Plan your monthly budget with confidence—housing, internet, workspace, food, transport, healthcare, visas, and lifestyle by area.
Last updated: 6 Oct 2025 · Prices are indicative and vary by area/season.
At-a-Glance Monthly Budgets
Lean Solo
- Room/guesthouse (Ubud/outer Canggu)
- Local cafés + home cooking
- Scooter + prepaid data
- Cowork 8–10 days or home fibre
Comfortable Solo
- 1–2 bed villa/apartment (Canggu/Seminyak/Ubud)
- Mix of cafés & restaurants
- Fibre + SIM/eSIM backup
- Cowork monthly pass
Couple / Small Family
- 2–3 bed villa (near schools/workspaces)
- Groceries + dining out
- Fibre + higher utilities
- Healthcare & activities
Housing Costs
Rent is the biggest variable. Prices depend on neighbourhood, season, and amenities. Confirm inclusions (staff, internet, pool service) before signing.
| Type | Area Examples | What Affects Price |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse / Kos room | Ubud, Sanur, outer Canggu | Private bath, AC, Wi-Fi stability, noise |
| 1–2 bed villa/apartment | Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud | Pool, location to beach/coworking, backup power |
| 3+ bed villa | Berawa, Pererenan, Bukit | Land size, finishes, generator, staff costs |
Utilities & Internet
- Electricity (PLN): many homes use prepaid tokens—budget rises with AC use.
- Water: well + filtration or PDAM where available; drinking water via dispenser.
- Internet: fibre availability varies by street; aim for 75–150 Mbps + SIM/eSIM backup.
Workspace: Coworking vs Home
Coworking passes buy reliability (backup power, meeting rooms, phone booths). Home is cheaper long-term if fibre is strong and you keep a mobile hotspot as backup.
- Day passes: great for calls or outage days
- Monthly passes: best value if you work from a hub most days
- Home setup: fibre plan + UPS for router + SIM/eSIM tether
Food & Groceries
- Local warung: most budget-friendly meals
- Cafés/restaurants: western menus cost more, especially in beach areas
- Supermarkets & delivery: imported goods add up; buy local where possible
Transport
- Scooter rental: month-to-month is common; factor helmet + rain gear + occasional maintenance
- Fuel & parking: modest but frequent short trips add up
- Ride-hailing: good backup for rain/late nights
- Car hire: occasional weekend trips; higher daily cost
Healthcare & Insurance
- Clinics for routine care; private hospitals for emergencies/specialists
- International insurance recommended for longer stays
- Budget for prescriptions, dental, and occasional physio
Healthcare, Insurance & Safety →
Visas & Admin Costs
- Visa fees (VOA/e-VOA, B211A, KITAS, etc.) + possible agent fees
- Tourist levy on entry
- Document translations, passport photos, deliveries
Lifestyle Add-Ons
- Gym passes, surf/yoga classes, massages
- Weekend trips (Nusa islands, Java, Lombok)
- Kids’ activities, clubs, and lessons
Area Comparison: Cost & Convenience
| Area | Typical Rent | Internet/Coworking | Noise/Traffic | Who It Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canggu/Berawa | Higher | Excellent | High | Community & beach-first nomads |
| Ubud | Moderate | Good | Lower | Deep work & nature lovers |
| Seminyak/Kerobokan | Moderate–Higher | Good | Medium–High | Central convenience |
| Sanur | Moderate | Improving | Low–Medium | Families & quieter pace |
| Uluwatu/Bukit | Varies | Patchy | Medium | Surf + scenic living |
Example Monthly Budgets
Remote-Ready Workers (Solo)
- Room or compact 1-bed (Ubud/outer Canggu)
- Fibre + SIM tether; day passes for calls
- Warung lunches + cafés
- Scooter + occasional ride-hail
Comfort Nomad (Solo)
- 1–2 bed with pool (Canggu/Seminyak)
- Cowork monthly pass + fibre
- Groceries + restaurants
- Fitness/yoga + weekend trips
Couple / Small Family
- 2–3 bed villa (Sanur/Canggu)
- Higher utilities, healthcare & insurance
- Groceries + dining out
- Schooling/activities if applicable
Cost-Saving Tips (Without Sacrificing Quality)
- Rent slightly away from the beach or main road to cut costs and noise
- Choose monthly gym/cowork bundles for better value
- Buy local produce; limit imported items
- Share rides, plan errands to reduce fuel/parking
- Track token usage (electricity) and AC hours
Cost of Living — FAQs
Is Bali still affordable for remote workers?
Yes, especially outside the most popular beach areas. Your rent choice and lifestyle have the biggest impact on monthly costs.
Which area is best value?
Ubud and Sanur often offer better value for space and quiet. Canggu/Berawa commands higher rents for proximity to beach and coworking density.
How much should I budget for internet?
Fibre plans vary by provider and speed. Many nomads also keep a mobile data plan as backup. Check availability on your street before signing a lease.
Do villas include staff and utilities?
Sometimes. Always confirm what’s included (cleaning, pool, garden, internet, pest control, waste) and what you’ll pay separately.
How can I keep costs predictable?
Use a written contract with clear inclusions, track electricity token usage, choose a stable internet plan, and set a monthly dining/ride-hail cap.