Living in Lombok Cost of Living & Lifestyle Breakdown

If you’ve been daydreaming about island life, but Bali’s crowds, prices, and party scene have you second-guessing, Lombok might just be your tropical soulmate. Over the past few years, this quieter neighbor to Bali has quietly gained traction among digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers who want paradise without the chaos.

And the best part? The Living in Lombok cost of living is noticeably lower, giving you more freedom to explore, relax, and even save money while sipping coconuts by the beach.

But let’s get real:
How much does it actually cost to live in Lombok for a month?
Is it really that much cheaper than Bali?
And what’s the lifestyle like for remote workers, families, or solo travelers?

This 2025 guide breaks it all down, accommodation, transportation, food, fitness, coworking, activities, and insider tips, so you can decide if Lombok deserves a spot on your “next home” vision board. Let’s dive in.

1. Cost of Renting a Scooter in Lombok

If you’re planning to live in Lombok, even just for a month, you’ll quickly realize that a scooter isn’t optional… it’s essential. Unlike Bali, where you can often walk or grab a Gojek in a pinch, distances in Lombok are longer and public transport is pretty much nonexistent.

So, how does this factor into the overall Living in Lombok cost of living?

Monthly Scooter Rental Breakdown:

• Mid-Range Scooter (comfy, reliable) – Around 2 million IDR/month (~$125 USD)
• Gasoline – Just 55,000 IDR (~$3.50) per full tank, and that lasts a whole week unless you’re zipping across the island every day

Verdict: While the scooter rental price is similar to Bali, gas is actually a little cheaper in Lombok, which adds up if you’re staying long-term or exploring often. You’ll find plenty of rental shops in Kuta Lombok offering decent deals, especially if you’re staying 2+ weeks. Just make sure your brakes work and your helmet isn’t older than you.

2. Accommodation Costs in Lombok

If you’ve ever looked at Bali rental prices and thought, “That’s cute, but my wallet said no,”,Lombok might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Compared to Bali, housing in Lombok is noticeably cheaper, and the value you get for your money? Honestly, kind of shocking in a good way. Clean, modern rooms with natural light, peaceful settings, and even breakfast included, without the Bali price tag.

Here’s how accommodation factors into your overall Living in Lombok cost of living:

Types of Accommodation & Prices:

• Airbnb (Short-Term Stay) – Around $30/night for stylish, modern rooms with AC and Wi-Fi
• Monthly Rental (Mid-Range Private Room + Breakfast) – About 13 million IDR (~$800 USD/month)
• Budget-Friendly Guesthouses (Shared Amenities) – Ranges from 6 to 8 million IDR (~$370–$500/month)

Example Property:

One popular setup: a private villa with a shared kitchen and quiet surroundings runs around 8 million IDR/month (~$500 USD). That’s tough to beat, even in quieter parts of Bali like Uluwatu.

Verdict: When it comes to quality-to-price ratio, Lombok absolutely wins. If you’re staying longer than a week and want something peaceful, clean, and Instagram-worthy without Bali’s premium pricing, this island delivers.

3. Food & Grocery Costs in Lombok

One of the best parts of island life? You don’t need to be a millionaire to eat well. Whether you’re feasting on nasi goreng or sipping a smoothie bowl with an ocean view, Lombok keeps it delicious, and affordable.

Food is a major piece of the Living in Lombok cost of living puzzle, and thankfully, it’s easy to stay full without breaking the bank.

Eating Out in Lombok:

• Local Warungs (Indonesian diners) – Expect to pay $2–$3 USD per meal (think: rice, veggies, tempeh, chicken, sambal,chef’s kiss)
• Western Restaurants – Sit-down meals usually run $4–$6 USD, depending on how bougie your burger is
• High-End Cafés with Views – Starting at around $5 USD, especially if there’s avocado involved

So yes, you can still enjoy smoothie bowls and oat milk lattes,just don’t expect Bali’s café overload.

Food Delivery Apps in Lombok:

• ASAP Food is the main option, and while it works, it’s not as smooth or fast as GoJek or Grab in Bali
• Pro tip: Many cafés and warungs take WhatsApp orders directly, Lombok is casual like that

Verdict: Food costs are nearly identical to Bali, though there’s less variety overall, especially when it comes to vegan, gluten-free, or international cuisine. That said, if you’re flexible and happy with tasty local food, you’ll do just fine, and save a ton compared to Western prices.

4. Gym & Fitness Costs in Lombok

If staying active is part of your lifestyle (or you’re trying to undo the nasi goreng damage), Lombok’s fitness scene has your back, just don’t expect a wall of mirrors and cucumber-infused towels.

Fitness options are growing on the island, especially around Kuta Lombok, but they’re still a little more functional than fancy.

Let’s talk numbers and how this fits into your Living in Lombok cost of living plan.

Gym Memberships in Lombok:

• Basic Gym Memberships – Around 1.65 million IDR/month (~$105 USD). These typically include decent equipment and basic classes.
• High-End Gyms w/ Recovery Zones (Sauna & Ice Bath) – Up to 2.6 million IDR/month (~$165 USD). These are the closest thing to a Bali-style wellness hub.

Muay Thai & Boxing Classes:

• Private Sessions – Around $10 USD per session
• Group Classes – Rates vary by gym but are often slightly cheaper than in Bali, and some include open training hours

Most of the gyms have more of a raw, open-air vibe, less Equinox, more Rocky Balboa. But if you like a no-frills sweat session, you’ll fit right in.

Verdict: Gym prices in Lombok are very similar to Bali, but don’t expect the same level of luxury or variety. Still, if your goal is to stay fit without blowing your budget, Lombok delivers just enough.

5. Coworking Spaces & Internet in Lombok

Let’s be honest, no matter how gorgeous the beach is, bad Wi-Fi can ruin everything if you’re working remotely. While Lombok isn’t a digital nomad hotspot yet, it’s getting there, slowly but surely.

This part of the Living in Lombok cost of living guide matters most if you’re planning to work from your laptop in paradise.

Coworking Spaces:

• The Spot Coworking (Kuta Lombok) – Cozy space with community vibes and decent coffee. Monthly membership: 2.3 million IDR (~$145 USD)
• Not Bali-level options yet, but it covers the basics: decent desks, fans, a quiet-ish environment, and fast Wi-Fi (most days)

Internet Quality:

• Wi-Fi is hit-or-miss. Some cafés and guesthouses have strong, stable connections… others, not so much
• Expect occasional power outages and speed drops, especially in rural or beachy areas
• Good news: A few coworking spaces and villas are preparing to install Starlink, which could be a game-changer for remote workers in 2025

Verdict: Lombok’s coworking scene is still developing, with fewer options and less consistency than Bali. But if you’re flexible and okay with a bit of island unpredictability, it’s manageable, and the peace and quiet might even help you focus better.

6. Outdoor Activities & Surfing in Lombok

If you came for the views, waves, and salty air,you’re in the right place. Lombok is a playground for surfers, yogis, and nature lovers, without the Bali-level crowds or price tags.

This is where the Living in Lombok cost of living really starts to shine: adventure here doesn’t break the bank.

Surfing in Lombok:

• Surfboard Rental – Around 50,000 IDR/session (~$3.25 USD), pretty much the same as Bali
• Surf Lessons (Instructor + Boat Ride) – About 500,000 IDR (~$32 USD) per class
• Popular surf spots include Gerupuk, Mawi, and Selong Belanak, with beginner-friendly waves and local guides everywhere

Yoga Classes:

• Drop-in yoga classes average 130,000 IDR (~$8.50 USD),same price as in Bali, but smaller class sizes and a more laid-back vibe

Exploring Beaches & Nature:

• Beach Entrance Fees – Around 10,000 IDR (~$0.65 USD) per visit
• National Parks / Sunset Viewpoints – Expect 100,000 IDR (~$6.50 USD) per person for scenic spots like Bukit Merese or Rinjani park entrances

Verdict: Lombok offers all the outdoor fun at lower prices, especially for surfers and sunset chasers. While Bali might have more activity variety, Lombok’s simplicity and affordability make it a dream for nature-lovers on a budget.

7. Comparing Lombok vs. Bali: Which Is Better?

So how does Lombok really stack up to Bali? While Bali is still the king of Southeast Asia’s digital nomad scene, Lombok is quietly becoming a serious contender, especially if you’re drawn to quieter vibes and more affordable living.

Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you decide which island fits your lifestyle and your Living in Lombok cost of living expectations:

Who Should Choose Lombok Over Bali?

✅ Digital nomads who prefer peace, nature, and less hustle
✅ Budget travelers who want Bali vibes,minus the Bali prices
✅ Surfers looking for less crowded, more relaxed breaks
✅ People who enjoy smaller communities and fewer distractions

Who Should Stick with Bali?

❌ If you rely heavily on ultra-fast Wi-Fi and coworking communities
❌ If your love language is nightlife and international dining
❌ If you want easy access to luxury gyms, spas, and conveniences

Final Verdict: Is Lombok Worth Moving To?

If you’re craving peaceful beaches, lush landscapes, and a cost of living that doesn’t make your wallet cry, then Lombok just might be your dream island.

Compared to Bali, the Living in Lombok cost of living is noticeably lower, especially when it comes to accommodation and transportation. The slower pace, uncrowded surf spots, and tight-knit local vibe make it ideal for digital nomads, long-term travelers, and anyone who’s tired of Bali’s hustle. If you’re wondering, Can you still live in Bali for under $600 per month?, Lombok often offers an even better deal for the same budget, with fewer tourists and more authenticity.

That said, it’s not perfect.

• You’ll trade fast Wi-Fi and endless café options for patchy internet and a more limited food scene
• You won’t find many luxury gyms or co-working chains (yet), but you will find balance, space, and a deeper connection to nature

Bottom line: If you want calm over chaos, simplicity over status, and a solid quality of life without overspending, Lombok is 100% worth considering.

Would you choose Lombok over Bali? Or are you team smoothie-bowl-and-Gojek forever?
Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your take!

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