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What is the Cost of Living in Bali in 2024?

Many people from around the globe dream of moving to Bali, Indonesia, due to the delicious food, captivating Hindu culture and the city's overall gorgeous setting. While many visit Bali to spend a nice vacation with their loved ones, other expats have opted to settle down due to the standard and cost of living in Bali.

Continue reading this article to know the average monthly expenses in Bali!

Table of Contents

Average Cost of Living in Bali

Factors Determining the Cost of Living

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living

Important Things to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Average Cost of Living in Bali?

A single person living in Bali should expect to spend around IDR 1000000 –  IDR 1500000 as their monthly expense. However, individual costs tend to decrease for couples and families. The table below shows the approximate monthly expenses of a person living in Bali

Area of Expense Cost
Rent IDR 6,000,000 - IDR 10,000,000 per month
Entertainment IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month
Groceries IDR 3,000,000 - IDR 5,000,000 per month
Transport IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month
Utilities IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 2,000,000 per month
Schooling of children IDR 10,000,000 - IDR 30,000,000 per month

Cost of Living in Bali for Bachelors

Living alone in Bali means you will have to handle things like rent, bills, food, fun stuff, getting around, and other expenses. Check out the table for more details:

Area of Expense Price Range
Accommodation IDR 6,000,000 - IDR 10,000,000 per month
Groceries IDR 2,000,000 - IDR 4,000,000 per month
Transport IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month
Utilities IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 2,000,000 per month
Entertainment and Shopping IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month
Housemaid IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month (for part-time help)
Wi-Fi IDR 500,000 - IDR 1,000,000 per month
Bus Pass/Metro Pass Transport costs typically cover motorbike or car expenses.
Miscellaneous IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month

Cost of Living in Bali for Students

Students living in Bali, Indonesia, are required to cover the costs of several essential items, as outlined in the table provided: 

Area of Expense Price Range
Rent (shared apartment) IDR 2,000,000 - IDR 4,000,000 per month
Rent (single room PG) IDR 3,000,000 - IDR 6,000,000 per month
Food (monthly) IDR 1,500,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month
Transportation (monthly) IDR 500,000 - IDR 1,500,000 per month (depending on location and mode of transport)
Utilities (monthly) IDR 500,000 - IDR 1,500,000 per month
Wi-Fi IDR 300,000 - IDR 800,000 per month
Miscellaneous IDR 500,000 - IDR 1,500,000 per month
Bus Pass/Metro Pass Not applicable in Bali

Cost of Living in Bali for a Family

Bali provides a range of housing choices, such as apartments, cottages, farmhouses, and villas. Please consult the table below for a detailed breakdown of the main living costs for families in Bali: 

Area of Expense Price Range
Accommodation IDR 15,000,000 - IDR 25,000,000 per month
Groceries & Food IDR 5,000,000 - IDR 10,000,000 per month
Transport IDR 3,000,000 - IDR 7,000,000 per month
Utilities IDR 1,500,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month
Entertainment & Shopping IDR 3,000,000 - IDR 7,000,000 per month
Education & Daycare IDR 5,000,000 - IDR 15,000,000 per month
Housemaid IDR 3,000,000 - IDR 5,000,000 per month (full-time)
Wi-Fi IDR 500,000 - IDR 1,000,000 per month
Miscellaneous IDR 2,000,000 - IDR 5,000,000 per month

Cost of Living in Bali for Couples

When living in Bali, couples should consider costs such as rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Consult the table for more information:

Area of Expense Price Range
1 BHK apartment for rent IDR 6,000,000 - IDR 10,000,000 per month
2 BHK apartments for rent IDR 10,000,000 - IDR 15,000,000 per month
Electricity bill IDR 500,000 - IDR 1,500,000 per month
Bus pass Not applicable in Bali
Wi-Fi IDR 300,000 - IDR 800,000 per month
Groceries IDR 3,000,000 - IDR 6,000,000 per month
Meal for two IDR 300,000 - IDR 600,000
Housemaid IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month
Miscellaneous IDR 1,000,000 - IDR 3,000,000 per month

Factors That Determine the Cost of Living in Bali

Here are the common factors that influence the average cost of living in Bali:

 

1.  Housing

An individual’s most significant expense while living in Bali will be paying the monthly rent of living space in the city. Just like any other city in the world, the monthly rent of the housing varies from region to region and the type of property. You can get shared rooms at several different locations at affordable monthly rents in Bali. However, if you are someone moving in with a partner or a family, it is better to rent your own place.

Classification of Accommodation Approximate Rent Per Month
1 bedroom apartment in the centre of the city IDR 6,000,000 - IDR 10,000,000 per month
1 bedroom apartment outside the centre of the city IDR 4,000,000 - IDR 7,000,000 per month
3-bedroom apartment in the centre of the city IDR 15,000,000 - IDR 25,000,000 per month
3-bedroom apartment outside the centre of the city IDR 10,000,000 - IDR 18,000,000 per month

The table below shows the approximate price for buying a property in Bali

Classification of Accommodation Approximate Cost Per Square Metre
Apartment in the centre of the city IDR 1,500,000,000 - IDR 3,500,000,000
Apartment outside the centre of the city IDR 1,000,000,000 - IDR 2,500,000,000

2.  Groceries

The supermarket and grocery prices tend to vary based on the area you live in. Areas with a maximum number of foreign residents tend to have costlier grocery items. It is a good idea to head out to the nearest local market in such places. Furthermore, imported items are far more expensive than the products produced locally.

Grocery Items Approximate Cost (IDR)
Milk (regular, 1 litre) IDR 15,000 -IDR 20,000
White bread (1 loaf) IDR 10,000 - IDR 15,000
White rice (1 kilogram) IDR 10,000 - IDR 15,000
Eggs (1 dozen) IDR 20,000 - IDR 30,000
Cheese (200 grams) IDR 40,000 - IDR 60,000
Chicken breast (1 kilogram) IDR 50,000 - IDR 80,000
Apples (1 kilogram) IDR 30,000 - IDR 50,000
Bananas (1 kilogram) IDR 10,000 - IDR 20,000
Oranges (1 kilogram) IDR 15,000 - IDR 25,000
Tomatoes (1 kilogram) IDR 10,000 - IDR 20,000
Potatoes (1 kilogram) IDR 10,000 - IDR 15,000
Onions (1 kilogram) IDR 10,000 - IDR 15,000
Lettuce (1 head) IDR 10,000 - IDR 15,000

3.  Transportation

Finding public transport in Bali is very rare; therefore, the residents have to rely on a car or scooter for their day-to-day transportation needs. Most of the people living in Bali prefer renting a bike as it is the most cost-effective and convenient way of transporting.

Fuel Cost/Transportation Service Approximate Cost (IDR)
One-way local transport ticket IDR 3,000 - IDR 4,000
Monthly pass IDR 1,50,000
Gasoline (as of July 2024) IDR 13,810
Diesel (as of 27th June) IDR 15,320
Taxi fare for a kilometre IDR 7,500 – IDR 20,000
Rental bike per day IDR 30,000

4.  Utilities

The money spent on basic utilities such as electricity and gas supply, internet connection, and mobile prepaid plans; adds up to a significant amount to the cost of living in Bali for a month. The table below shows the approximate cost of the basic utilities in Bali

Monthly Utilities Cost
Basic (heating, cooling, electricity, water) for a house IDR 6,00,000 – IDR 16,00,000
Prepaid mobile tariff per minute IDR 135 – IDR 2,200
Internet for cable, ADSL, unlimited data IDR 3,50,000 – IDR 5,60,000

5.  Entertainment

The table below shows the approximate cost of the other areas of entertainment and leisure

Area of Expense Approximate Cost
1-month gym membership IDR 3,50,000 – IDR 15,00,000
1-morning cappuccino IDR 20,000 – IDR 60,000
Tennis court rent for 1 hour IDR 50,000 – IDR 2,50,000
Cinema (1 seat) IDR 50,000 – IDR 80,000
A meal in an affordable restaurant (1 person) IDR 12,000 – IDR 60,000
Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant IDR 3,00,000 – IDR 10,00,000

6.  Childcare and Schooling

Individuals moving to Bali with their children should consider the tuition fees for school and kindergarten. For the proper education and training of kids, the best option is to admit them to an international or private school.

Schools and Childcare Approximate Fees
Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, monthly for 1 Child IDR 5,00,000 – IDR 20,00,000
International primary school, yearly for 1 child IDR 5,00,00,000 – IDR 23,00,00,000

The table below shows the best international schools in Bali

School Curriculum
Australian Independent School (AIS) Australian Curriculum and International Baccalaureate
Bali Island School International Baccalaureate
Canggu Community School (CCS) International Baccalaureate
Dyatmika School Cambridge Assessment International Education
Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School (GMIS) International Baccalaureate
Lycée Français de Bali French Baccalaureate
Montessori School Bali Montessori
Sanur Independent School Cambridge and Australian Curriculum
Sekolah Lentera Kasih (SLK) & Lollypop Preschool National Indonesian Curriculum and the Cambridge Curriculum
Sunrise School British and International Early Years, Primary and Middle Years Curriculums.

Tips on Reducing the Cost of Living in Bali

Following are some effective ways to lessen the monthly expenses in Bali:

  • Find a place to stay outside the touristy areas like Kuta or Seminyak. Consider renting a Kost, a local house, or sharing an apartment to save on the rent.
  • Instead of taxis, use scooters, bicycles, or ride-sharing apps like Gojek. They are really very cheap and can weave in and out of the congested roads of Bali.
  • Visit the traditional pasar markets for fresh produce and everyday needs. Prices usually tend to be higher in supermarkets orientated towards tourists.
  • Try warungs, small, family-run food stores, and street food stalls for some readily available, inexpensive meals. They are an excellent way to sample traditional Balinese food on a budget.
  • Know which utilities are included and try to find fixed-rate plans to avoid any surprise costs. Be frugal with water and electricity usage to help keep bills at bay.
  • Use local clinics for minor, routine medical needs rather than looking for an international hospital. It is cheap and will meet a lot of basic health needs.
  • Bali is beautiful, with beach outings, temple visits, and the witnessing of local festivals, which are usually free or low-cost.
  • Contact some expat groups and other local communities that can help you live affordably. They will be especially helpful with tips on how to save costs and enjoy special local discounts.

Important Things to Know Before Moving to Bali

Here are the ten essential things to remember to reduce the average cost of living in Bali before moving:

  1. Visa Requirements: Know the different types of visas you are supposed to have, according to the length of your stay, and how to get them. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.

    2. Know more about:

    Bali Visa for Indians
  2. Cost of Living: Know what the normal expenses of a person are toward accommodative facilities, food, transport, and health care so that you can plan your move within your budget.
  3. Local Laws and Customs: Familiarise yourself with Balinese culture, etiquette, and the laws therein so as not to commit unintended offences and to fit better into the community.
  4. Healthcare Services: Information about healthcare, such as insurance and medical facilities in particular areas, both locally and internationally.
  5. Climate and Weather: Bali has a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons. The weather is hot and humid for most of the year.
  6. Housing Options: Choose between long-term rentals, purchase of property, or short-term accommodation depending on budget and lifestyle.
  7. Transportation: Be aware of the transport structure and different alternatives, from scooters to taxis available, between which one moves around the island safely.
  8. Education Facilities: If moving with children, look into the schools and educational programs available, such as international and local schools.
  9. Language Considerations: Although English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing some basic Bahasa Indonesia will open up your experiences and interactions.
  10. Community and integration: Plug into expat communities and locals alike to create a support network and experience Bali to its fullest.

Bali is indeed one of Southeast Asia's costliest tourist destinations, which has won the winning position at Trip Advisor's 'Travellers Choice Awards 2021. Therefore, this is all the information related to the cost of living in Bali. To summarise, the cost of living here depends on the lifestyle they want and the place they choose to stay in.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bali very expensive?

The cost of living in Bali primarily depends on the place where you stay and the lifestyle you choose for yourself. Bali gets as expensive as you make it!

What is the cheapest place to stay in Bali?

Located on the northern coast of Bali, Lovina is undoubtedly the cheapest place to reside in Bali.

What is the cost of public transport in Bali?

Bali public transportation is quite inexpensive and it depends on the distance you are travelling. The price of a local bus or minibus (bemo) is from about IDR 15,000 to IDR 30,000 per route. 

How much would utilities typically cost in a small apartment in Bali?

Generally, on average, the overall rates for a small flat in Bali can make up around IDR 10,00,000 a month, along with electricity, water, charges for garbage disposal, etc., depending on the apartment size and on you as a consumer.

What will be the cost of healthcare in Bali?

The cost of every single visit to a doctor in Bali is IDR 250,000; the more serious a case is, the more expensive the treatment will be; hospitalisation will be more expensive.

Which salary can one expect to live in comfort in Bali?

Living relatively comfortably in Bali, Indonesia, would cost around IDR 12,100,000 a month.

How much would a week's worth of groceries cost?

For one individual, the cost of those food items ranges between IDR 500,000 and IDR 700,000 per week in Bali.

How much would it cost for one person to dine out at a mid-range restaurant in Bali?

The cost of Mid-range dining in Bali is between IDR 200,000 and IDR 300,000 per person for three courses.

What are the typical prices for clothing in Bali?

Though it is possible to become anyone, you can obtain some honest basics from the local markets for as little as approximately IDR 100,000.

What are the typical prices for clothing in Bali?

The prices of clothes in Bali can differ, but you will get some at a low cost of IDR 100,000 in the local markets.

How much would be the cost of renting a car in Bali?

On average you can rent a car in Bali by paying approximately IDR 300,000 per day.

What is the rate of gym membership in Bali?

A gym membership would cost from IDR 300,000 to IDR 800,000 for a one-month membership, depending on the standard and location.

What is the cost of a basic mobile phone data plan in Bali?

That is going to cost around IDR 100,000 to IDR 200,000 for a basic package with some data for a month.

What is the cost involved in joining recreation and tours in Bali?

Recreational activities and tours can also tag along at a cost of IDR 200,000 for a simple tour to a few million IDR, depending on the activity done.

What is the average cost of an Internet service in Bali?

The typical internet service in Bali would be about IDR 500,000 a month.

What is an average doctor or dentist visit in Bali, Indonesia?

The average doctor or dentist visit in Bali can also be IDR 250,000 to IDR 500,000.

Are there any extra fees or taxes for renting property?

Extra expenses of renting the property in Bali would involve a security deposit that may be one to three months of rent in advance and another charge, stamp duty, which is charged that will cost the tenant around 1% of annual rent.

What does a haircut or any other personal grooming cost in Bali?

A haircut or any other personal grooming service in Bali will cost an average of IDR 50,000 to IDR 150,000.

What is the cost of having a visa to live in Bali long term?

Getting a long-term visa to live in Bali will include an application cost, agent servicing fee, and cost of the visa. This will vary between IDR 5-10 Million depending on the type and how much time you get granted for having a visa.