For many families and couples moving from New Zealand, comparing costs between home and Bali isn’t really about finding the cheapest option. It’s about rethinking what daily life looks like — and what feels sustainable in the long run.
New Zealand is often ranked as one of the best places in the world to live. It’s safe, beautiful, and offers a high standard of living. But over the past few years, rising house prices, childcare costs, and the general price of everyday life have left many Kiwi families feeling stretched. Even those doing “well” financially are starting to ask whether life still feels balanced.
That’s where Bali enters the picture. Not as a bargain alternative to New Zealand, but as a different way of living — one that places more value on time, support, and flexibility.
Is Bali Actually Cheaper Than New Zealand?
The honest answer we hear from New Zealand families is: sometimes — but that’s not the whole story.
Rent in popular areas of Bali can be surprisingly similar to Auckland or Queenstown, especially if you’re looking for a modern, well-located home. International schools, imported groceries, and certain lifestyle choices can also add up quickly.
But when families step back and look at their overall quality of life, Bali often feels more manageable.
James and Jade explain it best:
“The cost of living here feels refreshingly balanced. In New Zealand, so many aspects of life had become expensive or out of reach—whether it was childcare, dining out, or even taking time off. In Bali, we can enjoy a far higher quality of life for less—healthy food, childcare, massages, daily help, and family adventures that would have been considered luxuries back home.
It’s not about living cheaply; it’s about living better. The financial breathing room gives us more time and energy to focus on what matters most—family, wellbeing, and business.”
That idea of breathing room comes up again and again, especially for families juggling remote work, young kids, or running their own businesses.
Housing, Food, and Support Services: The Trade-Offs
Most Kiwi families arrive in Bali knowing that not everything will be cheaper — and that’s usually a good thing.
Roberta and Zac shared that while housing costs initially caught them off guard, the day-to-day lifestyle more than made up for it:
“Financially, the cost of living for us is relatively similar to New Zealand. While rent in Bali, especially in popular areas, can be quite expensive, we find that food, lifestyle, and having home help like cleaners are much more affordable. The trade-off is worth it for the lifestyle we now enjoy.”
For many families, it’s the small, practical things that make the biggest difference. Having affordable help at home, being able to eat out regularly, and prioritising wellness without guilt changes how days feel. Life becomes less rushed and more intentional.
Childcare, Education, and Raising Kids Differently
Education is often one of the biggest questions for New Zealand families considering Bali — and it’s where experiences can vary the most.
Costs depend heavily on the path you choose. International schools can be expensive, but Bali also offers alternative schools, smaller learning communities, homeschooling support, and flexible education models that simply aren’t common back home.
Elle and Sam shared their experience: “The biggest difference for us as a family here is the cost of childcare – in NZ, preschool costs a fraction of what it costs us here, but that’s very country specific, for a lot of people it’s cheaper here than at home. We’re able to raise our kids with a huge amount of freedom and very little societal judgment compared to in NZ or the UK, and that we love. We plan to homeschool them in the future if we can; otherwise, we will choose one of the many alternative schools in Bali.”
For many families, that flexibility — along with outdoor living, strong community ties, and a slower pace — ends up being more valuable than cost comparisons alone.
Advice from Kiwis Who’ve Done It
Families who’ve lived in Bali for a while often say the same thing: do your research and take your time.
Rik and Kat Van Dijk from Queenstown put it simply:
“Bali has an enormous amount to offer but still do your research before coming. Although it’s relatively inexpensive, you can burn through your cash quickly. Learn to ride a scooter before arriving in Bali, not on the Canggu shortcut at 4pm on a Friday! Learn some basic Bahasa, the Balinese will really appreciate it. Unless you know where you want to live, rent in a few different locations to get a true feel of the area.
Respect the locals. It’s their slice of paradise that they’re sharing with us. And whatever you give to Bali, you are sure to receive it back 10 fold. I feel very lucky that my kids are able to group up at the beach, in the ocean and surrounded by the magic of the Balinese culture.”
Final Thoughts: New Zealand to Bali
For most Kiwi families, Bali isn’t about leaving New Zealand behind. It’s about choosing a different pace of life.
Some costs stay the same, others change. But the ability to reduce daily stress, spend more time together, and live closer to nature often makes the move feel worthwhile in ways that are hard to measure on a spreadsheet.
Bali offers New Zealanders something both familiar and different — a life that feels lighter, more connected, and consciously designed.
Want to understand what Bali could really cost for you?
Our Bali Cost of Living Guide helps you move beyond guesswork.
Included in our Bronze Membership, it features:
- A detailed Excel budgeting spreadsheet
- Clear breakdowns across key expense categories
- Currency comparisons from your currency to IDR to suit your situation
- A practical way to map out your lifestyle before you arrive
If you’re in the early planning stage, it’s one of the most helpful tools to start with.
Explore now here: Bronze Membership
