities: Bali has plenty of free activities to enjoy, such as visiting temples, hiking in the rice terraces, and strolling along the beach. Take advantage of these free activities to save money on entertainment.
5. Negotiate prices: In Bali, it’s common to negotiate prices for things like accommodation, transportation, and activities. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and try to get the best deal possible. A rule of thumb from my personal experience in Bali: Divide the first price you get from the seller by 3.

By following these tips, you can save money (and time) in your trip and stretch your budget further. Remember to also budget for unexpected expenses and to set aside money for emergencies.

Bali Cost of Living vs. Other Popular Destinations

Bali is known for its relatively low cost of living compared to other cities and countries. But let’sgive some examples United States, France, Thailand, and the United Kingdom in terms of specific expenses? Here is a comparison of the cost of living in Bali versus these other destinations, with concrete price examples:

Rent

• Rent price in Bali: The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a mid-range area of Bali is around $500 per month.
• Rent price in United States: The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the United States is around $1,000 per month.
• Rent price in France: The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in France is around $900 per month.
• Rent price in Thailand: The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Thailand is around $400 per month.
• Rent price United Kingdom: The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the United Kingdom is around $1,200 per month.

Utilities

• Bali: The average cost of utilities in Bali, including electricity, water, and internet, is around $50 per month.
• United States: The average cost of utilities in the United States is around $150 per month.
• France: The average cost of utilities in France is around $150 per month.
• Thailand: The average cost of utilities in Thailand is around $50 per month.
• United Kingdom: The average cost of utilities in the United Kingdom is around $150 per month.

Food

• Food price in Bali: The average cost of food in Bali, including groceries and dining out, is around $200 per month.
• Food price in United States: The average cost of food in the United States is around $400
• Food price in France: The average cost of food in France is around $400 per month.
• Food price in Thailand: The average cost of food in Thailand is around $200 per month.
• Food price in United Kingdom: The average cost of food in the United Kingdom is around $400 per month.

Transportation

• Transportation cost in Bali: The average cost of transportation in Bali, including bus and taxi fares and motorbike rental, is around $150 per month.
• Transportaion cost in the United States: The average cost of transportation in the United States is around $200 per month.
• Transportation cost in Thailand: The average cost of transportation in Thailand is around $100 per month.
• Transportation cost in United Kingdom: The average cost of transportation in the United Kingdom is around $200 per month.
• Transportation cost in France: The average cost of transportation in France is around $200 per month.

Overall, the cost of living in Bali is generally lower than in other popular destinations, particularly for expenses such as rent and utilities. However, it’s important to keep in mind that prices can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and location, so it’s a good idea to do your research and budget accordingly.

Working Remotely in Bali as a Freelancer: Is it Possible?

Can you work remotely and be a freelancer in Bali? The answer is yes!

You’ll find many foregners there there choosing this option but it’s important to consider factors like internet connectivity, the cost of living, and tax implications before making the move. Internet access in Bali has improved in recent years, but it can still be unreliable in some areas.

The cost of living in Bali is generally lower than in other popular destinations, but it’s essential to budget accordingly and consider factors like accommodation, food, and transportation costs. Finally, it’s important to research and understand any tax obligations you may have while working remotely in Bali.

Bali VISA, Currency, and Safety: What You Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, it’s important to understand the requirements for obtaining a VISA, the currency used on the island, and the overall safety of the destination. Here’s what you need to know about Bali VISA, currency, and safety:

VISA for Bali

Most tourists visiting Bali for leisure purposes can enter the country for a maximum of 30 days without a VISA, as long as they have a valid passport. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a VISA on arrival (VOA) at the airport. The VOA costs $35 and can be extended for up to another 30 days. Alternatively, you can apply for a longer-term VISA through the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Currency

The official currency of Indonesia, including Bali, is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It’s a good idea to have some IDR on hand for small purchases and tips, but it’s also convenient to have a debit or credit card that can be used at ATMs and merchants. It’s important to note that many small merchants don’t accept cards, so hold a bit of cash with you, it will make your life easier.

Safety

Bali is generally a safe destination, but it’s important to take common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in deserted areas, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep your valuables secure and avoid flashing your cash or expensive possessions. If you do encounter any problems, you can seek help from the local police or your embassy.

Overall, Bali is a welcoming and safe destination for tourists and expats alike. By understanding the VISA requirements, currency, and safety considerations, you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip to Bali.

Final word on the living cost of Bali