Bali is known not only as a tropical paradise for tourists and surfers, but also as an attractive place for those who are looking for new horizons of life. Thanks to Internet access and migration policy, the island is especially loved by digital nomads, and a favorable business environment, developed tourist infrastructure and a growing market attract entrepreneurs and investors.
Bali has a unique combination of culture, nature and relatively low cost of living, which attracts many completely different people from all over the world. Here everyone can find a place to stay according to their taste: whether it’s secluded and peaceful villages or picturesque tourist areas. Let’s look at what are the main living expenses in Bali in the current year 2024.
The content of the article
- The cost of living in Bali
- Prices for rental housing
- The cost of housing maintenance
- Food and nutrition in Bali
- Prices in cafes and restaurants
- Prices in supermarkets
- Alcohol
- Mobile communication and Internet in Bali
- Transport
- Leisure and entertainment
- Medical services
- Visa processing
The cost of living in Bali
Prices for rental housing
Rental housing in Bali can vary greatly depending on the location, type of housing and its level of comfort.
Comparison of real estate rental prices in Bali locations
Location |
Cost in $ |
Cost in ₽ |
Kuta |
500–1000 |
45 000 — 90 000 |
Seminyak |
700–1500 |
65 000 — 140 000 |
Ubud |
400–800 |
36 000 — 72 000 |
Changu |
600–1200 |
55 000 — 110 000 |
Bukit |
600–1250 |
55 000 — 115 000 |
Nusa Dua |
700–1500 |
65 000 — 140 000 |
Jimbaran |
500–1000 |
45 000 — 90 000 |
The cost of housing maintenance
Utilities in Bali are relatively inexpensive and are most often included in the rental price. In some cases, electricity is paid separately, on average — about $ 50 per month for one room. In Bali, the electricity supply system works on the principle of prepayment: first you make a deposit, and then you use electricity.
If your balance drops to zero, the electricity will be turned off. This can be a problem, especially if you live in a guesthouse with separate counters that start making an unpleasant sound when the balance approaches zero. You can top up your account at any minimarket by presenting the counter number and the desired amount. Do not forget to save the receipt, as it contains the necessary code to enter on the meter and then restore power supply. Residents also have the opportunity to pay for electricity through the applications of local banks.
Food and nutrition in Bali
Prices in cafes and restaurants
Prices for meals in cafes and restaurants in Bali may vary depending on their location, class and interior. In general, the island offers a wide range of prices to suit different budgets of tourists. On beaches and in tourist areas, prices in cafes and restaurants may be higher than in places far from tourist flows. The average cost of lunch in Balinese cafes is usually about 5-10 dollars per person, while lunch in a high-end restaurant can cost from 20 to 50 dollars or more per person.
However, street food outlets and local cafes can offer more affordable prices where you can enjoy delicious local dishes for just a few dollars. In general, Bali food provides a variety of options for different budgets, allowing tourists to enjoy the island’s diverse cuisine at no significant cost.
Average prices for popular dishes in cafes and restaurants in Bali
Dish |
Cost in $ |
Cost in ₽ |
Omelette |
3–6 |
285–570 |
Caesar salad |
6–10 |
570–950 |
Tuna steak with side dish |
5–10 |
450–950 |
Pizza “Margarita” |
4–8 |
380–760 |
Burger |
4–12 |
380–1140 |
Smoothie Bowl |
4–8 |
380–760 |
Fish soup |
5–8 |
450–760 |
Nasi Goreng (fried rice) |
2–6 |
190–570 |
Philadelphia Rolls |
5–10 |
450–950 |
Cappuccino |
3–5 |
285–450 |
Freshly squeezed juice |
2–4 |
190–380 |
Prices in supermarkets
Most supermarkets in Bali offer a wide range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, local delicacies, as well as products from world brands. In addition, household chemicals, cosmetics, household goods and other necessary products can be purchased in supermarkets. Thanks to the variety and convenience of the supermarkets, tourists and locals can easily purchase everything they need during their stay on the island. Food products in Bali are available in a wide range, both locally and imported. The table below shows the average prices for some basic products.
Prices for basic products in Balinese stores
Product |
Cost in $ |
Cost in ₽ |
Milk (1 liter) |
1,5–2 |
140–190 |
Bread |
1–2 |
95–190 |
Rice (1 kg) |
1–1,5 |
95–140 |
Water (1.5 l) |
0,5–1 |
47–95 |
Bananas (1 kg) |
1 |
95 |
Vegetable oil (1 l) |
1–1,5 |
95–140 |
Chicken fillet (1 kg) |
3–4 |
285–380 |
according to Numbeo data for March 2024
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages in Bali have different prices, relatively high for imported brands due to high excise taxes. One of the most common drinks is the local Bintang beer, which is widely available and popular among tourists and locals. In addition, a variety of cocktails are often consumed in Bali, refreshing and flavorful due to the use of local fruits such as mango, pineapple and papaya.
One of the most popular cocktails on the island is Mai Tai, which is a mixture of rum, Curacao liqueur, lemon juice and nut syrup. Wine in Bali is usually imported from other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and Chile. Although Indonesian wine production is not widespread, the island still offers some options: for example, a bottle of the Two islands brand produced in Bali’s Sanur will cost about $ 15, while prices for imported wines start at $ 20.
Prices for popular alcoholic beverages in Bali
Drink |
Cost in $ |
Cost in ₽ |
Beer (0.5 l) |
2–6 |
180–540 |
Wine (0.75 l) |
20–100 |
1800–9080 |
Cider (0.33 l) |
3–4 |
270–360 |
Vodka (1 liter) |
20–40 |
1800–3600 |
Gin (0.7 l) |
20–30 |
1800–2700 |
Whiskey (1 liter) |
50–150 |
4540–13600 |
Tequila (1 liter) |
50–80 |
4540–7260 |
Rum (1 l) |
25–50 |
2270–4540 |
Martini (1 liter) |
40 |
3600 |
Baileys liqueur (0.75 l) |
50 |
4540 |
Champagne (0.75 l) |
100–150 |
9080–13600 |
Mobile communication and Internet in Bali
Bali has several mobile operators offering a wide range of communication services for locals and tourists. Some of the most popular mobile operators on the island:
Telkomsel. This operator is considered one of the largest in Indonesia and offers reliable coverage and a wide range of tariff plans.
XL Axiata. Another major mobile operator that provides various options for tariffs and data packages. Today (March 2024) it is the only operator on the island providing eSIM service.
Indosat Ooredoo. This operator also provides a wide range of communication services and is often used by locals and tourists. For comparison, here is a table with basic prepayment tariff offers for each of these operators.
Mobile and Internet prices in Bali
Mobile operator |
Speed |
The amount of data in gigabytes |
Price in $ |
Telkomsel |
4G/LTE |
10 |
6 |
XL Axiata |
4G/LTE |
6 |
4 |
Indosat Ooredoo |
4G/LTE |
8 |
5 |
These are just general figures, and tariffs may vary depending on current promotions and special offers from each operator. Before buying a SIM card, it is recommended to check the current tariffs and terms of use with a specific operator. Depending on the amount of data, monthly mobile Internet costs will range from $5 to $10. In general, mobile Internet in Bali works well, sometimes even better than Wi-Fi in cafes. There is 4G support, but there is no 5G yet. There is no unlimited mobile Internet either, you need to buy packages. You can purchase them in mobile phone shops, supermarkets or in the mobile application of the operator.
Cable Internet and television will cost from $20 to $40 per month, depending on Internet speed and the number of TV channels. The main provider of this service on the island is MTM.
Transport
Two-wheeled vehicles such as scooters and motorcycles are popular in Bali. The cost of renting a scooter starts at $5 per day, and a motorcycle starts at $ 10. Local rental companies (as they call those who rent out transport) also offer cars.
Rental prices for popular vehicle models
Vehicle (type, model) |
The price of daily rent ($ per day) |
Monthly rental price ($ per month) |
Price in ₽ (day/month) |
Yamaha NMax Scooter |
7 |
120 |
665 /11 400 |
Honda PCX Scooter |
10 |
150 |
950 / 14 250 |
Kawasaki Ninja Motorcycle |
25 |
250 |
2375 / 23 750 |
Yamaha XSR155 Motorcycle |
20 |
200 |
1900 / 19 000 |
The Honda Brio car |
20 |
400 |
1900 / 38 000 |
Toyota Avanza car |
20 |
400 |
1900 / 38 000 |
Mitsubishi Xpander car |
30 |
600 |
2850 / 57 000 |
Bali uses only two types of gasoline: regular Pertalite and premium Pertamax. These two types of gasoline are distributed throughout the island and are offered at most gas stations. Regular gasoline usually has a lower octane rating and is designed for standard cars and motorcycles. Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating and can be used in modern and highly efficient engines. The price per liter of Pertamax fuel is only $ 1, and Pertalite is 30 cents cheaper, in rubles — 95 and 60, respectively.
An interesting fact about gasoline in Bali is that many local shops and gas stations sell it in glass bottles, not just in regular gas tanks. This is due to the fact that many locals use scooters and motorcycles, as well as for the convenience of transportation at home. This method of selling gasoline is typical for many Asian countries, it gives a special flavor to the local environment.
In 2020, four public transport routes were launched on the island. The bus fare costs only 10 rubles, but the routes are designed for the needs of local residents and have little impact on tourist areas.
There is also water transport on the island: ferries and boats offer passengers the opportunity to cross the sea between Bali and other islands of Indonesia. On average, ferry prices start from $3 to $10 per trip, depending on the distance and class of service.
Prices for boats are usually higher than for ferries, as this is a faster and more convenient way to travel. The cost of moving by boat can range from $ 15 to $ 35 and above, depending on the route and conditions.
Leisure and entertainment
Bali offers a variety of activities, from surfing to yoga and excursions. The cost of leisure time may vary depending on the type of activity. Below are the prices for the most popular outdoor activities in the spring of 2024:
- 1 hour of lessons with a local surfing coach — from $ 15;
- surfing lesson at a Russian-speaking surf school — from $ 70;
- yoga studio subscription for a month — from $ 50;
- one—time visit to the sauna complex – $ 20;
- 15 minutes by jet ski — $ 100;
- excursions to waterfalls and local temples — from $ 70 for a group of up to five people;
- intellectual evening games in the brain ring format – $ 10 per person;
- A monthly gym membership starts at $30.
Medical services
Medical services in Bali are available in both private and public clinics.
Approximate average prices for some medical services:
- a visit to a general practitioner — from $15 to $35;
- consultation with a specialist (for example, a cardiologist or an ophthalmologist) —
- from 20 to 70 dollars;
- Emergency medical care: prices can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, ranging from several tens to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
When traveling to Indonesia, it is recommended to take care of medical insurance, as the prices for treatment for foreigners here are very high. Prices for health insurance in Bali can vary significantly depending on a number of factors such as age, health status, coverage requirements and duration of the trip. Here are some common examples of prices for medical insurance for travel to Bali:
- Short-term insurance. If you plan to stay in Bali for several weeks or months, short-term insurance can cost from $10 to $50 per trip, depending on the level of coverage.
- Annual insurance for multiple trips. If you travel frequently or plan to visit Bali several times during the year, annual medical insurance for multiple trips can cost from $100 to $500, depending on coverage and duration of trips.
- Insurance for families or groups. If you are traveling with a family or a group, insurance for several people may be cheaper per person than individual policies.
- Specialized insurance. Some insurance companies offer specialized insurance products for travelers to Bali, which may include additional types of coverage such as accident insurance or water sports insurance.
It is important to remember that the prices of health insurance may vary depending on the insurance company, its conditions and coverage requirements, so it is recommended to carefully study all the conditions and offers before buying insurance.
Visa processing
The issuance of a tourist visa or a KITAS (local residence permit) depends on the type of entry permit and its validity period, starting from $ 30 and above. Read more about visa types and prices in our article on visas.
Life in Bali in 2024 remains attractive to many due to the combination of moderate cost of living, magnificent nature and rich culture. The island offers something different for everyone: whether it is a search for spiritual peace or an active lifestyle among tropical nature. The cost of living in Bali allows you to enjoy all the delights of the island without significant financial costs, making it an ideal place for a long stay.