Wondering about the cost of moving and living in Bali, Indonesia? Bali is an ideal spot for remote workers and online entrepreneurs wanting a vibrant lifestyle on a budget. For a single person, monthly costs range from $800 to $1,500. This post breaks down everything you need to know—from accommodation and daily expenses to budgeting tips and comparisons with other popular digital nomad destinations. Let’s dive in to see what life in Bali could look like for you!
Initial Moving Costs
When planning your move to Bali, the initial expenses include visa fees, flights, and temporary accommodation upon arrival. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s essential to budget accordingly.
- Visa Fees:
- 30-day tourist visa: $50
- 60-day social visa: $60
- Visa extension (monthly, up to 6 months): $70 per extension
- Long-term visa (KITAS): $700 – $1,000 annually
- Flights and Transportation:
- Flights from the US/Europe: $500 – $1,000 (one-way)
- Flights from Australia/Asia: $100 – $500 (one-way)
- Airport transfer to your accommodation: $15 – $30
Booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better deals. You can use Wayaway to find cheap flights.
- Initial Accommodation:
- Budget hotel or guesthouse: $10 – $30 per night
- Mid-range hotel or Airbnb: $30 – $80 per night
Finding the right place can sometimes take time. So If you are looking for great hotel deals? Check out Trip.com for the best rates and accommodation options for your initial stay.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation in Bali ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious villas. Popular areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak offer diverse options. Monthly rental costs can vary widely based on location and amenities.
- Apartments and Villas:
- Budget apartment: $300 – $600 per month
- Mid-range apartment or small villa: $600 – $1,200 per month
- Luxury villa: $1,200 – $2,500+ per month
- Co-living Spaces:
- Private room in co-living space: $400 – $800 per month
- Shared room in co-living space: $200 – $400 per month
Transportation Costs
Transportation in Bali is relatively inexpensive. Most digital nomads opt for renting scooters, which are the most common and convenient mode of transport. Alternatively, ride-sharing apps and limited public transportation options are available.
- Scooter Rental:
- Monthly rental: $50 – $70
- Purchase cost: $500 – $1,500 (one-time)
- Fuel cost: $10 – $20 per month
- Ride-Sharing Apps (Gojek, Grab):
- Short trips (within 5km): $1 – $2 per trip
- Longer trips (10-20km): $3 – $5 per trip
- Public Transportation:
- Limited availability, costs vary
Daily Living Expenses
Daily expenses living in Bali can be surprisingly low, especially if you adopt a local lifestyle. Groceries, dining out at local warungs, and using local markets can significantly reduce your costs.
- Eating Out:
- Local warung meal: $1 – $3
- Mid-range restaurant meal: $5 – $10
- Western restaurant meal: $10 – $20
- Groceries:
- Monthly grocery cost: $100 – $200
Example Monthly Grocery List:
- Rice (5 kg): $5
- Chicken (1 kg): $3
- Fresh fruits (1 kg): $1 – $3
- Fresh vegetables (1 kg): $1 – $2
- Bread (1 loaf): $1.20
- Milk (1 liter): $1.50
- Eggs (12): $2
- Local cheese (1 kg): $10
- Wine (bottle): $10 – $20
Utilities and Internet
Monthly utility bills for electricity, water, and gas usually amount to $50-$100, depending on usage. Internet is crucial for digital nomads, and Bali offers various options, from home Wi-Fi plans to co-working spaces with reliable connections.
- Utilities:
- Electricity: $30 – $50 per month
- Water: $5 – $10 per month
- Gas: $10 – $20 per month
- Internet:
- Home Wi-Fi plan: $20 – $50 per month
- Mobile data plan: $10 – $20 per month
- Co-working space membership (includes internet): $100 – $250 per month
You can also purchase an eSIM from Airalo to get instant access to Internet from virtually any country on the planet and don’t have to pay excessive roaming charges.
Healthcare and Insurance
Healthcare in Bali is affordable and accessible. Basic consultations at local clinics cost around $10-$20, while more comprehensive care and international-standard hospitals are available at higher rates.
- Local Clinics:
- Basic consultation: $10 – $20
- Prescription medication: $5 – $15
- Hospitals:
- Consultation at international-standard hospital: $50 – $100
- Minor procedures: $100 – $300
- Health Insurance:
- Basic expat insurance: $50 – $100 per month
- Comprehensive expat insurance: $100 – $200 per month
You can check out Ekta Travel, they offer a straightforward way to buy travel health insurance online, with various plans to fit your needs and budget.
Leisure and Entertainment
Bali is known for its vibrant culture and numerous recreational activities. Gym memberships, yoga classes, and surfing lessons are popular among digital nomads.
- Fitness and Activities:
- Gym membership: $30 – $50 per month
- Yoga classes: $5 – $10 per session
- Surfing lessons: $10 – $30 per session
- Local Attractions:
- Entrance fees to temples: $1 – $5
- Beach access: Free (some beaches may charge a small fee)
Head over to Trip.com to check out the different kind of attractions, tours and experiences that Bali offers.
Co-working Spaces and Cafes
Co-working spaces are a hub for digital nomads in Bali, offering excellent facilities and networking opportunities.
- Co-working Spaces:
- Daily pass: $10 – $20
- Monthly membership: $100 – $250
- Cafes:
- Coffee: $2 – $4
- Meal: $5 – $10
Miscellaneous Expenses
Other expenses to consider include mobile phone plans, which cost around $10-$20 per month, and personal care items. It’s also wise to set aside a budget for unexpected costs, such as repairs or replacements of essential items.
- Mobile Phone Plans:
- Monthly plan: $10 – $20
- SIM card: $1 – $5 (one-time)
- Personal Care and Household Items:
- Toiletries: $10 – $20 per month
- Cleaning supplies: $10 – $20 per month
- Unexpected Expenses:
- Set aside: $50 – $100 per month
Total Estimated Monthly Cost
Based on the breakdown above, here is the estimated monthly cost for a digital nomad living in Bali, Indonesia:
- Accommodation: $300 (budget apartment)
- Food and Dining: $225
- Transportation: $110 (scooter rental and occasional taxi rides)
- Utilities and Internet: $80
- Entertainment and Leisure: $110
- Health and Wellness: $145 (health insurance and routine doctor visits)
- Additional Costs: $130 (co-working space membership and mobile phone plan)
Total Estimated Monthly Cost: $1,100
Be aware, actual costs may vary depending on personal lifestyles, preferences, and changes in local prices. We encourage you to conduct your own research and budget accordingly.
Wrapping up
So, if you’re thinking about moving to Bali, here’s the scoop: Bali is pretty affordable and offers a great lifestyle. It’s a fantastic place if you’re looking to stretch your budget and enjoy a mix of work and play.
We’ve broken down the costs—from getting there and finding a place to live, to everyday expenses and transportation. Bali stands out with its balance of cost and quality of life.
With some smart planning and budgeting, you can make the most of your Bali adventure. It’s a place that offers both relaxation and excitement, making it a great choice for your next digital nomad destination.
So, pack your bags, prepare for some amazing experiences, and get ready to enjoy everything Bali has to offer!
