Cost of Living in Bali for Expats in Indonesia

Published on May 25, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Bali, the Island of the Gods, attracts more and more expatriates each year seeking an idyllic lifestyle at a lower cost. Between dream beaches, lush green rice paddies, and a fascinating culture, this Indonesian destination offers a perfect balance between quality of life and an affordable budget. But what is the real cost of living in Bali for expatriates in 2025? Let’s dive into the details of this tropical paradise that captivates so many foreigners.

A Surprisingly Low Cost of Living

One of the main advantages of Bali for expatriates is its particularly attractive cost of living. In fact, living on the Island of the Gods can be up to 58% cheaper than in France. This significant difference allows foreigners to enjoy a comfortable, even luxurious, lifestyle with a budget much lower than what would be needed in their home country.

To concretely illustrate this difference, let’s look at a few examples of daily expenses:

• A 1.5L bottle of water costs an average of €0.52 in Bali, compared to about €0.70 in France.
• A meal at a local restaurant can be enjoyed for just €2 to €3, while a more elaborate dinner at a higher-end establishment ranges from €10 to €15 per person.
• Public transportation is also very affordable, with local bus rides costing less than €1.

These attractive prices are mainly due to the low cost of labor and local products. However, it’s important to note that imported products can be more expensive due to import taxes.

Finding Housing in Bali: Options for Every Budget

Housing generally represents the largest portion of an expatriate’s budget. In Bali, the options are numerous and varied, catering to all tastes and wallets.

For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, expect to pay an average of €276 per month, which is significantly lower than prices in major European cities. If you prefer to move a bit away from the center, rents drop to around €119 per month for a similar property.

Villas, highly sought after by expatriates, offer excellent value for money. A two-bedroom villa with a pool can be rented for between €500 and €800 per month in areas like Canggu or Ubud, popular destinations among foreigners.

It’s important to note that prices vary considerably depending on location and season. Tourist areas like Seminyak or Kuta have higher rates, while less frequented regions like Sanur or Jimbaran can offer better deals.

For those considering a long-term stay, buying property can be an interesting option. However, Indonesian laws on land ownership for foreigners are complex, and it is highly recommended to consult a local expert before embarking on such an investment.

Eating in Bali: A Festival of Flavors at Low Prices

Balinese cuisine is renowned for its richness and diversity, and expatriates will be delighted to learn that it is also very affordable. The monthly food budget for one person in Bali can easily be under €200, including a few meals out.

Local markets are full of fresh fruits and vegetables at unbeatable prices. For example:

• 1 kg of rice costs about €0.80
• 1 kg of chicken comes to about €3
• 1 kg of local fruits like mangoes or bananas does not exceed €1.50

For those who prefer to eat out, warungs (small local restaurants) offer delicious traditional dishes for €2 to €3. Higher-end cafes and restaurants, often run by expatriates, offer quality international cuisine for €10 to €15 per meal.

It should be noted that imported products, such as European cheeses or wines, are significantly more expensive due to import taxes. Expatriates who cannot do without these products will need to budget more for their food.

Transportation and Getting Around: Freedom at a Lower Cost

Getting around Bali is generally inexpensive, but the choice of transportation mode can significantly impact the budget. Renting a scooter, the preferred mode of transport for many expatriates, costs between €50 and €70 per month. It’s an economical and practical option for exploring the island, but it requires caution given the road conditions and sometimes chaotic traffic.

For those who prefer the safety of a car, monthly rental of a vehicle ranges from €200 to €300. Fuel remains relatively affordable, with a liter of gasoline at around €0.70.

Public transportation, although less developed than in major cities, is extremely cheap. A local bus ride costs less than €1, while a taxi for a trip within town costs about €3-5.

For inter-island or international travel, Denpasar Airport offers numerous connections. Domestic flights are generally affordable, with tickets starting from €30 for destinations like Jakarta or Yogyakarta.

Leisure and Social Life: Enjoying Paradise Without Breaking the Bank

One of the great advantages of living in Bali is the multitude of free or low-cost activities available. The beaches, hikes through the rice paddies, exploring temples… these are all experiences that require only a minimal budget.

For sports and wellness enthusiasts, a monthly gym membership costs an average of €28, much less than in Europe. Yoga classes, very popular in Bali, range from €5 to €10 per session, with monthly packages often offering good value.

Cultural outings are also affordable. A movie ticket costs about €3.50, while entry to most temples or cultural sites does not exceed €5.

Nightlife in Bali can be more expensive, especially in tourist areas like Seminyak or Canggu. A beer in a trendy bar costs about €3, and a cocktail at a beach club can reach €10. However, there are many more affordable options, like local bars where a beer does not exceed €1.50.

For expatriates who want to stay connected, internet and mobile phone plans are very competitive. A monthly plan with unlimited data typically costs between €15 and €20.

Health and Insurance: An Important Consideration

Although the cost of living in Bali is generally low, health is an area where you should not skimp on expenses. The Indonesian public health system is not up to Western standards, so it is highly recommended to take out international health insurance.

The cost of such insurance varies considerably depending on age, health status, and desired level of coverage, but you should expect to pay an average of between €100 and €300 per month for comprehensive coverage.

Medical consultations in quality private clinics, frequented by expatriates, cost between €30 and €50. Common medications are generally cheaper than in Europe, but some specific treatments can be more expensive or difficult to find.

It is important to note that for serious medical cases, evacuation to Singapore or Australia may be necessary, hence the importance of good insurance covering these eventualities.

Overall Budget: How Much to Plan for Living in Bali?

By compiling all this information, we can establish an estimate of the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Bali as an expatriate:

• Housing (1-bedroom apartment in city center): €276
• Food: €200
• Transportation (scooter rental): €60
• Leisure and outings: €150
• Health insurance: €200
• Miscellaneous (internet, phone, etc.): €100

Total: approximately €1,000 per month

This budget allows you to live comfortably in Bali, fully enjoying the island’s advantages while building up some savings. Of course, this amount can vary considerably depending on the lifestyle adopted. Some expatriates live on less than €800 per month, while others spend over €2,000 for a more luxurious lifestyle.

It is important to note that this budget does not include expenses related to travel outside of Bali, nor savings for long-term projects or emergencies.

Conclusion: Bali, an Accessible Paradise for Expatriates

Bali offers an exceptional quality of life at a relatively low cost, making it a prime destination for expatriates from around the world. With a monthly budget of around €1,000, it is possible to live comfortably on the Island of the Gods, enjoying a paradisiacal setting, a rich culture, and a pleasant climate year-round.

However, it is crucial to plan your expatriation well, taking into account legal aspects, necessary insurance, and potential fluctuations in the cost of living. Mastering English, or even a few basics of Indonesian, will greatly facilitate integration and allow you to make the most of this unique experience.

Bali remains a destination where it is possible to make substantial savings compared to life in Europe, while benefiting from an exceptional living environment. It is an opportunity for many expatriates to rethink their lifestyle, reconnect with nature, and discover a fascinating culture.