Cost of living in Bali

In Bali, you’ll find some things don’t hit your wallet as hard as they might back home. Think a variety of services, eating out and grocery shopping, local salaries and getting around – all way more budget-friendly here.

And it’s not just about the price tag; Bali serves up top-notch quality without burning a hole in your pocket. Whether you’re diving into local eats or enjoying the swankier restaurants and facilities, the combo of quality and cost makes Bali stand out.

Great news! Our clients are sharing feedback that their living expenses are 30-40% (sometimes even more) lower than what they were accustomed to spending back in their home countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

But, fair warning, if you’re eyeing imported goodies including alcohol, that might put a dent in your budget. Bali’s a bargain for many things, but imported goods might make you think twice before splurging.

Living amidst nature in Bali offers a plethora of affordable or even free activities that contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle. The island’s natural beauty provides a backdrop for various recreational pursuits, from exploring waterfalls and mountains to engaging in many different beach and water activities, all while under the warmth of tropical weather.

When it comes to daily living, Bali excels in offering quality food, diverse dining options, and modern facilities, all at reasonable costs. The culinary scene is rich and varied, with local warungs providing delicious and budget-friendly meals, while upscale restaurants cater to those seeking more refined dining experiences. Access to state-of-the-art facilities, be it for fitness, wellness, or leisure, contributes to the overall exceptional quality of life on the island.

One of the distinctive aspects of living in Bali is the affordability of services that might be considered luxuries elsewhere. This affordability allows for a significant improvement in one’s quality of life. Expats often find themselves able to afford services that might have been financially out of reach in their home countries. An example is the ability to hire a nanny, housekeeper, chef and perhaps a full-time private driver.

Depending on where you live in Bali, the cost of living can sometimes vary — mainly due to differences in rental prices, but also in everyday expenses like supermarkets, laundry, transport, staff and leisure activities.

To help you plan more accurately, we’ve broken down typical living costs across four popular areas: Sanur, Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu — each offering its own lifestyle, community vibe, and budget range.

Medical clinics in Bali offer a wide range of services, including general doctor consultations, dental care, and various specialised treatments. Many of these clinics operate 24/7, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and up-to-date international-standard medical care in the key expat areas of the island.

Our Year in Bali Partner with Padma Care

Padma Care helps expat families access high-quality healthcare at local rates. For 350,000 IDR (~$24 USD) per month per household, you get:

✔️ Daily access (7 days a week) to a Personal Healthcare Assistant and support team
✔️ Your dedicated Personal Health Advisor who knows your family
✔️ Expert doctor recommendations (vetted network of 108 specialists)
✔️ Negotiated local pricing at 7 hospitals and 11 clinics
✔️ Bills and treatments are carefully vetted so you don’t overpay or get unnecessary services
✔️ Guidance on navigating clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies with ease
✔️ Peace of mind knowing you’ll always have the right help at the right time

Most members recoup the annual membership cost on their first significant medical visit through negotiated savings alone. Even better: Padma Care can help you structure a smart insurance strategy—pairing a high-deductible international plan with affordable local care—that saves families $1,000s annually compared to traditional expat insurance.

Our Year in Bali Special Offer: Receive one month free when you sign up!

It only takes 10 minutes to register, and you can choose your start date. Still have questions? Book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your family’s needs.

Bigger expenses, such as housing, visas, business setup, schooling, and health insurance, require careful consideration when relocating to Bali.

Recognise that approximately 50% of Indonesians possess a bank account and considering that Bali functions on a cash-based economy, significant expenses like long-term housing leases often necessitate upfront payment.

Others expenses, such as school fees and insurance policies, can be paid throughout the calendar year. 

Strategic financial planning remains crucial for managing these upfront expenses and ensuring a smooth transition to living in Bali.

The extent of variations in expenses in Bali is contingent on the duration of your stay and your personal circumstances.

These expenses range from small ones, such as international bank fees (unless you open a local bank account) and managing your phone expenses, to more significant ones like visa extensions and travel costs. Additionally, for longer stays, you might need different expat health insurance policies tailored to your needs, and there could be potential work-related expenses, like the upgrading your internet package, buying equipment and membership fee for a coworking space.

If you’re opting for the iconic Bali lifestyle with a scooter, there might be some lessons and helmet purchases on your checklist, alongside the settling-in expenses of obtaining a local license.

Moreover, beyond the basics, there could be additional setup costs, albeit more occasional, encompassing the acquisition of extra furniture, bedding, baby-related products, homewares, renovations and preferred cooking utensils. These are the kind of expenses that tend to pop up from time to time, depending on your preferences and needs.

On the other end of the spectrum, there might be more substantial one-time expenditures, such as purchasing a scooter or even a car. These larger investments could significantly impact your budget.

So, whether it’s the little occasional expenses or the more substantial one-time buys, understanding the diverse financial considerations based on your stay duration is key to navigating the Bali lifestyle.

Families considering Bali as their new home should factor in education expenses as a significant component of their budget. Annual tuition fees for international schools in Bali usually range from USD 3,000 to 20,000, depending on the child’s age and academic year level.

Additionally, families should budget for other costs such as non-refundable deposits, registration and application fees, technology levies, uniforms, school camps, Student KITAS, and other miscellaneous expenses.

For those exploring alternatives, homeschooling and distance education can also be great options, offering flexibility for families who move frequently or prefer a personalised learning approach.

Looking for a school that fits your budget and values?

Our Bali School Guide gives you access to a database of over 80 international and local schools across the island, complete with fee comparisons, curriculum details, and insider insights to help you make the right choice, for only USD 29.95.

Or, book a 1-hour School Consultation with Simone Collins, Founder of Our Year in Bali. With firsthand school visits and experience helping hundreds of families, Simone will create a tailored shortlist of schools that perfectly match your needs and lifestyle.

Hiring a nanny in Bali is both affordable and life-changing for many expat families. Full-time nannies typically earn between 7–9 million IDR per month, though this is a very broad guideline—it can be higher depending on the nanny’s experience, expertise, language skills, and specific job requirements.

Beyond the practical support, many families say their nanny becomes part of the family—helping children adjust, sharing Balinese culture, and creating more balance at home. Whether you need part-time help or full-time care, having reliable support allows parents to focus on work, wellness, and family time. For step-by-step guidance, salary insights, and trusted contacts, our Bali Staff Guide in our Bronze Package helps you hire confidently and ethically.