Can You Live in Bali for Under $1000 Per Month?

Definitely! Bali is one of the top hubs for digital nomads and expats. And for a good reason! The island is known for its beautiful nature, wellness culture, and chilled out vibe. And to top it all off… the cost of living there is relatively LOW. 

So how much exactly can you expect to spend per month living in Bali? I’m going to give you an average monthly cost breakdown based on what I spent while living in Canggu, Bali. 

Now before we get started, obviously the cost of living can vary significantly based on each individual’s standards. I want to make sure you can determine an accurate estimate of what you might spend while living in Bali, so I will tell you that I would consider my spending to be in the middle of the road. I am definitely cost-conscious, however, I could have spent less money if I downgraded my accommodation, ate at local restaurants more often, had fewer nights out, and opted for fewer $5 massages. 

Now, let’s break it down…

Accomodation: $340 per month 

I chose to live in a guesthouse which is similar to an apartment or hotel. Usually you will have your own room and bathroom, plus a shared kitchen and common area. The guest house I stayed at had stunning 360 degree views of the rice paddies as well as a swimming pool. Guesthouses are a great option, especially if you are moving to Bali and don’t know anyone, because you have the opportunity to meet other expats who are also living there. 

Transportation: $56 per month

Scooter $42 per month

Petrol: $0.68 per liter x (5 liters per week) = $14/ month

The majority of people living in Bali drive scooters as their main form of transport. Scooters are a practical option because the roads in Bali are usually seriously congested with traffic, and being on a scooter can save you a LOT of time. The roads are pretty narrow, and there is also very little parking for cars. The infrastructure in Bali is set up for scooter riding. 

If you are, however, not comfortable riding a scooter (I wasn’t when I first arrived and eventually decided to learn) then GoJek is the way to go. This is basically the Balinese Uber for scooters. If you wish to go somewhere, simply use the app to request a driver, and then hop on the back of their scooter and they’ll drive you to your destination. Rides are very affordable- for a 15 minute ride, I can’t ever remember paying more than a couple of dollars (plus a tip). 

Food: $330 Per Month

Eating 2x meals out per day 

Daily coffee and occasional desserts

Eating out in Bali is one of the highlights of living there. No need to cook, because it actually won’t save you much money. The food scene in Bali is one of the best in the world, in my opinion. They have about every type of food you can imagine, and it comes at an affordable price. You do have two options when eating out in Bali… you can either eat local, or dine at the western restaurants. While I was there, I did a mix of both. If you eat local, expect to pay between $1-3 for a plate of Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or any other traditional Balinese cuisine. If you’re eating at a trendy western cafe, you can double or even triple that to get your average price. When I say it that way it may sound expensive, but in all honesty for the quality of food you’re getting, it’s usually well worth it in my opinion. 

Entertainment: $140 Per Month

Anything extra… sunset happy hours, drinks, massages, etc.

This category can also vary significantly. Depending on how luxury you want to live. On average you’ll pay between $1-3 for a beer out at a bar, and about double that for a cocktail.

Getting daily or weekly massages in Bali is money well spent, in my opinion. For an hour massage, you can expect to pay between $5-10. 

Visa Costs: $90

Cost of 2-month Visa: $35

Visa Extension Service: $70

Roundtrip Flight Out of Bali: $50-100 (avg. $75)

2-month Total: $180 (per month = $90)

If you plan on staying in Bali for more than one month then these visa costs will apply. There is an option for a 2-month visa on arrival that you can get when you first arrive at the airport in Bali. You will have to go in the separate line, pay $35, and they will give you a 2-month visa extension, however, this is just the beginning of the process. You will then either go to the immigration office 3 times to apply for the extension (NOT recommended), or go to one of the third party visa extension services in Bali (what majority of foreigners do). You will pay them around $70, give them your passport, and they will take care of the entire process. You will just have to how up at the immigration office one time in order to have your photo taken. Once completed, you can then pick your passport up from them and you’re good to go!

That’s it! Add it all up for a grand total of… $956! 

So those are the monthly expenses you can expect to incur while living in Bali give or take a few hundred dollars. Best of luck in your new venture! 

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