Is Bali Still Affordable for Expats in 2026? Costs, Housing, and Real Budgets

For years, Bali has been seen as a place where expats could live well for less. Spacious villas with a swimming pool and staff, daily meals out, and a slower pace of life often came at a fraction of the cost of cities like Sydney, London, or New York. But as Bali’s popularity has grown, so have questions about affordability.

So in 2026 and beyond, is Bali still affordable for expats? The answer depends on expectations, lifestyle choices, and where on the island you choose to live.

Housing Costs: The Biggest Variable

Housing is usually the largest expense for expats in Bali, and it is where costs vary the most. Popular areas such as Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, and parts of Sanur have seen significant increases in rental prices over recent years.

Fully furnished villas with modern finishes now command much higher rents than they once did. Long term leases are typically paid yearly in advance (sometimes owners are looking for even a 2 year lease), which can feel like a large upfront commitment for newcomers. Utilities, internet, pool maintenance, gardening and other fees are usually additional costs that should be factored into monthly budgets.

More affordable options still exist, particularly in less central neighbourhoods or outside expat hubs. Apartments, older homes, open-living, or properties without pools and furniture can offer good value, especially for singles or couples. Expats who are flexible on location often find that affordability improves significantly.

Buying property, on the other hand, is more complex. Foreigners cannot directly own land in Indonesia, and long-term leasehold or freehold arrangements require professional legal guidance. For most expats, renting is the simpler and safer option. However, if you plan to live in Bali for several years, a leasehold property may be a strong option worth considering.

To put this flexibility into context, it helps to look at a real-life example. One family Our Year in Bali worked with, Kate and Leigh from Sydney, Australia, shared a snapshot of how life in Bali can scale up or down depending on lifestyle choices and day-to-day needs.

Annual rental costs varied widely depending on the type of home:

More modest villas averaged around AUD 25,000 per year
Newly built, mid-range villas typically ranged between AUD 50,000–60,000 per year
High-end luxury villas sat closer to AUD 120,000–140,000 per year
Longer leases of three to five years often came with meaningful discounts

Daily living costs were noticeably lower in many areas:

Local restaurants were around 30–40% cheaper than comparable options in Sydney
Meals at neighbourhood warungs could cost as little as AUD 15 for a family of four
Laundry services for an entire household typically ranged from AUD 5–7
Short rides using Gojek, around 3–4 kilometres, cost roughly AUD 1.20
Household help such as cleaning, pool, and garden maintenance was often included with villa rentals

This level of support allows families to spend less time managing daily tasks and more time focusing on work, rest, personal interests, or simply enjoying life together on the island.

Everyday Living Expenses

Daily expenses in Bali can feel surprisingly reasonable, especially when mixing local and Western habits. Eating at local warungs is inexpensive, while Western cafés and restaurants can cost similar to mid range dining back home.

Groceries follow a similar pattern. Local produce is affordable and fresh (think local markets and fruit shops), but imported items such as cheese, wine, and specialty products can be very expensive. Many expats find their grocery bills fluctuate depending on how much they rely on imported comforts.

Transport costs are generally lower than in Western countries. Motorbikes are the most common choice and very inexpensive to run. Cars are more costly, especially when factoring in fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab etc) are widely used and can be affordable for short trips, though costs add up with frequent use.

School Fees and Family Expenses

For families, schooling is often the most significant ongoing expense after housing. International schools in Bali offer a wide range of curricula, including Cambridge, IB, British, Montessori and Australian systems. Fees can rival those in major cities overseas, particularly once enrolment, uniforms, and extracurricular activities are included.

Childcare, after school activities, and private tutoring can also add to monthly costs. While some families find ways to balance expenses through lifestyle choices, others are surprised by how quickly family-related costs grow.

That said, many families value the education style, outdoor learning opportunities, and community feel that Bali schools provide, even if the financial commitment is higher than expected.

Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare costs in Bali are generally affordable for routine appointments, dental care, and minor procedures. Many 24/7 clinics cater specifically to expats and offer English-speaking staff.

However, serious medical care and second opinions often require travel to Singapore or Australia. This makes international health insurance essential. Insurance premiums vary depending on age, coverage, and pre-existing conditions, but they should be viewed as a non-negotiable part of the budget.

Some expats underestimate this cost at first, only to realise later how critical comprehensive coverage is for long-term peace of mind.

Visas and Administrative Costs

Visas are another ongoing expense that varies depending on your situation. Retirement visas, business visas, and long-stay options all come with different requirements and fees. Using a reputable agent adds to the cost but can save time, stress, and costly mistakes.

Renewals, extensions, and compliance with regulations should be factored into yearly expenses. While not overwhelming, visa costs are not insignificant (add up when you are coming as a family of 5) and often surprise newcomers who expect minimal bureaucracy.

Lifestyle Creep and Hidden Expenses

One of the most common budget challenges in Bali is lifestyle creep. The ease of outsourcing daily tasks, frequent socialising, wellness services, and short trips can quietly increase monthly spending.

Regular massages, gym memberships, beach clubs, weekend stays, and dining out feel accessible and justified. Over time, these small expenses become part of everyday life.

Hidden costs can also include home maintenance, replacing items damaged by humidity, generator fuel during power outages, and contributions to local community events. Individually, these costs may seem minor, but together they add up.

Comparing Bali to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the United States

When compared to major cities in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, or the US, Bali can still offer savings, particularly for housing size, domestic help, and certain services. Many expats enjoy larger living spaces and a more flexible lifestyle for the same or lower overall spend.

However, Bali is no longer a place where everyone automatically saves money. Those who replicate Western lifestyles, rely heavily on imported goods, and live in premium locations may find their expenses surprisingly similar to home.

The difference often comes down to how money feels. Many expats say they feel wealthier in terms of time, freedom, and overall quality of life—with more space for family, personal wellbeing, and business pursuits—even if their bank balance doesn’t change significantly.

Budget Ranges for Different Expat Lifestyles

A single expat living simply, getting around by motorbike, and eating mostly local food can live comfortably on a relatively modest budget. In contrast, couples or families looking for larger homes, international schooling, staff (perhaps a nanny) and regular travel will naturally need a higher level of spending.

Because of this, there is no single “Bali budget” that fits everyone. The island offers a wide range of lifestyle options, and affordability ultimately depends on personal choices, priorities, and expectations.

To put this flexibility into context, it helps to look at a real-life example. One family we worked with at Our Year in Bali, Kate and Leigh, who are originally from Sydney, shared a snapshot of how life in Bali can scale up or down depending on lifestyle preferences and day-to-day needs.

Accommodation

Annual rental costs varied widely depending on the type of home:

More modest villas averaged around AUD 25,000 per year
Newly built, mid-range villas typically ranged between AUD 50,000 and 60,000 per year
High-end luxury villas sat closer to AUD 120,000 to 140,000 per year
Longer leases of three to five years often came with meaningful discounts

Everyday Expenses

Daily living costs were noticeably lower in many areas:

Local restaurants were around 30-40% cheaper than comparable options in Sydney
Meals at neighbourhood warungs could cost as little as AUD 15 for a family of four
Laundry services for an entire household typically ranged from AUD 5 to 7
Short rides using Gojek, around 3-4 kilometres, cost roughly AUD 1.20

Often Overlooked Benefits

Many villa rentals included support that would be considered a luxury elsewhere:

Regular cleaning, along with pool and garden maintenance
Easy access to delivery services for groceries, meals, and household needs through WhatsApp and local apps
Affordable childcare and household assistance when needed

For families, this level of support often translates into something less measurable but deeply valuable. Less time spent on daily chores means more time for work, rest, personal interests, or simply enjoying life together on the island.

So, Is Bali Still Affordable?

Bali is no longer the bargain destination it once was, but it remains a place where many expats feel we receive more value for their money. The key is realism.

Those who arrive with clear expectations, flexible habits, and a willingness to adapt often find Bali financially manageable and emotionally rewarding. Those who expect low costs without compromise may feel disappointed.

In the end, affordability in Bali is not just about numbers. It is about lifestyle, balance, and what you value most in daily life. Many expats find that things like feeling safer, living in warm weather year-round, and being surrounded by a welcoming, family-oriented culture are benefits that are difficult to put a price on.

Each year, we help hundreds of individuals and families make the most of life in Bali, from visas and housing to schools, medical care, and beyond. Every move is unique, which is why we offer three tailored Relocation Memberships, starting from $375 USD, to support you at every stage of your journey.

It’s ideal to start planning at least 12 months in advance, but it’s never too late to begin — even if your timeline has already shifted or plans are moving quickly.

For ongoing guidance, tips, and updates about moving to Bali, you can also: