Last updated: 6 Oct 2025 · General information only.
This page gives a practical, itemised “price basket” to help estimate grocery and daily-living costs in Bali. Use it to build a budget before you move and to compare spending between neighbourhoods.
Documents & requirements for buying locally
- Bring your passport for hotel/guesthouse registration and some SIM card sellers.
- For larger purchases (motorbike, vehicle registration, long-term utilities) you may need a local address or a rental contract.
- Prescription medicines: carry the original prescription and confirm availability locally.
- Health insurance: keep policy details and emergency contact numbers; confirm coverage in Indonesia.
- Confirm local requirements for SIM registration and vehicle licences.
Typical prices (use as a planning guide)
Prices shown in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) with approximate GBP equivalents using a round conversion for planning (1 GBP ≈ IDR 20,000). Exchange rates vary — confirm at time of budgeting.
| Item / Service | Typical price (IDR) | Approx. (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice, 1 kg (local) | 12,000 – 20,000 | £0.60 – £1.00 |
| Eggs, 10 | 20,000 – 35,000 | £1.00 – £1.75 |
| Chicken, 1 kg | 30,000 – 60,000 | £1.50 – £3.00 |
| Local vegetables, 1 kg | 8,000 – 25,000 | £0.40 – £1.25 |
| Bottled water, 1.5 L | 4,000 – 10,000 | £0.20 – £0.50 |
| Warung meal (local inexpensive) | 20,000 – 45,000 | £1.00 – £2.25 |
| Cafe coffee (filtered/espresso) | 25,000 – 50,000 | £1.25 – £2.50 |
| Western meal / mid-range restaurant | 80,000 – 250,000 | £4.00 – £12.50 |
| Supermarket imported item (e.g. cheese, cereal) | 50,000 – 250,000 | £2.50 – £12.50 |
| Home internet (100 Mbps, month) | 300,000 – 700,000 | £15 – £35 |
| Prepaid SIM + data (monthly) | 100,000 – 300,000 | £5 – £15 |
| Coworking (monthly) | 500,000 – 2,000,000 | £25 – £100 |
| Motorbike petrol, per litre | 10,000 – 12,000 | £0.50 – £0.60 |
| Motorbike rental (month) | 700,000 – 2,500,000 | £35 – £125 |
| Laundry, per kg | 10,000 – 25,000 | £0.50 – £1.25 |
| Utilities (electricity & water, month) | 200,000 – 1,200,000 | £10 – £60 |
Sample monthly budgets (excluding rent)
- Low (mostly warung food, minimal coworking): IDR 1.5–3.5M ≈ £75–£175
- Medium (mix of groceries, cafes, coworking): IDR 4–8M ≈ £200–£400
- Comfortable (imports, regular restaurants, coworking membership): IDR 9–16M ≈ £450–£800
Rent is the largest variable. Add your expected monthly rent to these totals.
Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Relying only on supermarkets for food; imported items inflate costs. Shop local markets for fresh produce to cut costs.
- Underestimating internet needs; test speeds at your accommodation or choose places near reputable ISPs.
- Ignoring neighbourhood differences; tourist areas (Seminyak, Canggu) are pricier than Ubud, Sanur or inland towns.
- Not budgeting for transport; renting scooters or frequent taxi rides add up quickly.
- Expecting fixed prices; farmer markets and warungs often allow modest haggling; supermarkets do not.
- Skipping health or travel insurance; a single medical issue can blow a small budget; check coverage in advance.
- Forgetting deposits and setup fees; broadband installation, security deposits for rentals and utilities can be upfront costs.
- Assuming tax/visa rules won’t affect long stays.
FAQs
How much should I budget for groceries in Bali?
Expect IDR 1–3.5M per month for a single person depending on how often you eat out and whether you buy imported goods. Use local markets to keep costs low; imported supermarket items are several times more expensive.
Is eating out cheaper than cooking?
Eating at local warungs is often cheaper than cooking with imported groceries. If you cook with local ingredients bought at pasar (markets), cooking is economical. Western-style groceries and dining increase costs.
How much does home internet cost and is it reliable?
Home internet (reasonable speed) costs around IDR 300k–700k/month. Reliability varies by area and provider; check recent reviews or choose a coworking space as a backup until you confirm a stable connection.
Do prices vary a lot by area?
Yes. Tourist hubs (Canggu, Seminyak) are pricier for cafes, groceries and services. Inland and northern areas tend to be cheaper. Always factor location into your budget.
How much should I budget for utilities?
Expect IDR 200k–1.2M/month depending on AC use and household size. Villas with multiple air-conditioned rooms increase electricity bills significantly.
Are taxis/ride-hailing services expensive?
Ride-hailing is generally affordable for short trips, but frequent rides add up. Motorbike rental and petrol are cost-effective for many long-stay remote workers.
Can I buy UK-branded items easily?
Some imported brands are available in larger supermarkets but at a premium. If you require speciality items, budget for higher costs or bring a small supply when you arrive.