So, you’re wondering what it’s really like to live in Bali in 2025? With prices going up everywhere, a lot of people are asking if Bali is still an affordable paradise. Well, the answer depends on your lifestyle! Some people live here on a budget and still enjoy everything the island offers, while others like to splurge a bit more for extra comfort.
In this article, I’ll break down two different budgets—one for those looking to keep costs low and another for those who want to live more luxuriously. Whether you’re thinking about moving here, planning an extended stay, or just curious, I’ve got all the details for you.
Food: Eating Out vs. Cooking at Home
Bali is a food lover’s dream, and you can find all kinds of meals here—from cheap local warungs to fancy Western restaurants.
- Local Food (Warungs): Eating at a local warung (Indonesian-style eatery) is super affordable. Depending on how many dishes you choose, a meal can cost as little as 20,000 IDR (~$1.30 USD). Some of the best budget-friendly warungs include Warung Local and Warung TAA.
- Western & International Restaurants: If you prefer Western food, be prepared to pay more. A meal at a nice café or restaurant can range from 100,000 IDR to 500,000 IDR (~$6.50 – $32 USD) per person, depending on the place.
- Groceries & Cooking at Home: Buying groceries and cooking at home is a great way to save money. However, avoid Western-style supermarkets like Pepito, as they tend to be pricey. Instead, shop at places like Tiara Gatsu or Grand Lucky, where you can get fresh produce, seafood, and snacks for a much better price. A week’s worth of groceries can cost around 900,000 IDR (~$58 USD).
Accommodation: Budget vs. Luxury Living
Where you choose to live in Bali makes a huge difference in your monthly expenses.
- Budget Option: Staying in a guesthouse is a popular and affordable choice. These places usually come with a private room, bathroom, shared kitchen, and sometimes even a pool. The cost? Around 500 USD/month.
- Luxury Option: If you’re looking for more space and comfort, renting a private villa is the way to go. Villas in popular areas like Canggu start at 1,200 – 2,000 USD/month. These often come with great amenities like pools, workspaces, and lush gardens—perfect if you’re working remotely.
Getting Around: Transportation Costs
Bali isn’t known for its public transport, so most people get around by scooter.
- Renting a Scooter: A small scooter like a Scoopy or Vario costs 1 – 1.3 million IDR (~$65 – $85 USD) per month. If you want a bigger bike like an NMAX or PCX, expect to pay around 1.5 – 2 million IDR (~$97 – $130 USD) per month.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: If you don’t want to drive, apps like Gojek and Grab are super convenient. A short 5-10 minute ride costs between 10,000 – 20,000 IDR (~$0.65 – $1.30 USD).
- Gas Costs: Filling up a small scooter costs around 40,000 – 50,000 IDR (~$2.60 – $3.20 USD) per tank. If you have a bigger bike, it’ll cost a bit more.
Fun & Activities: Budget-Friendly vs. High-End
There’s no shortage of things to do in Bali, whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to spend.
- Budget Activities:
- Renting a surfboard: 50,000 IDR (~$3.25 USD) for 1-2 hours
- Getting a coconut at the beach: 25,000 – 30,000 IDR (~$1.60 – $2 USD)
- Visiting waterfalls: Free to 60,000 IDR (~$4 USD)
- Luxury Activities:
- Island hopping (Lombok, Nusa Penida, Gili Islands, or Komodo): Prices vary
- Spa treatments (sauna, ice baths, massages): Costs depend on the spa but start from 300,000 IDR (~$20 USD)
Staying Active: Gym Memberships & Fitness
Bali is a great place to stay fit, with plenty of gyms, yoga studios, and wellness centers.
- Affordable Gyms: The most budget-friendly gym memberships start at 1 – 1.5 million IDR (~$65 – $97 USD) per month.
- Premium Gyms: High-end gyms like Body Factory or Nirvana cost between 2.3 – 3 million IDR (~$150 – $195 USD) per month, but they offer extra perks like saunas and ice baths.
If you’re outside of Canggu, there are still great options. For example, Paradise Gym in Sanur only costs 1 million IDR (~$65 USD) per month but has all the facilities you need.
Other Essentials: SIM Cards & Insurance
- SIM Cards: Buying a SIM card at the airport is more expensive, so it’s better to get one at a registered counter outside. Expect to pay around $10 USD for 25GB of data.
- Health Insurance: If you’re traveling long-term, getting travel insurance is a must. Many expats and digital nomads use SafetyWing, which offers good coverage and quick claim processing.
Final Breakdown: Budget vs. Luxury Living in Bali
Here’s a rough estimate of the monthly cost depending on your lifestyle:
| Category | Budget ($) | Luxury ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $500 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Food (Warung) | $100 – $150 | $400 – $800 |
| Transport | $65 – $130 | $200 – $300 |
| Gym & Fitness | $65 – $100 | $150 – $200 |
| Activities | $50 – $150 | $300 – $500 |
| Misc. Expenses | $50 – $100 | $200 – $500 |
| Total Monthly Cost | $830 – $1,200 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
So, is Bali still an affordable place to live in 2024? The answer is yes—but it depends on your lifestyle. If you’re budget-conscious, you can live comfortably for under $1,200/month. But if you prefer luxury, a private villa, and eating out at high-end restaurants, expect to spend around $2,500 – $4,000/month. Hope this guide helps you decide if Bali is right for you!