Actual Cost of Living Comfortably in Bali for Expats

Key Takeaways

• Main expenses to plan for: housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare/insurance, visas, and imported goods which are significantly more expensive.
• Additional budget considerations for expats: school fees, driving permits, alcohol taxes, and income/property taxes (both Indonesian and home country obligations).

A common question people have before moving to Bali is, “What’s the average cost of living in Bali for expats?” The answer really depends on the lifestyle you choose.

Based on our experience, there are a few different monthly cost ranges for expats living in Bali. Budget-friendly living is about $600 to $900 per month, mid-range comfort is around $1,100 to $1,800 per month, and luxury living can be $2,500 to $6,000 or more per month. The main thing is to set a budget that lets you feel comfortable and free.

Let’s take a closer look at what each lifestyle includes so you can better plan your budget before coming to Bali.

The Budget-Friendly Expat Lifestyle ($600–$900/month)

If you’re living in Bali alone, you may spend around $600–$900 per month. Here’s what Bali prices look like on a budget:

• Simple guesthouse or homestay: $250–$400
• Local food & daily meals: $150–$250
• Scooter rental + fuel: $60–$100
• Local SIM, Wi-Fi, and laundry: $50–$80
• Occasional drinks, yoga, or outings: $100+

This lifestyle is ideal for digital nomads, backpackers, and minimalists staying long-term. The focus is on low cost rather than luxury, often involving shared housing or living farther from tourist hotspots.

Picture this: you’re living in a small homestay in Ubud or a shared villa in Canggu. Most meals come from local warungs where a plate of nasi goreng costs just $1 or $2.

You get around on a scooter and spend weekends exploring waterfalls or hanging at the beach.

Read More: Second Home Visa: A Must Have for Long-Term Stay in Bali

The Mid-Range Budget for a Balanced Lifestyle ($1,100–$1,800/month)

Now imagine living in a private villa with a pool, or a modern co-living space where you meet like-minded expats. You mix local meals with brunches at trendy cafés, keep a gym or yoga membership, and maybe take weekend trips to Uluwatu or Nusa Penida.

If you prefer to stay in Bali with a mid-range lifestyle, expect to spend around $1,100–$1,800 per month. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

• Private apartment, villa, or co-living (with Wi-Fi & utilities): $500–$1,000
• Dining out (local + Western cafés): $300–$500
• Scooter or app-based rides: $60–$100
• Gym, yoga, or fitness classes: $100–$200
• Social life, shopping, weekend trips: $300+

This is the most common choice for expats, comfortable, convenient, and still much cheaper than living in Europe, Australia, or the US.

The High-end Living in Bali Cost ($2,500–$6,000+/month)

Finally, there are expats who move to Bali to enjoy it all beachfront villas, fine dining, spa treatments, and private drivers. Families, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents often choose this lifestyle in areas like Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, or Uluwatu.

The total cost of a full luxury lifestyle in Bali ranges from $2,500 to over $6,000 per month.

Here’s what this looks like:

• Designer villa with staff & pool: $1,500–$4,000+
• International restaurants & bars: $600–$1,000+
• Private driver or premium transport: $300–$600
• High-end gym, spa & wellness services: $200–$500
• Nightlife, social events & parties: $500+
• Weekend getaways abroad or to nearby islands: $500–$2,000

Read More: Want to Live in Bali Long-Term? Best Place to Build a Villa

Other Costs Expats Should Plan For

Beyond daily living, don’t forget to budget for these items:

Taxes for Foreigner Living and Working in Bali

If you’re a foreigner living or working in Bali, you’ll need to pay attention to tax rules both in Indonesia and possibly in your home country.

In Bali, any income earned locally is generally subject to Indonesian income tax. Income from outside Indonesia, however, may still be taxable in your home country depending on its tax agreements and laws.

For digital nomads and freelancers, extra tax obligations can apply. Because tax laws change from time to time, it’s important to stay updated and understand what applies to your situation.

If you’re looking to invest in Bali property, don’t forget to factor in taxes such as property tax and potential capital gains tax. Working with a trusted local tax professional can help you navigate these requirements smoothly and legally.

It’s highly recommended to check the latest tax regulations before moving and, if possible, seek advice from a professional tax consultant. This ensures you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties.

Why Do Expats Have Higher Living Costs than Local Balinese People?

Expats usually spend more on living costs than locals. This is mainly because they rely on imported goods, rent premium villas, and use lifestyle services such as co-working spaces and international schools, which most local Balinese do not use. These amenities are priced for foreign incomes, not the local economy.

Here’s a simple comparison:

• Housing: Many local Balinese live in family homes passed down through generations and pay very little rent. Expats, on the other hand, often rent private villas with features like pools, western-style kitchens, and in popular areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, or Uluwatu. This drives up rental prices.
• Imported Goods: Groceries are much cheaper when you buy local produce at traditional markets. Expats often buy imported foods, wine, dairy, and cosmetics from specialty supermarkets, which have high import taxes.
• Visas and Taxes: Expats need to budget for ongoing visa fees, like Indonesia Immigration charges for different stay permits or digital nomad visas, as well as possible tax obligations in their home countries. Locals do not have these extra costs.
• Schooling: Expats with families often spend thousands of dollars each year on international schools, while local families usually use the public education system.

Conclusion

Living in Bali is not very expensive compared to many other countries. You can start a new life here for as little as $600 per month. Your lifestyle will depend on how much you choose to spend. For a more comfortable and balanced experience, it is a good idea to budget between $1,100 – $1,800 per month.

Based on our experience, your overall costs can be reduced significantly if you own a villa in Bali, so you won’t have to deal with rent that can rise unexpectedly.

If you want to legally own a villa in Bali, iLot Property helps foreign buyers every step of the way. We guide you through ownership options, land purchase, villa design, and construction.

Reach out to us anytime, and we’ll get back to you. No strings attached.

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