Living Cheaply in Bali

 

Living Cheaply in Bali: A Cost of Living Guide for Americans, Europeans & Australians

For many people from the United States, Europe, and Australia, Bali offers something increasingly rare at home: an affordable lifestyle with warm weather, strong community, and daily freedom.

With rising living costs in Western countries, more foreigners are searching for how to live cheaply in Bali — not as tourists, but as long-term residents.

This guide explains how Bali compares to Western countries and how you can realistically reduce your cost of living while maintaining comfort and safety.


Why Bali Is Cheaper Than the US, EU, and Australia

For most Westerners, the biggest financial relief in Bali comes from housing, food, and services.

Cost Comparison (Approximate)

ExpenseUS / EU / AustraliaBali
Rent (1-bedroom)USD 1,200–2,000USD 350–600
Local mealUSD 12–18USD 1–3
Monthly transportUSD 150–300USD 60–80
MassageUSD 80–120USD 6–10

👉 What feels “cheap” in Bali is often what feels normal to locals.

Best Areas in Bali for Westerners on a Budget

Ubud (Outskirts)

Popular with Europeans and Americans who value:

  • Quiet living

  • Nature

  • Wellness without luxury pricing

Best budget zones:

  • Mas

  • Lodtunduh

  • Payangan

Denpasar (Best Value Overall)

Often avoided by tourists, but loved by long-term expats:


  • Cheapest rent

  • Excellent local food

  • Hospitals, malls, and infrastructure

Rural Canggu Alternatives

For Australians familiar with beach culture:

  • Seseh

  • Pererenan outskirts

  • Cemagi

Living 10–20 minutes inland can cut rent by up to 50%.

Affordable Housing Options for Foreigners

Westerners often overpay because they rent short-term.

Best Budget Choices

  • Kos / guesthouse: USD 250–400

  • Simple private house: USD 400–650

  • Shared villa: USD 300–500

💡 Pro tip for Westerners:
Negotiate monthly rates in person. Prices online are usually inflated for foreigners.

Eating Cheaply in Bali (Without Getting Sick)

Many Americans, Europeans, and Australians worry about food hygiene.

Safe & Cheap Eating Tips

  • Eat where locals eat

  • Choose busy warungs

  • Avoid empty restaurants

Local food prices:

  • Nasi campur: USD 1–2

  • Soto / bakso: USD 1–1.50

  • Padang meals: USD 1.50–2.50

Western food is available everywhere — but daily consumption doubles your food budget.

Transportation: Why Westerners Need a Scooter

Public transport standards differ greatly from the US, EU, and Australia.

Budget Transport Breakdown

  • Scooter rental: USD 45–80/month

  • Fuel: USD 5–10/week

Why scooters work:

  • Faster in traffic

  • Cheap maintenance

  • Total monthly transport often under USD 80

⚠️ Westerners should always:

  • Wear helmets

  • Carry international driving permits

  • Respect local traffic customs

Internet & Work Setup (For Remote Workers)

For Western remote workers, internet quality is a major concern.

Internet Costs

  • Home fiber internet: USD 20–35/month

  • Mobile data SIM: USD 8–15/month

  • Coworking spaces: USD 80–150/month (optional)

Most expats report Bali internet is sufficient for Zoom, cloud work, and content creation.

Healthcare: What Westerners Need to Know

Healthcare costs are significantly lower than in the US and comparable or cheaper than many EU countries.

Typical Costs

  • Doctor visit: USD 15–30

  • Dental cleaning: USD 25–40

  • Private hospitals widely used by expats

💡 Most Westerners use:

  • International health insurance

  • Pay-out-of-pocket for minor care

Monthly Budget for Americans, Europeans & Australians

A realistic low-cost monthly budget:

CategoryMonthly Cost (USD)
Accommodation350
Food200
Scooter + fuel70
Internet & SIM25
Healthcare & insurance50
Lifestyle60
Total≈ 755 USD

This is dramatically lower than typical Western living costs.

Biggest Money Mistakes Westerners Make in Bali

  • Living in short-term villas

  • Shopping only at imported supermarkets

  • Constantly relocating

  • Trying to maintain Western consumption habits

Living cheaply in Bali means living differently, not living worse.

Final Thoughts: Is Bali Worth It for Westerners on a Budget?

For Americans, Europeans, and Australians, Bali offers:

  • Lower living costs

  • A healthier work-life balance

  • A slower, more intentional lifestyle

Those who succeed financially in Bali are the ones who stop comparing it to home and start adapting.

If you live like a tourist, Bali is expensive.
If you live like a resident, Bali can change your life.

Location: Bali, Indonesia