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In general, Bali is a beautiful place on our planet, where you can survive pretty well on a very small budget. The Cost of Living here is dramatically lower than in the US, old Europe, Australia or even some other parts in Asia.
I was asked many times by readers how much I spend here and what the Costs for my daily expenses are. There isn’t a general answer to these questions - after all it depends a lot on your personal preferences and demands.
Show me the money:
To putting that in a better perspective; I compiled a spreadsheet with the most common day-2-day items and put some real life prices behind it.
It’s a simple and subjective list of items, which of course won’t reflect completely your own lifestyle or spendings. But you will get the picture. 
Please be aware that those are all local average prices - like everywhere else, you can spend a whole fortune here in a short time; if you don’t calculate, pay attention to your spendings or which channels your money goes.
Also bear in mind that prices go up all the time. The official inflation rate in Indonesia is currently 7.5%, in reality it’s probably even higher.
Good for you - if you earn your money in a country with less inflation and your base currency is stable or appreciating, you still save more or spend less over a year - even with rising prices in Rupiah.
Costs in Bali are generally higher than in other parts of Indonesia, with the exemption of maybe Jakarta. Some items are surely way more expensive than in other parts of Asia or the old World.
I would see Electricity Costs and Internet Costs (not in this chart - but more details here or for 3G internet here) falling into that category.
Would you like to see additional items or expenses in this list?
Please let me know via the Comment Form and I will update the spreadsheet accordingly.
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Great info here Chris. I think these prices are quite correct. Funny you brought in divers products, from eggs to hair extensions
Thanks! I didn’t realise rent was so cheap in Bali. You’ve gotten me interested…
yeah thats right dude, thats why Bali is a paradise for the rest of us, not only by the beauty of the island but especially because how cheap things are in Bali in regard to the huge difference of the exchange rate
hi, could you find the prices for toiletries like toothpaste ect? Also maybe waxing costs for us girls? great bit of information there!
Soph, I will try to get some waxing costs for you and add to the chart. What comes to my mind right away; a piece of soap (local brand) costs around Rp1.500, while some branded soap (Dove or similar) is around Rp6.000-10.000.
Those differences apply to other toiletries as well. I use a local Toothpaste for Rp6.000, but you can also spend easily Rp30.000 for Sensodyne or other branded/premium products. Hair Shampoo similar. Will check the latest Flyer of Carrefour to get some more examples for you there…..
I guess putting it into a bit of perspective you’d have to take into account average wages on Bali as well, unless you don’t need to work or you’re on an expat package of course, then it might not matter, but to most folks it would.
You know the prices better than me, though!
Update: I added the requested toiletries and some Waxing costs, as well adjusted the exchange rates (19/03/2008: 1 USD=Rp9,254.09, 1 EURO=Rp14,509.47)
@ Indonesia Matters: yup, that is an interesting point!
Based on my readership I assumed that most foreigners interested in living here, will either be (semi-)retired (and live off their savings in USD/Euro) or have some sort of Income in hard currency via Online or Export Businesses. Only than it’s truly cheap or very affordable to live here.
I have to say, that I don’t know any Expat in Bali, who works on a local job, besides voluntarily or for charity. With an estimated starting salary from Rp700.000 (or even less) and an average household income of Rp1.5-3 Mio. it’s easy to see, that many Balinese struggle to make ends meet, especially in the rural areas - and even with the above costs of living.
I wish I was there right now. Maybe after the Olympics…
You can easily live off of 500 USD a month (if you are way frugal) to “the sky’s the limit” in Indonesia. I would say that 1000 USD a month is probably the average if you want an apartment, booze, food, transportation, entertainment, DVD’s, ect, ect.., your basic middle class lifestyle
If you want an Upper Class lifestyle with a big house, maid, driver, dinners at the Ritz Carlton and a generally large life you will spend around 5000 USD a month in Jakarta
Personally I like Jakarta better than Bali (I have lived in Jakarta for over 5 years), but I am more of a city person. Plus the touts and hustlers in Bali annoy me
Hi! Your blog is so nice. I will be travelling to Bali by end of march. Would you know the best airline from Jakarta to Bali and how long is the flight going there? Thanks!
It should take about 1 and ½ hours from Jakarta
As far as flights…
Indonesian airlines are a bit scary considering there safety record but if I had to suggest one I would say garuda air because they have supposable gotten there safety back in order. I also like Lion Air, when I first moved to Indonesia I used to take them all the time. But my flying hobbits have changed after a few planes dropped out iof the sky – lol
Hi Chris, you know the price better than indonesian people like me. Two thumbs for you!
I just want you to know that I’ve never been on Bali Chris
But I’am sure that the living price in Bali is more expensive than Bandung.
Yes that correct living cost in Indonesia is very cheap compare to Europe or US. Bali is region with high living cost for Indonesia standard (the others Jakarta, Batam, Surabaya). Income like $1000 a month is count high for Indonesia people.
And also if you depend so much in technology like Internet, Indonesia can make your life ruin
James G, thanks for helping out Julie, while I was traveling the last couple of days!
I can only second your impression about Lion Air, they really seem to be the most reliable Airline in Indonesia currently.
And yes, regarding Cost of Living, it seems that we have a similar thinking there as well.
Julie and denny, thanks for the compliments! Yep, Bali is probably a bit more expensive than Bandung, but then here are also more foreigners and it’s further away from Java, so everything has to be brought here over longer distances. These points maybe drive the prices up as well. Still, for the average foreigner, things are still very affordable and mostly cheaper than in our home countries.
Great Info , Chris …
Chris …
What is your job in Indonesia ??
If you move from any country … from years to years …
I wonder how you get incomes / salary to support your life ??
Even if i work hard it will be very difficult to travel like you …
I want to know how you manage your finance to do this nomad life
Holy crap, they need to re-evaluate the currency. All those zeros are crazy. Tell them to reprint some money.
digitalnomad - agree with you completely. That idea was brought up already many times, but nobody decided on it yet. Let’s see another 5-10 years with 7% inflation each and the pressure to do something will surely rise.
Budi S - I don’t work. Instead I live from passive income like rent, interest, dividends accumulated during my previous working life. I’m by no means a millionaire, but have low demands and don’t define myself by the material goods I need to possess, so I can survive fairly well from it. I tried to put this concept into some posts, which you can find under the categories ‘retire’ and ‘money’ on this site. Simply chose the category in the upper-left sidebar and scroll through the older posts for some more information on the matter.
Oh yeah, I’m trying to earn some money from this site as well, thus the Google and other Ads. Although this income stream is improving quite nicely, it wouldn’t be enough yet to make a living from it.
Hi there, really good information here =D>. I am going to be on holiday in Bali for 6 days. Would like to make the most of it . How much would you say it would cost me approximately (I dont need exact figures
for food , to check out the local nightlife and a bit of scuba diving and travel to some of the nearby islands and places of cultural interest? Thanks
Hey Chris – I put up a Cost of Living Example for Jakarta, Indonesia on my blog if you or anyone else here would like to check it out
http://www.TheProfessionalAdventurer.com/?p=17
.
rashmi - figures for food and nightlife you can find in the chart above. As for travel to surrounding islands, that really depends on *where* (Lombok, Java, Flores, Komodo, Nusa Penida, …) you want to go and how - by ferry, plane, speedboat. It’s tough to give any general recommendations, as prices vary a lot. Although I would say that within 6 days, you won’t have enough time anyway to check out Bali AND surrounding islands. It’s easy to underestimate the size of the island and distances/time to get from A to B.
As far as I recall Scuba Diving Prices are in the range of USD 25-55 per dive, depending on location and what equipment you bring/rent.
James G, thanks for the link - looks interesting and very familiar!
wow thanks for finding that out! incredible considering a brazilian wax in the uk cost around $60 (£30). im off in two months and i cant wait!!!!
soph - you may want to check out Bella Waxing Salon in Jalan Kunti (close to Bali Deli). That’s were the above prices are from. My fiancee tried a few other places but always goes back there for Waxing. Although the prices are generally quite low in Bali, some places really don’t seem to know what they’re doing, techniques vary a lot and you might experience some more pain than usual.
Hi chris - we are planning to go Bali this week. We are from Malaysia. Do you think with RM500 (ringgit malaysia) can survive for 2days and 4 days in lombok. we are in tight budget…..TQ
Aron Nat - that may be manageable, if you have your transport options (flights/ferry) paid/covered already. It really depends as well where you are staying and what you plan to spend on food and entertainment.
Sounds like you are at least 2 people, so is the amount for both of you or per person? Please also bear in mind that every person has to pay an airport tax of Rp 150.000 (about RM50) upon departure. All the best for your trip!
Hi Chris ,
You seem to know so much.
Would you have an idea about…..how much a maid-cook…..how much a gardener-driver….per month . If one rented a house , and it was not included.
And - is it easy/difficult to find these for a 4 month term ?
Muchas gracias !
Rolando - thanks for the compliment! Actually I only put together what I deal with every day anyway.
I don’t have a maid here, but you could probably get a full-time one for Rp 300-500.000 per month, if you provide a room and food. Or someone to come by once a week for Rp. 50.000 for 2-4 hours for cleaning.
Gardener-Driver is a funny combination, but I’m sure that’s possible as well, I just don’t know the costs.
But if you think about it that the average salary for housing staff is here usually below 1 Mio. Rupiah and the average office salary is between 1-3 Mio. Rupiah, you get the picture about what sums we are talking here.
It shouldn’t be too difficult to find someone for a limited period like 2-4 months. I would recommend asking around, your neighbors, your landlord or other people you know. Usually they will try to help and come up with some relatives or other people they know with the required skills.
Hi there!
I’m going to Bali on Sat for 2 weeks, the first week I will be in tanjung Benoa, the second week in ubud. I am having a budgeting panic, do you think $1000AUS will be enough or am I dreaming? Accomm is paid for already, I don’t plan on doing much sightseeing/shopping, just relaxing and eating!
Please help!!!
Don’t know exactly about Bali but elsewhere, say Java, a full time driver is going to cost you up to a million a month I think.
[...] Cost of Living here is still highly affordable for the average foreigner and it will improve even more, due to higher inflation compared to your [...]
Kirsty, 1.000 AUD is almost 9 Mio. Rupiah, that is almost double what I spend here in a *month* (if I count out housing and other costs you won’t have). I would say you can live perfectly well from that without being too frugal. But then - it all comes down to what you need and what your demands are in a perfect holiday.
Indonesia Matters - many thanks for helping out with the estimated driver costs.
Hahaha, wow, thank you!
I’m planning on spending a decent amount on food, but that’s about it really!
Hey Mate,
Very impressive site, i imagine you would help a lot of people all over the world with your information. my girlfriend and i are seriously thinking of moving to Bali for around a year soon and i am investigating the surrounding costs.
I was wondering what housing would in your opinion would suit a couple who dont want any luxuries and are on a limited budget? and the prices for a years rent and electricity?
Also what types of employment are available for people in their early 20’s? i am willing to work in any conditions.
Thankyou so much mate i really appreciate it
Dan
Kirsty - don’t worry, you will be fine then. Great food is really affordable here, especially if you are used to Australian prices.
Daniel, thanks for the friendly words - I try my best to be of any help.
For a young couple you could rent a small house for about USD 300 per month. If you look around you can even find one fully furnished, which would ease the initial reduction from your starting capital for new furniture. That’s what we did and are still happy with.
But it’s really up to you. In the list above you can find some examples for what is available (as well as electricity), but don’t let yourself restrict by it too much.
There are plenty of housing options available here, in fact supply is much higher than demand. So you as the customer are king - if you take your time, negotiate good and see at least a dozen places. There are plenty if overpriced deals as well, so it really pays for you to take your time. You could live the first month in a small ‘Koskosan’, which is actually a room with attached bathroom (around Rp.400.000-700.000) and look around first to find your right place for longer term.
Regarding work, I wrote a few articles about that already in more detail. Basically it would be better, if you could generate an income in hard currency (EUR, AUD, USD) and use the softer Rupiah and higher inflation in Indonesia to your advantage. That means basically Online Business like Blogging, Daytrading, Webdesign, Programming for foreign companies or else.
Here on the ground, there are surely local jobs for foreigners available, teaching English, Dive Instructor or similar i.e. in the Hotel Business come to mind. It depends on your skills of course. But it will also be more difficult to find these jobs as there is plenty of competition and - maybe more important - you will be paid local wages.
This can be quite tricky, as the local average here is maybe between Rp. 750.000 up to 3 Mio. Rupiah.
As an Expat that could mean a very frugal life for you.
Some other people work in Import/Export businesses or in the Art Scene. But again - highly competitive and surely no guarantees for easy success.
I know that maybe doesn’t sound too encouraging, but you’ll have to find your own way with the options that are there.
Hey Chris:
Great info mate! Seriously I’ve been to Indonesia 3 yrs ago and man I’ve loved it………..I haven’t been to Bali or other islands in Indonesia mainly in Java in Jakarta for business with a friend. I know the prices in Jakarta I was there for 2 months living there and compared to New York that’s where I’m from, it’s cheaper than New York I gotta say. I’m trying to go back this 2008 hopefully at the of May or early June but this time for a get away on a backpacker budget really budgeting than the last time I was there. I was thinking $2,500 or $3,000 until mid August would be possible……….What do you think mate?? I will land in BKK first then off to Jakarta to vist some old friends then off to Bali maybe to the Gillis. Please tell me if it is possible on a avg budget of $3,000 is possible?
Thanks a million!
Chris,
My wife and I am looking to relocate from Singapore to Bali to retire I have found a school for my 7 year old daughter, a house, and pretty much everything I need to live a good life on the island. My concern is and it really is the only one, is safety, security, and the underlying coruption. Having read a number of blogs some of them have distilled the above to such a degree that know one would from any other country live here. This is clearly not the case 20,000+ expats seem to enjoy it. You nseam to be a level headed person with no particular axe to grind, I would appriciate your thougths,
Kind regards
Chris J Parr
[...] in the tradition of the Cost of Living Chart for Bali (which I updated with todays exchange rates for better comparison), you can find the costs for [...]
Rodney, I think you should get along with it, if you’ve been in Indonesia already before. It’s more than what I would spend in a similar period, if your flight costs are covered already. So don’t worry, enjoy your trip and your stay here!
Chris Parr, first congrats to your decision to retire in Bali!
As an ex-Singaporean Expat myself - I can relate to your security concerns. Hardly any cities/regions come close to Singapore in that regard. But Bali shouldn’t be a problem for you. Of course you have the usual pickpocketing and overpricing for foreigners, mainly in the more touristy areas. But once you get the hang of local customs, you pay (almost) local prices and simply won’t leave the house with your gold necklaces or jewelry around your neck or hanging out of your pockets.
Robberies are rare and usually not done by Balinese, as they would risk being alienated within their own communities. If you rent a Villa or house you can have your own security guard(s) as well, alternatively the local Banjar (community leader) will certainly approach you for using their services (patrolling around your house at night etc.).
Of course, corruption is present, the most obvious examples are the Traffic Cops, but besides that it can be easily avoided. Don’t do anything illegal - especially drugs - and you won’t have any problems. But hey - there is no difference to that in Singapore.
Getting by without bribing governmental institutions or officials (e.g. for Visa and other things) is very well possible - it just sometimes requires more time and patience. If you feel better spending money than your time, you can always engage an agent to do these things for you. It then simply depends what costs more, the bribe or the agent. So it’s up to you in which way you want to support the local ‘economy’.
Just don’t expect a very efficient and quick bureaucracy like in Singapore and you are well set. Things will work here as well in the end.
All the best for you move!
Thanks so much for this information. As a potential first time visitor to Bali I found this so interesting and helpful
Regards
Ebony
Hi, I’m Indonesian-American actually. So sick and tired of this Western life now ;( OK, I have this question, how do you handle your tax as a German? Do you also know by any chance how the American fellow travelers like you handle their tax thing? Or maybe even a pointer or a link, if you have. I’ll start roaming again in 2010 I guess. So I’m trying to get armed with the right information.
Thanks a lot!
Hi JD, there is definitely an advantage in the German Income Tax System here. I get only taxed in the country where I earn money. As I’m currently not residing in Germany I don’t pay any taxes there. If I would work in Indonesia I’d only have to pay taxes here, but I don’t. When I was working in Singapore I only paid my taxes there - so it’s really pretty straight-forward.
The American tax system is - as far as I know - based on world-wide taxation. That means, wherever you work on our planet, the IRS will get its share of your income. I don’t know what would be the best way to handle that, probably via an Accounting/Tax Expert or Expat Support Service like ORCA or else. Maybe some of the American readers can elaborate a bit more how they do it?
Hey Chris,
Great Info…
I’m just wondering what the absoult cheapest would be to live renting a studio apparetment, single person and still eating cleaning all that jazz :P would be for say a year?
Working with the Australian $ …
> . .<
Thanks Chris! Sorry for my late gratitude.
BTW, I do wish to see less Aussie in Bali. No Aussie is even better. They are completely white-trash. You know what I mean, right?
German like you is ok though.
Dear Chris,
I am from Vancouver Canda with a wife and 2 year old and one on the way..I am seriously thinking of moving to Bali for a year. I have sufficeint funds to live there for a year so that is not an issue…the questions i have are regarding the aspect of raising kids there….ex pat Social scene for the young family type..also asshe is preggers with number 2 …due Dec 26th are there good facilites availble for a home birth? difficult question but any info would be most appreciated..
The concept of living there for a few years whilst the kids are still young intrigues me…..
Bettina, just scroll down a bit in the chart above, you cam find the prices for that under Housing. With Studio Apartment it’s a bit a hit and miss, depending on the facilities. You can rent one from as low as Rp.300.000-500.000 (Kos Kosan, maybe the cheaper equivalent to a Studio) and up only the sky is the limit. An average I would say is maybe 2 Mio to 5 Mio, if you want a decent apartment (3-5 years old) with modern equipment.
JD, I sometimes have a similar feeling with my fellow Germans as well. But then, you have black and white sheep in any herd, and let’s not forget the even more colorful ones.
Ravi, I want to strongly encourage you to try that out. It’s really not that difficult, plenty of foreigners live for a shorter or longer period of time here. Myself, I wanted to stay maybe a year, now it will be almost 2. Kids are naturally welcomed here and won’t have difficulties of bonding with others, foreign or local alike. Bali has as well modern medical facilities, if you want to be really sure, use Australian-operated hospitals or medical institutes like BIMC. About home birth, I have to pass - I’m sure it’s possible, many Balinese do that also, but I have no idea about that concept. You might want to check with local hospitals, if they offer that as a service as well?
Dear Chris,
Thank You for your prompt and courteous reply. Much appreciated. I will look into the Australian hospital facilites also.
Can you recomend a place for a young family to live …close to the beach and amenites and ex pat community ….but not too close to the night clubs and noise..?
Also what about car and driver…. do i have to buy a car? or should we cab it? how much to get a driver and car for on call duty?
I will be working in Bangalore bi weekly also FYI. I welcome your thoughts and once again thank You for your valuable insight..we should meet up for beers when i get there? You rule…thanx for your help…
Ravi, you might want to check out Seminyak, Kerobokan or Canggu just north-west of Kuta. That’s where most foreigners live who don’t want to have the noise. It’s a pretty mixed area and taking your time to look around, you can still get good deals on housing. Jimbaran and further to the South can be interesting too, great scenery, but I heard that in the dry season, it can be hard to have water permanently. It’s quite rocky and dry in general.
Plenty of foreigners live in Sanur as well, there is a substantial Expat scene as well.
You can rent or buy a car - it really depends on your needs. A driver for a day can cost anything between Rp 80.000 - 300.000, so if you plan to have one permanently, it may be better to employ one. Thus you could get away with Rp. 750.000 to maybe 1.5 Mio. Rupiah, As well, driving yourself isn’t that hard once you get used to it.
Hi Chris, next year i’m planning on living and studying in bali for 6months-1year on a social visa. I was wanting to know how much is the cost of living per month for living in legian/seminyak/west denpasar (near nakula) in a 1-2bedroom indonesian style house or apartment or bungalow? I’ve got many friends that i’ve asked about this but it seems a get a different answer everytime. Food etc i’m happy with local food (nasi bungkus/campur etc) along with the occasional western meal. I’m also probably going to buy secondhand motorbike which i’ll sell at the end of my stay. Cheers, Ali
ali, to help finding your own specific costs of living, I compiled the above chart for you. You may get different answers from different people, as only you will know your needs and demands. Do you smoke? How many pack a day? Like to drink beer? Party? Need 4 beer or 8 cocktails to enjoy your night out? See the point?
There are people here surviving on USD 500 a month, most Expats I know need between USD 1.000-2.500 and other spend easily USD 5.000 or more. It all depends. Take your time to find the place you like and avoid touts and agents, you can save more money doing that. If you don’t have time, but plenty of cash, simply do the opposite.
Hi….wow…talk about EXACTLY what I have been looking for! I was all over the expat sites and have been looking everywhere for this and other information about Bali. Thanks! I really like the large amount of info. that requires/allows me to sift through and make my own judgements. Lots of interesting stuff. Naturally, any additional “costs” for living in Bali such as internet/phone costs would be great. Was wondering if there is a section/article about visas on here? It is a VERY confusing but important topic. Thanks again!
just wanted to say thanks for all the useful advice and information in the chart. im off in 2 days and i cant wait, im so excited!!!
hi mate is there a limit on bringin rp into bali i have changed 5mil and have 800usd is that ok with the customs there
soph - have a great trip and plenty of adventures!
Robbie Marshall, if I remember correctly, the limit is 10 Mio Rupiah, so you should be fine. Just watch out for crook money changers, it’s most of the time better, to simply draw local currency with a bank or atm card. The fees are comparable.
Sydjapan, just click on the ‘Visa category’ in the sidebar to the left. There are a few articles you might want to read first. If you have any specific questions, just post them in the comment form of the respective article. Thanks!
Thanks