Bali is known for its tropical paradise, vibrant digital nomad community, and affordable cost of living. But with rising prices, is it still possible to live in Bali for under $600 per month? The short answer: Yes, but with a modest lifestyle.
In this guide, I’ll break down accommodation, food, transport, activities, and budget-friendly options to show how you can make it work.
Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change. It’s advisable to visit and explore these areas personally to find accommodations that fit your budget and lifestyle preferences.
Bali for Under $600 Per Month? (2025 Budget Guide)
Where to Live on a Budget in Bali?
If you’re looking to stay under $600 per month, choosing the right area is crucial. Some regions in Bali offer affordable accommodation while still providing access to key amenities like cafes, gyms, coworking spaces, and public transportation. Whether you prioritize a social lifestyle, tranquility, or proximity to the beach, there’s a budget-friendly option for you.
Best Budget Areas to Stay
Pererenan (Near Canggu): This up-and-coming area is more affordable than Canggu but still offers easy access to its lively atmosphere. Here, you’ll find affordable guesthouses and homestays ranging from $250–$400 per month, along with shared villas for around $500. Pererenan is also great for those who want to be close to coworking spaces, gyms, and a variety of restaurants without the heavy crowds.
Batu Bolong & Berawa (Canggu Area): While Canggu has become one of the trendiest areas for digital nomads and expats, it is also getting pricier. However, budget guesthouses and homestays can still be found for $300–$450 per month if you book early or commit to a long-term stay. This area is best for those who want surf-friendly beaches, an energetic social scene, and modern conveniences.
Ubud: Known for its yoga retreats, lush rice fields, and spiritual atmosphere, Ubud is slightly cheaper than Canggu, making it a great choice for those on a budget. Affordable guesthouses start at $250–$400 per month, while basic villas go for $500–$700. If you love meditation, vegetarian cafés, and a relaxed vibe, Ubud offers a peaceful yet affordable lifestyle.
Sanur: A laid-back coastal town that’s quieter than Canggu but still offers modern conveniences. Sanur is ideal for families, retirees, or anyone who prefers a slower pace. You can find homestays and apartments for around $300–$500 per month, making it a budget-friendly alternative for beach lovers. It also has a great expat community and fewer crowds than tourist-heavy areas.
💡 Canggu remains the best choice for an active and social lifestyle, but Pererenan is a great alternative for those looking for cheaper accommodation while still being close to the action. If you’re after tranquility and affordability, Ubud and Sanur are excellent options to consider.
Affordable Accommodation in Bali:
Finding budget-friendly housing in Bali is possible, but it often means compromising on luxury. While Bali offers high-end villas and beachfront resorts, there are still plenty of affordable rental options for those looking to live under $600 per month. The key to saving money on rent is choosing the right type of accommodation and opting for long-term leases whenever possible.
Types of Accommodation
Guesthouses: The most affordable option, especially for budget travelers and digital nomads. Guesthouses typically offer private rooms with shared amenities such as a pool, kitchen, and communal lounge. Many guesthouses also include utilities and Wi-Fi in the rental price, making them a cost-effective choice for long stays.
- 💰 Monthly Cost: $300 – $450 per month
- 💡 Best for: Solo travelers, digital nomads, and those who don’t mind shared spaces.
Local Villas (Basic Style): Small, private villas are available at budget-friendly rates, though they come with fewer amenities compared to luxury villas. Basic villas typically include one or two bedrooms, a small kitchen, and a private outdoor area. While some come with pools, they tend to be smaller and less modern than high-end options.
- 💰 Monthly Cost: $500 – $600 per month
- 💡 Best for: Couples, small families, or those wanting privacy on a budget.
Example: A guesthouse in Pererenan with a shared kitchen, pool, and basic room costs $350 – $450 per month, while a basic villa in Ubud can be found for $500 – $600 per month.
🚨 Pro Tip: Long-term rentals (6+ months) are significantly cheaper than short-term stays. Many landlords offer discounted monthly rates for those willing to sign leases for six months or more, making it a great option for expats and remote workers looking to stay in Bali for an extended period.
Transportation Costs in Bali:
Getting around Bali on a budget is easy, with scooters being the most affordable and convenient option. While taxis and ride-sharing apps like Go-Jek and Grab are available, they can be costly for daily use. Renting a scooter is the best way to save money and have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Scooter Rental: The Best Budget Option
Most expats and digital nomads in Bali choose to rent a Scoopy or Vario, which are fuel-efficient and cost-effective. If you prefer a larger, more powerful bike, options like the NMAX or PCX are available at higher rates.
- Scoopy or Vario (budget-friendly option): $50 per month
- NMAX or PCX (higher-end scooters): $80 – $120 per month
- Fuel Costs: $2 – $3 per full tank, which lasts several days depending on usage
🚨 Pro Tip: Always check your rental contract for hidden fees and inspect the scooter before renting to avoid additional charges.
Alternative Transport: Ride-Sharing Apps & Taxis
For those who don’t want to ride a scooter, ride-sharing apps like Go-Jek and Grab are a good alternative. They’re affordable for occasional use, but if used daily, costs can add up quickly.
- Go-Jek & Grab: Prices start at $1 per short trip, but frequent rides can add up to $80 – $150 per month
- Blue Bird Taxis: The most reliable taxi service, but more expensive than ride-sharing apps
💡 Recommendation: If you’re staying in Bali for more than a month, renting a Scoopy scooter for $50 per month is the cheapest and most flexible way to get around. It gives you the freedom to explore Bali’s beaches, rice fields, and cafes without relying on taxis or ride-sharing apps.
Food & Eating on a Budget in Bali
One of Bali’s biggest perks is its affordable and delicious food options. Whether you’re dining at local warungs, Western-style cafés, or using food delivery apps, there are plenty of ways to eat well without spending a fortune.
Where to Eat on a Budget
Warungs (Local Eateries): The best value-for-money option, serving authentic Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng, mie goreng, and ayam penyet. Warungs offer large portions with plenty of protein for a fraction of the price of Western food.
💰 Cost: $2 – $3 per meal
Western & Café Dining: If you occasionally crave Western food, you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants catering to expats. While pricier than warungs, they’re still affordable compared to Western countries.
💰 Cost: $5 – $8 per meal
Food Delivery (Go-Jek/GrabFood): Super convenient and budget-friendly, food delivery apps often have promotions and discounts, making eating at home easy and cost-effective. Many warungs and cafés offer delivery meals starting at $2 – $4.
🚨 Pro Tip: Cooking at home doesn’t always save money in Bali, as fresh produce and imported goods can be expensive. Unless you’re meal-prepping in bulk, eating at warungs is often cheaper than grocery shopping and cooking yourself.
💡 Budget Estimate for Food: If you mostly eat at warungs, expect to spend $200 – $250 per month on food, while those who frequently eat at cafés or order food delivery may spend $300 – $400 per month.
Cheap Activities & Gym Memberships in Bali
Living on a budget in Bali doesn’t mean missing out on an active and fun lifestyle. The island offers plenty of affordable activities, from surfing and working out to getting budget-friendly massages. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures or indoor fitness, there’s something for everyone without breaking the bank.
Affordable Things to Do
Surfboard Rental: Bali is famous for its world-class surf spots, and renting a surfboard is surprisingly cheap. Many rental shops near Canggu, Kuta, and Uluwatu offer hourly and daily rates.
💰 Cost: $3 – $4 for a few hours
Local Gym Memberships: If you want to stay fit while on a budget, local gyms offer affordable monthly memberships. These gyms have basic equipment but are great for strength training and cardio.
💰 Cost: $20 – $30 per month
Muay Thai/Boxing Private Lesson: Bali is home to several martial arts and fitness studios where you can book affordable one-on-one training sessions in Muay Thai, boxing, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
💰 Cost: $10 per session
Massages: One of the best things about Bali is the cheap yet high-quality massages. Whether you need a relaxing Balinese massage or a deep-tissue treatment, there are plenty of budget-friendly spas available.
💰 Cost: $6 for 1 hour
🚨 Pro Tip: Many cafés and coworking spaces allow you to work for free as long as you order a drink or meal, making them a great alternative to paid coworking spaces.
💡 Budget Estimate for Activities: If you surf occasionally, go to the gym, and get a massage or two per month, you can expect to spend $50 – $100 per month on activities while still enjoying Bali’s amazing lifestyle.
Where to Work with Fast Wi-Fi in Bali
If you’re working remotely in Bali, having fast and reliable internet is essential. While some budget accommodations offer decent Wi-Fi, speeds can vary depending on location, infrastructure, and the number of users. To stay productive, many digital nomads use coworking spaces or work-friendly cafés for stable, high-speed connections.
Best Places to Work with Fast Wi-Fi
Tribal Cafe: A popular spot among remote workers, offering free Wi-Fi with any coffee or food purchase. The vibe is relaxed, and there are plenty of power outlets.
💰 Cost: Free with a purchase
Dojo Coworking: One of Bali’s best-known coworking spaces, perfect for full-time remote workers. It offers high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioned workspaces, networking events, and community perks.
💰 Cost: $50+ per month
Your Guesthouse: Some guesthouses and budget accommodations offer decent Wi-Fi, but speeds can be unreliable, especially during peak hours. It’s best to check reviews before booking.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, consider working from cafés with good Wi-Fi instead of paying for a coworking membership. Many cafés in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak cater to digital nomads and allow free Wi-Fi use as long as you order something.
💡 Final Recommendation: For occasional work, cafés like Tribal Cafe are a great free option. If you need consistent high-speed internet, investing in a coworking space like Dojo is well worth the price.
Visa Costs for Bali
If you plan to stay in Bali for more than 30 days, you’ll need the right visa option to extend your stay legally. While short-term tourists can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA), long-term visitors, digital nomads, and retirees may prefer longer visa options that allow for extended stays.
Visa Options & Costs
Visa on Arrival (VOA) + Extension (60 Days): The most common visa for travelers wanting to stay beyond 30 days. The VOA is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days, totaling 60 days in Bali.
💰 Cost: $32 per month ($64 total for 60 days)
Longer-Term Visa (1-Year Social Visa): Ideal for those wanting to stay longer without leaving the country frequently. While this visa requires upfront payment, it allows for multiple 6-month extensions and is a good choice for digital nomads and retirees.
💰 Cost: Approximately $32 per month, but paid in advance
🚨 Pro Tip: If you’re staying long-term, hiring a visa agent can simplify the extension process and help navigate visa requirements.
💡 Budget Estimate for Visa: If you extend short-term visas, expect to budget around $32 per month. Those opting for long-term visas should calculate costs upfront based on their preferred duration.
Total Monthly Budget for Living in Bali Under $600
Here’s how your expenses break down:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation: | $350 – $450 |
| Food: | $200 – $250 |
| Transport (Scooter): | $50 |
| Activities & Gym: | $50 – $100 |
| Visa: | $32 |
| Total | $582 – $600 |
Final Verdict: Can You Live in Bali for Under $600/Month?
Yes, living in Bali on a $600/month budget is possible, but it requires smart spending and prioritizing affordability. By making a few lifestyle adjustments, you can enjoy everything Bali has to offer without breaking the bank.
How to Stay Under $600/Month
- Stay in a guesthouse: The most budget-friendly accommodation option, costing $300–$450 per month with shared amenities.
- Eat mostly at warungs: Enjoy local meals for just $2–$3 per dish, instead of dining at expensive Western cafés.
- Use a Scoopy scooter instead of Grab: Renting a Scoopy for $50/month and spending $2–$3 per full tank saves hundreds of dollars compared to daily Grab rides.
- Choose budget-friendly activities: Surfboard rentals, gym memberships, and massages can all be enjoyed for $50–$100 per month while still maintaining a great lifestyle.
💡 Is It Worth It? Absolutely! With the right budgeting approach, living in Bali for under $600 per month is totally doable. You’ll still get to enjoy delicious local food, stunning beaches, and the island’s laid-back charm without overspending.
Curious about other affordable destinations? Check out our guide on 10 Cheapest Countries to Live Like a King on $1,000/Month and explore more budget-friendly places to call home! Would you consider making Bali your next low-cost paradise? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does it cost to live in Bali for 1 month?
A single person can live in Bali for around $660 per month, excluding rent, while a family of four may need $2,350. Budget-friendly options like guesthouses start at $300–$500 per month, but a Western-style lifestyle requires $1,000–$1,500.
What is a good salary to live in Bali?
A comfortable salary in Bali is $1,000–$1,500 per month, covering housing, food, and leisure. Expats often spend more, but locals live on much less, with an average salary of $230 per month.
Is $1,500 enough for a week in Bali?
Yes, $1,500 is more than enough for a week in Bali, covering mid-range accommodations, dining, transport, and activities. Budget travelers can spend under $500, while a higher budget allows for luxury experiences.
