TRAVELWISE

Introduction

Bali has long been a favourite destination for backpackers and spiritual seekers, but the Indonesian island has recently become a mecca for digital nomads. With warm weather, friendly locals, a thriving café culture and ample coworking spaces, Bali offers an attractive lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of Western cities. In this guide you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of living costs in 2025, from rent and food to transport and internet. Whether you’re considering a three‑month stay on a remote work visa or planning to settle in for a year, you’ll know exactly what to budget for.

Why Bali?

• Community and infrastructure. Bali’s nomad hubs—Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu—have matured over the last decade. You’ll find dozens of coworking spaces with reliable fibre‑optic internet, purpose‑built coliving villas and weekly networking events. Digital nomads often report that the island combines the energy of a startup scene with the tranquillity of island life.
• Remote visa friendly. Indonesia introduced the B211A remote work visa allowing stays up to six months, and a more formal digital nomad visa is in discussion. This flexibility appeals to nomads who want to spend the wet season in Bali and the dry season elsewhere.

• Affordability. Compared with North America and Western Europe, the cost of living in Bali is significantly lower. However, living costs vary depending on lifestyle. This post breaks down conservative, mid‑range and luxury budgets so you can choose your own path.

Housing Costs

Accommodation represents the largest portion of your budget. Prices vary widely based on location, amenities and lease length.

Short‑Term Rentals (coliving and Airbnb)

Coliving spaces in Canggu and Ubud offer fully furnished rooms, coworking desks, communal kitchens and weekly events. Expect to pay $400–$700/month for a private room with en‑suite bathroom. Coliving is ideal for newcomers because utilities, cleaning and community events are included.

Airbnb villas range from simple guesthouses to luxurious pool villas. A one‑bedroom villa outside the main hubs starts around $600/month, while central villas with private pools can exceed $1,200/month. Long‑term discounts are often negotiable if you book directly with hosts.

Long‑Term Rentals

If you plan to stay six months or more, leasing a local house is cost‑effective. A two‑bedroom house outside Canggu can cost $300–$500/month plus utilities. Typically, landlords require three months’ rent upfront. Engaging a local agent ensures fair contracts and helps navigate legalities.

Utilities and Wi‑Fi

Utilities (electricity, water and trash) average $50–$80/month. Air‑conditioning and pool pumps drive electricity costs higher in the dry season. Fibre‑optic broadband packages cost $25–$35/month for speeds of 30–50 Mbps. Many nomads prefer to work from coworking spaces where internet is included in membership.

Food and Groceries

Bali’s culinary scene offers everything from $2 nasi goreng stalls to high‑end Western restaurants. Your food budget depends on how much local versus imported cuisine you consume.

Eating Out

Warungs, family‑run cafés serving Indonesian dishes, offer meals for $2–$4. A plate of mie goreng (fried noodles) with a fresh juice may set you back just $3. Western brunch cafés popular with nomads cost $6–$10 per meal, while fine‑dining establishments in Seminyak or Uluwatu start at $20 per main course.

Groceries

Shopping at local markets and supermarkets like Pepito can keep your grocery bill between $150–$250/month. Imported goods—cheese, wine, speciality health foods—are expensive. Many nomads reduce grocery costs by embracing local produce and cooking at home.

Transport

Scooter Rental

A scooter is the most popular way to get around Bali. Monthly rentals range from $50–$80 for a semi‑automatic scooter and $80–$150 for a more powerful automatic model. Petrol costs around $0.70/litre and maintenance is minimal. Don’t forget to buy or bring a quality helmet and international driving permit.

Ride‑Hailing

Grab and Gojek operate throughout Bali. Short rides within towns cost $1–$3; cross‑island journeys (e.g., Canggu to Ubud) can reach $10–$15. Ride‑hailing is useful when it rains or if you’re uncomfortable riding a scooter.

Coworking and Office Expenses

Coworking membership is optional if you have reliable home internet, but many nomads join for community and network opportunities. Popular spaces like Dojo Bali and Tropical Nomad charge $150–$200/month for unlimited access. Day passes are around $10–$15.

Health and Insurance

Routine medical appointments in Bali are affordable compared with Western countries. A dental cleaning costs around $30 and a GP consultation $20. Private hospitals like BIMC and Siloam offer high standards of care.

However, it’s essential to maintain international health insurance that covers emergency evacuations. Plans like SafetyWing and World Nomads cost $40–$60/month for basic coverage. Many digital nomads choose travel insurance plans that cater specifically to long‑term travellers.

Entertainment and Leisure

Surfboard rentals, yoga classes and weekend trips across Bali quickly add up. A typical surf lesson costs $10–$15, while a yoga class at a premium studio might be $12. Admission to beach clubs ranges from free (with food & drink minimums) to $30 for high‑end establishments.

Budget Scenarios

Below are three budget scenarios to help you plan:

Lifestyle	Housing	Food	Transport	Coworking	Insurance	Leisure	Total/month
Frugal nomad	$350	$200	$60	$0 (work from home)	$40	$100	$750
Comfort nomad	$650	$300	$100	$150	$50	$150	$1,400
Luxury nomad	$1,200	$500	$150	$200	$60	$300	$2,410

These budgets illustrate the range of possibilities. Most nomads fall somewhere between frugal and comfort lifestyles.

Money‑Saving Tips

• Negotiate long‑term rental rates. Offer to pay three months up front in exchange for a lower monthly rent.
• Cook local meals. Learn basic Indonesian recipes—nasi goreng, gado‑gado and satay—to reduce dependence on Western restaurants.
• Share transport. Partner with friends for scooter rentals or split ride‑hail costs.
• Use cash and Wise/Revolut cards. Avoid ATM fees by withdrawing larger amounts and using low‑fee cards. For more on banking, read our post Wise vs Revolut (internal link).

Conclusion

Living in Bali as a digital nomad in 2025 is highly attainable, even on a modest budget. Whether you’re a bootstrapper or want to enjoy life’s luxuries, Bali offers value for money that few destinations can match. Start by setting a realistic monthly budget based on the categories above and adjust as you learn which expenses matter most to you. With good planning and an open mind, you’ll enjoy all that this beautiful island has to offer without draining your bank account.