Bali Cost of Living: Complete 2025 Guide for Digital Nomads
Bali has become the world's most iconic digital nomad destination, and for good reason. The island offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, excellent infrastructure, and a massive community of remote workers. Use our interactive calculator below to estimate your monthly budget and understand where your money goes in Bali.
Bali Monthly Cost Estimator
Cost of Living Breakdown in Bali
Bali's cost of living spans a huge range depending on your lifestyle choices. You can live comfortably in a shared villa for under $800/month, or spend over $3,000 on a luxury private villa with a pool. The key is understanding the price landscape and making informed choices about housing, food, and lifestyle.
Villa vs Apartment Pricing
Bali's housing market is unique in Southeast Asia because of its villa culture. Unlike most nomad cities where apartments dominate, Bali offers private villas with gardens and pools that can be surprisingly affordable. A one-bedroom pool villa in Canggu starts around 7–12 million IDR ($450–$780 USD) per month for a direct monthly lease. Basic apartments or rooms in boardinghouses (kos) start from 3–5 million IDR ($195–$325).
Coliving spaces have exploded in popularity, offering furnished rooms in shared villas with community areas, coworking facilities, and included utilities. Monthly rates range from 6–12 million IDR ($390–$780), making them a convenient all-in-one solution for nomads who want community without the hassle of setting up a house. Popular coliving operators include Tribal, Outpost, and Roam.
Scooter Rental Cost
A scooter is essentially mandatory in Bali — public transport is virtually nonexistent, and ride-hailing (Grab/GoJek) faces restrictions in many tourist areas due to local taxi lobbying. Monthly scooter rentals range from 700,000 to 1,500,000 IDR ($45–$97) for a standard 125cc automatic. Premium bikes like the Honda PCX or Yamaha NMAX run 1,500,000–2,500,000 IDR ($97–$162).
Fuel is cheap at about 10,000 IDR per liter ($0.65). A typical weekly fuel cost is 30,000–50,000 IDR ($2–$3.25). Always check the bike thoroughly before renting: test brakes, lights, horn, and tires. Carry your international driving permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement — police occasionally run checkpoints targeting tourists without proper permits, with fines of 500,000–1,000,000 IDR.
Food and Cafes
Bali's food scene is a paradise for both your taste buds and wallet, if you know where to eat. Local warungs serve incredible Indonesian food at unbeatable prices: nasi campur (mixed rice plate) for 20,000–35,000 IDR ($1.30–$2.25), chicken satay for 15,000 IDR ($1), and fresh juice for 10,000–20,000 IDR ($0.65–$1.30).
The nomad cafe scene in Canggu and Ubud is thriving but pricier. A smoothie bowl at a trendy cafe runs 65,000–95,000 IDR ($4.20–$6.15), avocado toast costs 55,000–85,000 IDR ($3.55–$5.50), and specialty coffee is 35,000–55,000 IDR ($2.25–$3.55). Many nomads balance warung meals with occasional cafe visits, spending 5–8 million IDR ($325–$520) per month on food.
Coworking Spaces
Bali arguably has the best coworking ecosystem of any nomad destination. Dojo Bali in Canggu set the standard with its open-air tropical workspace, fast fiber internet, and vibrant community. Monthly memberships run 2.2–3.5 million IDR ($140–$225). Outpost offers premium facilities in both Canggu and Ubud, while Hubud in Ubud provides a jungle-surrounded work environment that's hard to beat for inspiration.
Many cafes also welcome remote workers, though purchasing food or drinks is expected. Popular work-friendly cafes include Zin Cafe and Crate Cafe in Canggu, and Seniman Coffee in Ubud. Internet speeds at established coworking spaces typically range from 50–150 Mbps, sufficient for video calls and regular work.
Seasonal Variation in Costs
Bali's pricing is notably seasonal. Peak tourist season (July–August and mid-December through mid-January) drives accommodation prices up by 30–60%, particularly for short-term rentals. The wet season (November–March) generally offers the best long-term rental deals, though the weather is more unpredictable with afternoon downpours.
The shoulder seasons — April to June and September to November — offer the sweet spot: pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and reasonable prices. For the best deals, arrive during shoulder season, negotiate a 3-6 month lease on a villa, and enjoy the savings compared to month-to-month or peak-season pricing. Food, coworking, and daily expense costs remain relatively stable year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Bali per month?▾
A comfortable digital nomad lifestyle in Bali costs between $1,000 and $1,800 USD per month. This includes a private villa or nice apartment ($400–$800), food ($250–$400), coworking ($100–$150), scooter rental ($50–$80), and utilities ($50–$100). Budget nomads can manage on $700/month in less touristy areas, while luxury living can easily exceed $2,500.
Is it cheaper to rent a villa or an apartment in Bali?▾
Apartments are generally cheaper, starting from $250/month for a studio in Canggu or Ubud. Private villas with a pool start around $500/month for a basic one-bedroom. Shared villas (coliving spaces) offer a middle ground at $400–$700/month including utilities and sometimes coworking. For the best value on villas, look outside peak areas, negotiate monthly rates, and avoid booking through tourist-oriented platforms.
How much does a scooter rental cost in Bali?▾
Scooter rental in Bali costs 700,000–1,200,000 IDR ($45–$78 USD) per month for a standard Honda Vario or Scoopy. Newer or larger bikes like the Honda PCX cost 1,500,000–2,000,000 IDR ($97–$130). Always check the brakes, tires, and lights before renting. An international driving permit with a motorcycle endorsement is technically required, though enforcement varies.
How much does food cost in Bali?▾
Local warungs (small restaurants) serve full meals for 20,000–35,000 IDR ($1.30–$2.25). Nasi goreng or mie goreng at a local spot costs about 15,000–25,000 IDR ($1–$1.60). Nomad-oriented cafes in Canggu charge 60,000–120,000 IDR ($4–$8) for meals and 30,000–50,000 IDR ($2–$3.25) for coffee. Grocery shopping for cooking at home can significantly reduce food costs.
What are the best coworking spaces in Bali?▾
Dojo Bali (Canggu) is the most iconic nomad coworking space, with monthly memberships around $160. Outpost (Canggu and Ubud) offers premium facilities from $180/month. Hubud in Ubud is great for a jungle coworking experience. BWork in Sanur caters to a quieter crowd. Most spaces include fast internet, meeting rooms, and community events in their membership fees.
Does the cost of living in Bali change by season?▾
Yes, prices in Bali fluctuate with tourist seasons. Peak season (July–August, December–January) sees accommodation prices increase by 30–60%, especially for short-term rentals. Scooter rental prices also rise during peak periods. Food and coworking costs remain relatively stable year-round. The best value is during shoulder seasons (March–May, September–November), when you can negotiate better long-term rates.