Table of Contents
Introduction
Bali, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and growing expat community, is one of the most sought-after destinations for digital nomads and expats. Understanding the cost of living in Bali is crucial for anyone considering moving to the island, as it varies greatly depending on lifestyle choices, location, and personal preferences.
In this guide, we’ll break down the expenses you can expect when living in Bali, from housing and food to entertainment and healthcare. This will give you an overview of what to expect and how to budget for your life in Bali.
Housing Costs in Bali
When it comes to living in Bali, the cost of housing can vary widely depending on your preferences. While Bali offers affordable housing options compared to many Western countries, the price can fluctuate based on location, property size, and amenities.
Here’s a breakdown of common housing costs:
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Cost (IDR) | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment in City Center (Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak) | 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 | $325 – $650 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment Outside City Center | 2,500,000 – 6,000,000 | $165 – $400 |
| 3-Bedroom Villa in City Center | 12,000,000 – 20,000,000 | $780 – $1,300 |
| 3-Bedroom Villa Outside City Center | 6,000,000 – 12,000,000 | $400 – $780 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 | $65 – $160 |
- Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, etc.): Prices for short-term rentals can be higher than long-term leases. Expect to pay an additional 10-20% compared to long-term rental prices.
- Luxury Villas: Luxury properties, especially those near the beach or with premium amenities, can cost significantly more.
Food and Dining Expenses
The cost of food in Bali is another important consideration for expats. You’ll find a wide variety of dining options ranging from inexpensive local “warungs” (small eateries) to international restaurants. In general, Bali offers affordable food, but your overall food expenses will depend on your eating habits.
Here’s a table that outlines the cost of food and dining:
| Food Item | Average Cost (IDR) | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at Local Warung | 20,000 – 50,000 | $1.30 – $3.25 |
| Meal at Mid-Range Restaurant | 80,000 – 150,000 | $5.20 – $9.70 |
| Western Fast Food Meal | 40,000 – 70,000 | $2.60 – $4.50 |
| Monthly Grocery Bill (Single Person) | 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 | $100 – $200 |
| Coffee (Café) | 20,000 – 50,000 | $1.30 – $3.25 |
| Bottle of Water (1.5L) | 10,000 – 15,000 | $0.65 – $1.00 |
- Cooking at Home: If you choose to cook most of your meals at home, your grocery bill will be relatively affordable. Local markets sell fresh produce at a low price, and there is a wide variety of ingredients available.
- Eating Out: Bali’s local food culture offers cheap meals, but international restaurants will cost more. Dining in tourist hotspots like Seminyak or Ubud will be pricier than in more residential areas.
Transportation in Bali
Transportation in Bali is another significant expense. While the island doesn’t have a robust public transportation system, it offers various ways to get around, including renting scooters, using ride-sharing apps, or hiring taxis.
Here’s a cost breakdown of transportation options in Bali:
| Mode of Transportation | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter Rental (Daily) | 75,000 – 150,000 | $5 – $10 |
| Scooter Rental (Monthly) | 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 | $65 – $195 |
| Taxi Ride (Within City) | 30,000 – 70,000 | $2 – $4 |
| Ride-sharing (Gojek/Grab) | 20,000 – 50,000 | $1.30 – $3.25 |
| Gasoline (Per Liter) | 10,000 – 12,000 | $0.65 – $0.80 |
- Scooter Rentals: Renting a scooter is the most popular and affordable option for getting around Bali. It offers flexibility and ease of access to remote areas.
- Ride-Sharing: Apps like Gojek and Grab are widely used in Bali. Prices vary depending on the distance and time of day, but they remain relatively cheap compared to Western countries.
Ride-Sharing and Taxis
Ride-sharing apps like Gojek and Grab are widely used in Bali. These services are not only affordable but also very convenient for short trips or when you don’t feel like driving.
| Ride-Sharing Type | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Short Ride (Up to 5km) | 20,000 – 50,000 | $1.30 – $3.25 |
| Medium Ride (5km – 10km) | 50,000 – 80,000 | $3.25 – $5.20 |
| Long Ride (Over 10km) | 80,000 – 150,000 | $5.20 – $9.70 |
| Taxi Fare (Starting Price) | 7,000 – 10,000 | $0.45 – $0.65 |
- Ride-sharing: Gojek and Grab are more affordable than traditional taxis. The pricing is transparent, and you can book rides using a smartphone app.
- Taxis: Taxis are available, but they tend to be pricier than ride-sharing options. It’s often better to use Gojek or Grab for shorter trips.
Healthcare and Insurance
Bali offers a variety of healthcare options, but expats are advised to purchase health insurance, especially for emergencies. While the quality of healthcare can be good in Bali, particularly in private hospitals, some treatments may not be available or require medical evacuation to another country.
Healthcare Costs in Bali
Here’s a breakdown of common healthcare services and their costs in Bali:
| Healthcare Service | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation with GP | 250,000 – 500,000 | $16 – $32 |
| Specialist Consultation | 500,000 – 1,000,000 | $32 – $65 |
| Basic Blood Test | 200,000 – 500,000 | $13 – $32 |
| Emergency Room Visit | 500,000 – 1,500,000 | $32 – $98 |
| X-ray | 300,000 – 700,000 | $20 – $45 |
- Private Hospitals: Bali’s private hospitals, such as BIMC and Siloam, provide high-quality care but at higher prices.
- Public Hospitals: Public hospitals are generally cheaper, but the quality of service may vary.
Health Insurance
Expats are strongly advised to have health insurance that covers both regular medical care and emergencies. There are several international providers, such as Allianz and Cigna, which offer comprehensive coverage for living in Bali.
| Insurance Type | Monthly Cost (IDR) | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic International Health Insurance | 1,500,000 – 4,000,000 | $100 – $260 |
| Premium International Health Insurance | 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 | $325 – $650 |
Utilities and Internet
Bali’s utilities are relatively affordable compared to many other countries, but costs can vary based on the size of your property and usage. The internet is widely available, and there are many affordable options for both home and mobile data.
Utilities
Here’s an overview of the monthly costs for basic utilities in Bali:
| Utility | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity (Monthly) | 400,000 – 1,000,000 | $26 – $65 |
| Water (Monthly) | 100,000 – 300,000 | $6.50 – $20 |
| Internet (Wi-Fi, Unlimited) | 300,000 – 800,000 | $20 – $52 |
- Electricity: The cost of electricity can vary depending on air conditioning usage and the size of your living space. High usage will increase the bill.
- Water: Water costs are generally quite affordable, but it’s advisable to use filtered water for drinking.
- Internet: The internet speeds in Bali are good, and there are many options for both fixed-line broadband and mobile data.
Mobile Data
Many expats opt for mobile data instead of fixed-line internet, as it is cheaper and more flexible. Here’s the cost for mobile data packages:
| Mobile Data Plan | Cost (IDR) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Data Plan (3GB) | 100,000 – 150,000 | $6.50 – $9.70 |
| Monthly Data Plan (10GB) | 250,000 – 400,000 | $16 – $26 |
| Unlimited Data Plans | 500,000 – 700,000 | $32 – $45 |
- SIM Cards: You can easily buy a local SIM card with a data plan at one of Bali’s many shops. Popular providers include Telkomsel and XL.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of living in Bali is key to planning your move, whether you’re a digital nomad, expat, or retiree. From housing and food to transportation and healthcare, Bali offers a range of expenses to suit different lifestyles. For more insights on entertainment, visa costs, education, and shopping, check out our related article, “Living in Bali: A Complete Guide to Entertainment, Education, and More”. Together, these guides will help you navigate life in Bali with confidence and ease.