Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (2024)

By Jimmy Huss

Bali is supposed to be one of the hottest islands in the world. Many of them, out there are working pretty hard to save for their trip to this alluring island! However, believe me, when I say, you can do it on a budget.

Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (1)

Table of Contents

Budget-Friendly Bali Trip – Cost breakdown and more

Tah and I stayed in Bali for 60 days and trust me it is actually cheaper if you stay for a longer time in Bali than for a short stay. Most if the travelers live in Bali for a long duration as there are stunning places you can see without burning your wallet!

Where to stay in Bali?

The most welcoming thing about Bali accommodations is that you have plenty to pick from, depending on how much you want to spend. A private pool villa would roughly come around $303 to $337 per month. But if you want something for a lesser cost, you can stay at a Homestay that would be just $150 for a month and maybe grab a hotel day pass if you really need that poolside relaxation.

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How to commute within Bali?

  • Bike your way – One of the cheapest ways is to rent a bike in Bali. All you have to do is call the transport agents and there are plenty of them here and there. $3.37-$4.72 would be the average rent for a day in Kuta or Seminyak. One problem with this method is you have to bear with the heavy traffic. It’s worth it to see places like Munduk all on your own time.
  • Grab comes handy– Open the GoJek app on your mobile and book your driver to take you to your destination, right away. The cost is usually affordable. For eg: You can traverse from Canggu to Ubud in $6.74.
  • Private driver- If comfort comes to you first than budget, then hire a private driver at $40 per day. This is a great way though it cost more! Do you know why? If you are lucky to get a good driver, he would take you to lesser-known places and also give you all the information about places on your way.

However, the budget-friendly way to commute around Bali is by hiring a bike. Even petrol is just $0.54 per bottle. 3 bottles would be sufficient to fill the bike’s tank.

Bali restaurant prices

You get delicious food for any budget, throughout the island! Below are a few points to help you get an idea of food cost in Bali:

  • Traditional Restaurant- If you wish to dine at a street food joint or a Balinese traditional food restaurant, then the price of food would be $1.35 to $2.20.
  • Western food Restaurant- A chic and stylish restaurant that serves western food will range from $2.02 to $6.74.

Expense on Alcohol in Bali

Normal, non-alcoholic drinks cost $0.34 to $0.47, in a typical restaurant. However, Beer is very cheap in Bali. Bintang is one of the best selling and popular drink in Bali which costs $2.02 to $2.36. You will find ‘happy hours’ in many drinks bar in and around the place. Some places give a combo with dinner and 5 co*cktails at $6.75. Besides, there is an imported tax of 150- 200% for alcohol.

It is advisable to stick to traditional drinks as imported ones are costlier than its actual price in other countries. For example: If it is $11 in the USA, it is $40 here!

Gym cost in Bali

You can be pretty sure that the diet freak inside you will die of eating all the yummy foods in Bali. So, make sure you hit the gym regularly when you are in Bali. Staying fit while traveling can be hard sometimes but not in Bali. The cost is around $16.80 per month in Canggu and around $13.44 per month in Ubud Center.

Laundry cost in Bali

Put your dirty clothes to laundry at $0.47 per Kg. This cost is in Ubud and Canggu.

Grocery cost in Bali

If you plan to live in Bali for a longer time, it is better to cook for yourself. It’s not only healthy but also affordable. Walk down to the nearest market, early in the morning, to get fresh stuff. Grab those juicy fruits at $.0.54. The basic foods like rice, green vegetables, potatoes, eggs, and chicken will come around $5.39- $6.74. This is sufficient enough for three days.

Free activities to do in Bali

There are a number of things that Bali will offer, at a free cost! Here are a few you ‘must-try’ ones:

  • Tegalalang Rice Terraces- This is one of the must-do in Ubud and can be visited for free they just ask for a donation.
  • Bali Gate- This is the most iconic spot for photographers. Take some instant-worthy pictures here as you fall in love with its architecture!
  • Saraswathi Temple- Yet another place that you can visit for free is the temple of Hindu Goddess, Saraswathi.
  • Coffee plantation tour- Luwak coffee remains to be famous here. Taste different types of teas for free at this place and also take a free tour to take a look at the plantation. A guide usually accompanies you. Though it is free, you can tip the guide as per your wish. If you want to buy coffee, then it is $3.37! We would recommend you not to miss it!
  • Karang Boma – The best sunset in Bali located right down the road from the Uluwatu temple.
  • Bali Twin Lakes – Best Place for sunrise. Although the viewpoints like Wanagiri Hidden Hill arent free they do have free viewpoints over the lake.
  • Bali is known for being a beach paradise. Most of the beaches are free to visit. Perhaps there are a few things you need to pay for on the beaches. Here, let us take Batu Balong for example:
  • Parking fee comes around $0.13
  • Beach chair rent is $3.37
  • Surfboard rental is $1.35 to $3.37 per hour

**Don’t miss out on some of the most important things you must know before your trip to Bali.**

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Waterfalls in Bali

There are other activities that you do at a lower cost in Bali. If you love the sounds and sight of waterfalls, then Bali is for you! More than 1000 waterfalls gush down in Bali. Be it the power falls, private falls, deep jungle kind of falls or the cave one, everything is just stunning and unbeatable. Entrance fees are usually $0.67 for these falls.

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Did you realize what you’ve saved so far is more than enough for your Bali vacation? Then, what are you waiting for? Plan your first trip to Bali and the surrounding islands as soon as possible!

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About Jimmy Huss

I left my career in the military to become a full-time traveler, documenting my memories along the way. Kicked off traveling in September 2017 with $4000 in my savings account and first started publishing my journey. Traveling and being able to work wherever I love ( as long as there are Wi-Fi and coffee)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (9)Olive says

    Hi, I think maybe some of your information is misleading. There is no Uber in Bali.
    A homestay for $US150 = $A207 per month is $A50 per week – is that correct?
    And I might suggest some of your prices are unbelievable but excellent if that’s what you actually paid.
    Thank you for posting your experiences.

    • Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (10)Jimmy Huss says

      Hey! Uber was in Bali last year! Im not sure when they got rid of it. If you want a Fan room for $150 check out OkBaliHomeStay they have Fan and AC rooms. We actually just booked another room there for April. Ac room in Canggu for $208 a month. If you want they have Airbnb there so you can check them out. Also our friends are locals there, The average cost for a local accommodation is $100 a month. Trust me by no means are we exaggerating these cost. They are what we payed. It’s the cheapest place we have been in Asia and we love it here. If you have any other questions feel free to ask!

  2. Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (11)Zia says

    I’m going to Bali for a month. I want to discover all of Bali, if that’s even possible. Will it be ideal (considering the price and travel time) to book a place for one month than to move from place to place?

    • Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (12)Jimmy Huss says

      I think so. I mean thats a great way to have a place to go back to but still get the monthly rate. For example we are booking a month at okbali homestay in canggu for $150 But will be all over Indonesia in that month

  3. Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (13)Debe says

    Your prices for Bali are spot on. I’ve gone there 4 times in the last 5 years and, if you avoid the high-priced tourist areas, the prices listed here are correct. A couple other noteworthy prices: 60-minute massages = $10 USD, lunch/dinner is often $2-$4 max, and there are even free/inexpensive outdoor theater venues. Many temples, tourist sites and museums are inexpensive also. Get outside, explore, and have a unique experience.

    Love your video of what NOT to do in Bali. I’ll be showing this to my college study abroad group. Nicely done!

    • Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (14)Jimmy Huss says

      Thank you so much! We actually are giving prices on Canggu and Ubud. But you can still find these prices if you look in the right places. Just have to avoid the tourist traps and western food haha. Thank you so much for the support!

  4. Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (15)Stefan says

    Hey Jimmy!

    Can you hook me up with the rent of villa’s with a pool that are 350$ per month?

    Thanks!

    • Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (16)Jimmy Huss says

      Yes of course! I know a couple of friends that live in Canggu for around 300-400 with a pool and shared kitchen! Hope this helps!

      • Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (17)Jimmy Huss says

        I don’t have a name exactly because we never stay in them but they are easy to find I promise!

  5. Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (18)Ari Sotiriades says

    Hi I had a question,

    I love your buys blog and am subscribed to your Youtube as well! I have found some helpful information but had a few questions. I am planning a trip to Bali for the Month of May this year after my study abroad semester in Thailand.
    1) I was wondering if you guys have made an itinerary for waterfalls to visit in the north of Bali. There are plenty to see and I am trying to figure out what ones are the best to see as well as how to get to them.

    2) Another question, do you guys recommend any cheap places to stay in Ubud during my visit? I saw that you had some recommendations for places in Canggu, but If I wanted to go to some of the waterfalls, it might be better to leave from Ubud considering it seems like the ones that I would want to see would be in the northern part of Bali.

    3) what are recommended places I should see when in Ubud (Temples, etc.)

    4) When going south near Canggu or Uluwatu are there any recommended places I should see?

    I plan on staying for about 25 days and checking out Gilli T along with Nusa Penida island

    Thank you!!

    • Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (19)Jimmy Huss says

      Hey! Yes of course, for staying in Ubud we don’t have much to suggest because we always stay in Canggu. That being said they do offer tons of amazing and cheap villas in Ubud to check out. If you just check all our Bali blogs and videos they will show you the best places and a lot of places many people miss like the north. Ubud waterfalls are all going to be super packed so make sure you get up for sunrise and head there ASAP. This is the best way to beat the crowds.

Beautiful Bali on a Budget - Divert Living (2024)

FAQs

How much money is enough to live in Bali? ›

How much does it cost to live in Bali per month? The cost of living in Bali per month can vary widely depending on your lifestyle choices. A simple, budget-friendly lifestyle can be achieved for around $1000 a month, while a more comfortable living can cost around $1500 - $2000 per month.

Is $50,000 enough for a Bali trip? ›

50,000 can cover basic expenses like accommodation, food, and local transport for a budget trip. How much does a solo trip to Bali cost? A solo trip to Bali can cost anywhere from Rs. 30,000 to Rs.

How much money do I need for 4 days in Bali? ›

Bali Packages
Bali PackagesDay/NightPrice
Quick Getaway - Bali Package4 Days/3 Nights₹63,790

Can you do Bali on a budget? ›

Yes! Bali is in Southeast Asia and while it's not as cheap as it used to be here, compared to most of the Western world, Bali is a low-cost destination.

Can you live off $1000 a month in Bali? ›

Yes. If you opt to live in cheap accommodation, eat mainly in local warungs and restaurants, and buy only other basic necessities, you could live on $1,000 a month in Bali.

How long can a US citizen live in Bali? ›

The Bali on Arrival Visa allows US citizens to stay in Bali for six months. After the six months are up, travelers can apply for a new single entry visa for another six months. This process can be repeated several times if you want to stay in the country for a longer period of time.

How much cash do I need for 7 days in Bali? ›

How much money should I take to Bali for 1 week (7 days)? For a 1-week, or 7-day, trip to Bali, it is recommended to bring approximately US $175 to $350 per person in cash for a budget traveler, US $350 to $700 for mid-budget travelers, and US $1,050 for luxury travelers.

How much would a trip to Bali cost for 2 people? ›

A one-month trip to Bali for two people can cost around $4,497, or $2,249 per person. This includes hostel dorms, which cost around $5–10 per night, and luxury resorts and villas, which can cost $100 or more per night. Food and drinks can cost at least $10 per day, depending on how fancy you go.

How much money will I need for 10 days in Bali? ›

Total Costs of 10 Days Stay in Bali

If you're thinking of more mid-range options during your stay, expect your total to land in the range of $900 to $1000 per person. Now, for those of you who want to dive headfirst into luxury, be ready to splash out about $1500 or maybe even more per person.

Is Bali cheaper than Thailand? ›

Both Bali and Thailand offer an affordable cost of living—especially when compared to many Westernized destinations. However, the cost of living in each location is heavily dependent on the area you stay in and the type of lifestyle you lead. Overall, Thailand has a reputation for being more budget-friendly than Bali.

How to avoid Bali belly? ›

How can you avoid Bali Belly?
  1. Don't drink tap water.
  2. Don't use tap water to brush your teeth.
  3. Don't use ice made from tap water (though the government-issued ice is fine)
  4. Drink bottled water – carbonated is best.
  5. If you wish to drink tap water, you must boil it continuously for more than 5 minutes first.
Aug 7, 2019

What causes Bali belly? ›

Bali Belly is another name for traveller's diarrhoea caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Usually, Bali Belly is caused by bacteria. The bacteria most likely to make you sick with a stomach bug is escherichia coli (e coli) as well as shigella s and salmonella.

Why is Bali so affordable? ›

Low labor costs

Compared to other countries, Bali's labor costs are relatively low. For example, the average daily minimum wage in Bali is around IDR 80,000 (approximately USD 5.50), while in Australia it is AUD 23.23 (approximately USD 14.80), and in Singapore it is SGD 74 (approximately USD 54).

What time of year is Bali cheapest? ›

The cheapest time to travel to Bali is generally in the off-peak months of October, November, February and March. There is often less demand during these months due to the rain, which means that you are likely to get better rates on accommodation, tours and flights to Bali.

What does food cost in Bali? ›

Inexpensive local eateries and street food stalls offer budget-friendly options starting from around $2 to $5 in USD per meal. Mid-range restaurants and cafes typically range from $5 to $15 in USD per meal, while high-end dining experiences can cost $15 and above.

Is it cheaper to live in Bali than us? ›

Did you know that American dollars will go a longer way in Bali than the US? From rent and utilities to transport, food, and more, things are a lot cheaper in Bali. As one estimate from online collaborative community MyLifeElsewhere put it, the cost of living in Bali is 41.6% lower than in the US.

Can a US citizen move to Bali? ›

You need a Visa to visit or live in Bali, what type of visa is what needs to be planned. You will enter Bali on a Tourist Visa, which is valid for 30 days. If you want to extend to 60 days, you must purchase a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when entering the airport. Then a visit to Immigration will allow you to extend.

Is $600 enough for Bali? ›

Recommended amount of cash per person

For a 10-day trip to Bali, I'd suggest you have around $250–$600 USD in cash per person on hand. This estimated amount should comfortably cover your day-to-day expenses, such as food, local transportation, and some reasonable souvenir shopping.

Is $500 enough for Bali? ›

How Much Spending Money Is Enough For A Week In Bali? $500 is probably the minimum you'd want to have a good time in Bali, but you can get by with less. If you want an amazing holiday, we'd recommend about $1,000-$1,500 for a week.

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