Financial considerations for living in Bali

Bali offers a wide range of housing options, from basic to luxurious. Budget-conscious expats can find a room in a shared house for as little as $200 per month, while those looking for privacy and luxury may choose a villa, which costs between $400 and $2000 per month. Popular expat districts such as Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud attract higher costs due to their amenities and expat-friendly populations, whereas calmer locations such as Amed make your money go further.

The Balinese culinary experience is both diverse and cheap. Local warungs serve Indonesian meals for $1 to $4, allowing you to experience Bali's tastes on a budget. Western restaurants and trendy cafes sell international cuisine for a higher price, typically $5-$10 per meal. There are also plenty of world-class fine dining options for special occasions that cost more than $50. Balinese markets also sell fresh vegetables for people who like to cook at home, making it an even more affordable way to eat. GoJek is a terrific delivery alternative that is surprisingly affordable.

Renting a scooter is the most cost-effective and convenient method to travel around Bali, costing between $50 and $70 per month, or you can purchase a quality used one for $500. It allows you to experience Bali's different landscapes, including the central mountains and coastal routes. For those who are uncomfortable riding motorcycles, automobile rentals and driver services are available, albeit at a premium owing to traffic circumstances. GoJek is also excellent for short motorcycle rides about town, which cost between $1 and $3.

Living expenses like power, water, and internet are quite low, but they might mount up if you use air conditioning or need high-speed internet frequently. Monthly utility bills for expats often range between $50 and $90. However, if air conditioning is used on a regular basis and the villa has a swimming pool, this can easily increase. Grocery prices vary, with local products being fairly reasonable and imported goods being more expensive, akin to the United States or the United Kingdom.

Bali's leisure activities include something for everyone. Yoga lessons and gym memberships are available, ranging from $5 to $10 each session or $30 to $100 per month. Nightlife alternatives are many, and the cost of a night out varies greatly depending on personal preferences. Beach clubs, bars, and live music venues provide a variety of entertainment options. Cinema movie tickets cost roughly $3 for normal seats or $6 for premium seats; we always choose the latter.

The visa application process is a crucial concern for extended visits. Various visa kinds, including tourist, social, and retirement visas, have various fees and requirements. The initial visa charge and extensions for a six-month social visa might be roughly $50, plus additional expenses. A two-year visa known as an investment kita is offered for approximately $1200.

Healthcare in Bali is an important consideration. International health and travel insurance policies cost from $30 to $100 per month, depending on coverage levels and personal preferences. Bali offers both public and private healthcare facilities, and expats prefer private treatment for higher service quality. Dental services are readily available and expat friendly, with pricing much lower than those in the United States.

Please be aware that rates might vary substantially based on the individual place in Bali, the time of year, and other factors:

Budget guesthouse rooms: $10 to $20 per night.
Mid-range hotel rooms cost $30-$60 per night.
High-end hotel/villa: $100 to $300 or more per night.
Yearly rent: $4000-$8000.

Scooter rental: $5 to $7 per day.
Car rental costs $20-$30 per day.
Petrol (per liter): $0.60 to $0.80.
Driver hiring (full day): $20 to $50.

Local warung meals range from $1 to $4.
Western restaurant meal: $5–$15.
Local beer (bottle): $1.50 to $3.
Imported beer (bottle): $3 to $5.
Cappuccino: $2–$4.
Fresh juice costs $1-$3.

Rice (1 kg) costs $1-$2; chicken breasts (1 kg) cost $3-$5; and a dozen eggs cost $12. $1-$1.50
Local fruits range from $1 to $3 per kg, whereas imported fruits range from $3 to $7 per kg. Vegetables cost between $1 and $2 per kg.

Cinema tickets cost $3-$6.
Yoga class: $5–$10.
Surfboard rental (half-day): $5 to $10.
Gym membership (monthly): $30 to $100

Massage (1 hour): $5–$15.
Manicure/pedicure: $5–$10.
Laundry service costs $1-2 per kilogram, while house cleaning costs $10-20 each visit.

Electricity costs $30-$100.
Water: $5–$15.
Internet: $20–$40.
Mobile phone plan: $5–$15.

Doctor's visit (general practitioner): $10 to $30.
Specialist consultation: $30 to $100+
Dentist cleaning costs $20-$40.

Quality T-shirt: $5–$20.
Branded Jeans: $20 to $50.
Running sneakers (mid-range): $30 to $60.
Summer dress (mid-range): $15 to $40.