Many travelers dream of Bali, the Indonesian island paradise. A common question that arises when planning a trip is: Is Bali expensive? The short answer: it depends entirely on your travel style. Bali can be incredibly affordable for budget-conscious travelers, while also offering luxurious experiences. In 2025, Bali continues to offer a wide spectrum of costs, allowing visitors to tailor their expenses. This guide will break down the costs, helping you understand how expensive Bali truly is and how to make the most of your budget, whether you’re wondering if Bali is cheap or expensive for your next adventure.
Is Bali Expensive? Cost Overview for 2025
Whether you’re a backpacker on a tight budget or a luxury seeker looking to splurge, Bali offers a wide range of options to suit every travel style. Here’s a quick cost breakdown to help you plan your 2025 Bali adventure:
| Expense Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–$20/night | $60–$120/night | $150–$300+/night |
| Food | $5–$10/day | $15–$30/day | $40–$80/day |
| Transportation | $3–$8/day (scooter) | $10–$25/day (Grab/Go-Jek, car hire) | $50–$100/day (private driver) |
| Activities | Free–$10/day | $20–$50/day | $60–$100+/day |
| Daily Total | $25–$45 | $105–$225 | $300–$580+ |
How Expensive is Bali for Accommodation?
Accommodation is often one of the largest expenses. Bali offers a vast range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to opulent five-star resorts. So, how expensive is Bali when it comes to finding a place to rest your head?
Budget-Friendly Stays: Hostels and guesthouses offer basic rooms or dorm beds for as little as $10-$20 USD per night. Areas like Kuta, Canggu, and parts of Ubud offer numerous affordable choices.
Mid-Range Comfort: 3-star and 4-star hotels provide a good balance of amenities and price. Prices for 3-star properties generally range from $30-$60 USD per night in the off-season, increasing to $70-$100 USD per night during peak tourist times. For 4-star hotels, expect to pay between $80-$150 USD per night. Many mid-range hotels are found in popular tourist hubs like Seminyak, Legian, and central Ubud.
Luxury and Ultra-Luxury Experiences: Bali is renowned for its stunning luxury villas and resorts. 5-star hotels can start from $120 USD per night in the off-season, soaring to $300 USD or more during peak periods. Ultra-luxury resorts can command prices upwards of $1,000 USD per night. Areas like Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, and more secluded parts of Ubud are home to these high-end establishments.
Factors Influencing Accommodation Costs: Location, seasonality, amenities, and booking in advance all play a role in pricing.
Is Bali Expensive for Food and Drink?
Bali’s culinary scene caters to all tastes and budgets. So, is Bali expensive for food and drink?
Local Delights (Warungs and Street Food): For authentic and budget-friendly dining, local warungs and street food stalls are your best bet. Savor delicious Indonesian and Balinese dishes for as little as $1-$3 USD per meal. A decent-sized portion can cost around $2-$4 USD.
Casual Dining and Cafes: Cafes and casual restaurants offer a mix of local and international cuisine. Expect to pay around $5-$10 USD. Western foods might be $5-$8 USD. Smoothie bowls and poke bowls typically cost $4-$7 USD.
Mid-Range to Fine Dining: For upscale dining, a sit-down meal can range from $10-$25 USD, and with alcoholic drinks, up to $20-$30 USD. Fine dining venues can cost $25 USD and upwards per meal.
Drink Costs: Bottled water is inexpensive, around $0.60-$1 USD for a 1.5-liter bottle.
- Beer: A local beer in a restaurant typically costs $1.50-$3 USD, while from a local store it’s $1-$2 USD per bottle.
- Cocktails: Bali’s cocktails range from $4-$8 USD.
- Wine: A glass in a restaurant might cost $4-$6 USD, while a local bottle can be around $15 USD. Imported wines are often upwards of $30 USD per bottle.
Tips for Saving on Food and Drink: Embrace local warungs, take advantage of happy hour deals, and buy water from local minimarts.
Is Bali Expensive for Transportation?
Getting around Bali depends on your preferred mode of transport. Understanding the transportation landscape is key to answering how expensive is Bali for getting around.
Scooters/Motorbikes: Renting a scooter is the most popular and cost-effective way to explore Bali. Daily rental fees typically range from $3-$10 USD, while weekly rentals can be found for $20-$50 USD. Premium scooter rentals might cost $10-$25 USD per day. An international driving license is required.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps: Traditional taxis are available, but agree on a price beforehand. An airport to Ubud transfer might cost $30-$40 USD. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Go-Jek are very popular and often cheaper. Scooter taxis via these apps can cost as little as $1-$3 USD per trip, while car taxis might be $5-$10 USD per trip.
Car Rental with Driver: Hiring a car with a driver is a comfortable option, typically costing between $20-$60 USD for half or full-day hire.
Public Transport: Local transport options like bemo (minibuses) are very cheap, with one-way tickets as low as $0.30 USD.
Inter-Island Travel: Ferry transfers to nearby islands like the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida can cost between $30-$60 USD.
Tips for Saving on Transportation: Utilize Grab or Go-Jek, consider renting a scooter if experienced, and split private driver costs with fellow travelers.
| Mode of Transport | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter Rental (daily) | $3 – $10 | Requires international driving license |
| Scooter Taxi (app-based) | $1 – $3 per trip | Convenient for short distances |
| Car Taxi (app-based) | $5 – $10 per trip | Good for longer distances |
| Car with Driver (half/full day) | $20 – $60 | Ideal for exploring, cost can be split |
| Local Transport (one-way) | ~$0.30 | Cheapest, but less convenient for tourists |
| Ferry to nearby islands | $30 – $60 one-way | For inter-island travel |
Is Bali Expensive for Activities and Attractions?
Bali offers a diverse range of activities. The cost of activities and attractions in Bali can vary significantly, allowing you to customize your itinerary to fit your budget. So, how expensive is Bali when it comes to experiencing its wonders?
Free and Low-Cost Activities: Many of Bali’s most iconic experiences are free or come with a minimal cost. Exploring stunning beaches or visiting temples often requires a small entrance fee, typically a few dollars. Learn more in the official Welcome Back to Bali: temple etiquette guide. Hiking through rice paddies, exploring local markets, and enjoying sunsets are also largely free activities.
Mid-Range Experiences: Popular choices include:
- Waterbom Bali Tickets: A single day pass costs around $37 USD.
- Kecak & Fire Dance Show at Uluwatu Temple: Approximately $39 USD.
- Bali Bird Park Admission: Around $39 USD.
- Cooking Classes: $25-$50 USD.
- Yoga Classes: $10-$15 USD per session.
Adventure and Premium Activities: If you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, Bali delivers, though at a higher price point:
- ATV Quad Bike Tours with Waterfall/Cave: Around $35 USD.
- Snorkeling/Diving Trips (e.g., Nusa Penida): $35-$100 USD.
- Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking: $30-$60 USD.
- Surfing Lessons: $25-$50 USD per session.
- White Water Rafting: $30-$60 USD.
Tips for Saving on Activities: Prioritize free natural attractions, look for package deals, and book through reputable local operators or online platforms.
| Activity Type | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches/Temples (entry/parking) | Free – $5 | Small fees for parking or temple entry |
| Waterbom Bali | ~$37 | Single day pass |
| Kecak & Fire Dance | ~$39 | Cultural show at Uluwatu Temple |
| Bali Bird Park | ~$39 | Admission fee |
| ATV Quad Bike Tours | ~$35 | Adventure tours |
| Snorkeling/Diving Trips | $35 – $100 | Day trips to nearby islands |
| Mount Batur Trekking | $30 – $60 | Guided sunrise trek |
| Surfing Lessons | $25 – $50 | Per session |
| White Water Rafting | $30 – $60 | Per activity |
Is it Expensive to Live in Bali? (Cost of Living)
For digital nomads and expatriates, is it expensive to live in Bali? Compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in Bali can be significantly lower. However, it depends heavily on your lifestyle choices.
According to Numbeo (June 2025 data), estimated monthly costs for a single person in Bali are approximately $634.50 USD (10,342,904.0 Rp), excluding rent. For a family of four, it’s around $2,249.30 USD (36,666,870.9 Rp), also excluding rent. Bali is 66.0% less expensive than New York (excluding rent), and rent is 69.6% lower.
Keep travel expenses accurate—check live USD‑to‑IDR rates using the reliable XE Currency Converter, which provides real‑time mid-market exchange rates.
Key Components of Living Costs in Bali
Understanding everyday expenses can help travelers and digital nomads plan effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the primary living costs in Bali:
Rent
- A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center typically ranges from $500-$1,800 USD/month (8,000,000 – 30,000,000 IDR).
- Outside the center, prices are lower, averaging $300-$1,400 USD/month (5,000,000 – 22,500,000 IDR) [3].
Utilities
- Basic monthly utilities (electricity, water, garbage, cooling) cost about $80 USD (1,298,201 IDR) [3].
- High-speed internet adds roughly $24 USD/month (390,000 IDR).
Groceries
- Food costs are reasonable, especially for local products.
- A gallon of milk: approx. $6.30 USD (103,413 IDR)
- A dozen eggs: about $2.30 USD (37,219 IDR) [3].
Comparison of Monthly Living Costs (Excluding Rent)
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single Person | $634.50 |
| Family of Four | $2,249.30 |
How Expensive is a Trip to Bali? Overall Budget Breakdown
So, after breaking down the individual costs, the big question remains: how expensive is a trip to Bali overall? Your total trip cost will largely depend on your travel style, duration of stay, and personal spending habits.
Budget Traveler (Backpacker Style): Can comfortably get by on $20‑$50 USD per person per day. Over a week, this could amount to $140‑$350 USD per person, excluding flights.
Mid‑Range Traveler (Comfortable Exploration): Expect to spend $50‑$100 USD per person per day. Over a week, this could be $350‑$700 USD per person, excluding flights.
Luxury Traveler (Indulgent Escape): Might spend $100‑$300+ USD per person per day. Over a week, this could easily be $700‑$2,100+ USD per person, excluding flights.
Average Weekly Trip Cost Estimates (Excluding Flights):
| Travel Style | Daily Budget (USD) | Weekly Budget (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Traveler | $20‑$50 | $140‑$350 |
| Mid‑Range Traveler | $50‑$100 | $350‑$700 |
| Luxury Traveler | $100‑$300+ | $700‑$2,100+ |
Flights to Bali: Roundtrip flights can range from $600 to $1,700 USD or more. Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find cheaper fares.
Total Trip Cost Example (1 Week, Mid‑Range):
- Accommodation: $350‑$700
- Food & Drink: $175‑$350
- Transportation: $35‑$70
- Activities: $70‑$140
- Subtotal (on‑island expenses): $630‑$1,260
- Add Flights: $600‑$1,700 (example range)
- Total Estimated Cost: $1,230‑$2,960
This example demonstrates that a comfortable one‑week trip to Bali for a single person, including flights, can range from approximately $1,200 to nearly $3,000. It clearly shows Bali’s adaptability to various financial plans.
Is Bali Expensive for Tourists? A Final Verdict
After delving into the various aspects of costs, the question of is Bali expensive for tourists can be answered with a nuanced “it depends.” Bali offers a unique travel experience where luxury and affordability coexist. For the budget‑conscious traveler, Bali remains an incredibly cheap destination. By embracing local culture, food, and transportation, tourists can enjoy a fulfilling trip without overspending. The estimated monthly costs for a single person in Bali, excluding rent, are around $634.50 USD, highlighting its affordability for longer stays or for tourists who adopt a local lifestyle.
Conversely, for those seeking high‑end experiences, Bali can certainly be as expensive as any other luxury destination. Five‑star resorts, gourmet dining, private tours, and exclusive beach clubs come with price tags comparable to those in major global cities. The beauty of Bali lies in its flexibility; tourists can easily mix and match experiences to fit their financial comfort zone. You can enjoy a budget‑friendly meal at a warung for $2, then splurge on a fine‑dining experience for $50. You can stay in a $10 guesthouse or a $1,000 villa.
Ultimately, Bali is expensive only if you choose for it to be. With careful planning and smart choices, tourists can enjoy the island’s beauty, culture, and adventures without breaking the bank. The key is to understand your priorities and align your spending with your travel style. Whether you’re looking for an ultra‑luxury escape or an adventurous backpacking journey, Bali can accommodate your budget, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Don’t Let Luggage Weigh You Down in Bali!
Exploring Bali’s stunning landscapes, vibrant markets, and serene temples is an experience best enjoyed unburdened. Whether you’re checking out of your accommodation but have a late flight, or you want to explore a new area before your check‑in time, Radical Storage offers convenient and affordable luggage storage solutions across Bali. Don’t let your bags limit your adventure; find a secure spot to store your belongings and enjoy every moment hands‑free.
