Cost of Living in Bali
Here's what you can expect to spend monthly as an expat in Bali, based on real advisory data from 2026.
| Expense | MONTHLY |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Center) | $500 |
| Groceries & Food | $180 |
| Public Transport | $60 |
| Utilities & Internet | $88 |
| Entertainment | $132 |
| Total Estimate | $1100/mo |
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Canggu
THE digital nomad capital of the world — surf breaks (Batu Bolong, Echo Beach), hundreds of cafes, Dojo and Outpost coworking, fitness culture. Rapidly developing, sometimes chaotically. Traffic is terrible but the lifestyle is unmatched.
Expat score: 9/10
Ubud
Spiritual center — rice terraces (Tegallalang), yoga studios (Yoga Barn), art galleries, Monkey Forest. More introspective and nature-focused than Canggu. Hubud coworking is legendary.
Expat score: 8/10
Seminyak
Upscale nightlife, boutique hotels, beach clubs (Potato Head, Ku De Ta). More polished and expensive than Canggu. Good restaurants but more tourist-oriented.
Expat score: 7/10
Sanur
Quiet, family-friendly beach town on the east coast. Calmer waters (good for swimming vs Canggu's surf), traditional Balinese feel. Growing slowly as Canggu overflow.
Expat score: 6/10
Coworking Spaces
| Space | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Dojo Bali | $180/mo | Canggu |
| Outpost | $200/mo | Canggu & Ubud |
| Hubud | $170/mo | Ubud |
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Tropical paradise lifestyle — surf, rice terraces, temples, incredible natural beauty
- Strong digital nomad community — thousands of remote workers, very social and collaborative
- Affordable luxury — private villas with pools for $500-800/month, $3 smoothie bowls
- Surf and wellness culture — world-class waves, yoga, meditation, healthy food everywhere
- Beautiful and Instagram-worthy — incredible content creation opportunities everywhere you look
- Spiritual and cultural richness — Hindu ceremonies, temple visits, Balinese arts
❌ Cons
- Visa situation is complicated — B211A (60 days, extendable) is most common, no proper DN visa
- Traffic chaos in south Bali (Canggu, Seminyak) — scooter riding is dangerous, no real roads
- Rainy season November-March — daily tropical downpours, flooding, some roads impassable
- Internet can be unreliable — WiFi in villas and cafes varies wildly, backup SIM data essential
- Environmental concerns — plastic pollution, overdevelopment, water scarcity becoming serious
- Scooter accidents are the #1 risk for expats — hospital visits are extremely common
Visa info: The B211A visa is the most common for digital nomads: 60-day stay, extendable twice for 60 days each (total 180 days). Apply through a visa agent for approximately $200-350 including extensions. The Second Home Visa offers 5-10 year residency for those with $130,000+ in an Indonesian bank or equival... Read full visa guide →
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