If you’ve ever Googled “How much does it cost to be a digital nomad in Bali?”, you’re not alone. With palm-fringed beaches, a thriving expat scene, and an island pace of life, Bali has long been a dream destination for remote workers and digital nomads. But what does it really cost to live and work from Bali?
In this article, we’ll break down the actual living costs in Bali, with up-to-date figures for 2025. Whether you’re budgeting for your first month or planning long-term, here’s what you need to know.
Also read: Is Bali Good for Digital Nomads? A Guide to Remote Work in Paradise
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Bali (2025)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $500 – $800 |
| Utilities | $50 – $100 |
| Internet | $30 – $50 |
| Groceries & Food | $200 – $300 |
| Transportation | $50 – $70 |
| Coworking Space | $100 – $200 |
| Entertainment/Leisure | $100 – $300 |
| Total | $1,275 – $1,820/month |
Pro tip: Costs vary by location, lifestyle, and season. You’ll spend less in Ubud than in Seminyak or Canggu.
Also read: Is It Legal to Be a Digital Nomad in Bali?
Housing: Villas, Apartments, and Coliving
Accommodation is your biggest expense, but still affordable by Western standards. A well-furnished one-bedroom apartment or villa will run you about $500–$800/month, depending on the area and amenities.
Here’s a breakdown by location:
| Area | Monthly Rent (1BR) | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Canggu | $600 – $800 | Surf-friendly, hip cafés, expat-heavy |
| Ubud | ~$600 | Lush, spiritual, yoga-centric |
| Seminyak | $600 – $700 | Stylish, upscale, nightlife-rich |
| Denpasar | $600 – $800 | Urban core, local culture, affordable |
Best time to rent: Off-season (October–February) for better deals and more availability.
Also read: Can Foreigners Buy Property in Bali? (2025 Updated Guide)
Utilities and Internet
Utilities are surprisingly reasonable in Bali. You’ll typically pay:
- Electricity: ~$10 – $20/month
- Water: ~$5/month
- Misc. (Trash, cleaning): Varies by area
High-speed internet is essential for digital nomads, and Bali delivers. Leading ISPs include:
- Biznet: 300 Mbps + IPTV for ~$43/month
- GlobalXtreme: 200 Mbps for ~$31/month
- D-Net / Blueline: Similar packages available
Make sure to ask your landlord if internet is included in the rent—it often is.
Also read: Digital Nomad Tax in Bali: What You Need to Know
Getting Around: Scooter Life & Ride-Hailing
Bali’s public transport is minimal, so scooters are the go-to:
- Scooter rental: ~$50 – $70/month
- Fuel: ~$10/month
- Grab/Gojek (ride-hailing apps): Cheap and efficient for short trips
Tip: Get an international driver’s license to avoid fines. Helmets are a must.
Food & Groceries: Warungs vs Western Eateries
Bali caters to all tastes—from $2 street food to $50 fine dining.
Groceries:
- Eggs (12): $1.68
- Milk (1L): $1.77
- Rice (1kg): $0.96
- Chicken breast (1kg): $3.76
Also read: Supermarkets in Bali: Your Ultimate Guide to Grocery Shopping
Meals out:
- Local warung: $1.50 – $2.50
- Western café: $7 – $15
- Fine dining: $15 – $50
Monthly food budgets range from $200–$300, depending on how often you eat out.
Also read: 20 Best Food in Bali: A Guide to Exquisite Balinese Cuisine
Coworking & Remote Work Ecosystem
Bali is one of the top island workspaces in Southeast Asia, with strong infrastructure and community-driven coworking spaces.
Top coworking hubs include:
- Outpost (Canggu & Ubud)
- Dojo (Canggu)
- Hubud (Ubud)
- Livit Hub (Sanur)
Fast internet, ergonomic workstations, and networking events make these spots ideal for solo workers and startups alike.
Also read; Recommendation for Coworking Spaces in Bali
Location-Based Lifestyle: Choose Your Bali
Each Bali area has its own vibe, affecting your costs and lifestyle.
- Canggu: Trendy, surf culture, digital nomad paradise. High expat density, more expensive.
- Ubud: Artistic, spiritual, ideal for writers, healers, and creatives. Quieter, more affordable.
- Seminyak: Upscale living, nightlife, boutique shopping. Higher rent and luxury costs.
- Denpasar: Local, practical, budget-friendly, great for long-term stays.
Your choice matters: Decide what matters most—community, cost, quiet, or convenience.
Social Life & Leisure
Nightlife, yoga, beach clubs—Bali has it all.
- Domestic beer: ~$1.85
- Cocktails: ~$7 – $11
- Cappuccino: ~$2.36
- Juices: ~$1.65
Whether you’re networking at a beachside coworking space or dancing in Canggu’s clubs, there’s always something happening.
What About Flights to Bali?
Getting to Bali isn’t always cheap, especially from the West. Expect:
- From North America/Europe: $700 – $1,200 one-way
- From Australia/Asia: $200 – $500
Booking early or using fare alerts (e.g., Skyscanner, Google Flights) can help you snag deals.
Final Tips for Budgeting Like a Pro
- Rent during off-season for discounts.
- Use local SIM cards (Telkomsel, XL Axiata) for affordable data.
- Learn basic Bahasa Indonesia to improve your experience and make bargaining easier.
In conclusion, Bali remains one of the most affordable and attractive destinations for digital nomads in 2025. With a bit of planning, you can live comfortably, explore the island, and thrive in your remote work life.
To avoid legal trouble, digital nomads in Bali must comply with the following:
- Obtain the Correct Visa: The E33G visa is an option for remote workers earning income from outside Indonesia, while KITAS is better suited for those working with local companies.
- Follow Indonesian Tax Regulations: If you become a tax resident, you must declare and report your income as per Indonesia’s self-reporting tax system.
- Respect Immigration Laws: Any business or employment-related activity in Indonesia requires proper authorization. Violators risk fines, deportation, or blacklisting from the country.
- Work with Legal Experts: Agencies like InvestinAsia assist foreigners with visas, tax compliance, and legal paperwork to ensure a smooth stay.
Check out our complete services for digital nomads on the following pages:
- Bali – Indonesia Remote Work Visa E33G Application
- Indonesia Tax Compliance and Consultancy Service
- and other services.
Contact us for a FREE consultation and get a great deal!
FAQs: Digital Nomad Costs in Bali
Q: Is $1,500/month enough to live in Bali as a digital nomad?
Yes, $1,500/month is a realistic budget that covers housing, food, coworking, and transport—especially if you stay in Ubud or Denpasar.
Q: Can I live luxuriously in Bali on a budget?
Absolutely. You can eat at cafes, rent a stylish villa, and enjoy coworking perks all under $2,000/month.
Q: Is Bali still affordable in 2025?
Yes. While prices have risen slightly, Bali remains one of the most expat-friendly locations for digital nomads in Southeast Asia.
Q: Do I need a visa to work remotely in Bali?
Yes. Check out Bali’s Digital Nomad Visa options for legal long-term stays.
