🇮🇩 Bali, Indonesia
Bali costs more than most of Southeast Asia but delivers a lifestyle that's hard to replicate elsewhere. The key is getting your setup right — a long-term villa lease, a Telkomsel SIM, and a Dojo membership covers 90% of what you need.
All figures in approximate USD. Last verified May 2026. Prices change frequently — always verify current costs through local expat groups or Numbeo before making relocation decisions.
What's included
| Category | Monthly | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Accommodation | $500 | Private room in a guesthouse or budget villa share in Canggu. |
| 🍜 Food | $300 | Warungs and local markets exclusively. Nasi goreng for $2, fresh juice for $1. |
| 💻 Coworking | $100 | Café WiFi or occasional Dojo day passes for heavy work days. |
| 🚌 Transport | $80 | Scooter rental is essential — $5–7/day or $100–150/month. |
| Total | $980 | Guesthouse life, warung meals, free café WiFi |
What things actually cost in Bali
✓ Best for
- •Nomads who want wellness, surf, and community alongside remote work
- •Creative professionals — Bali attracts an exceptional creative community
- •Anyone who can handle the 30+30 day tourist visa limit
- •People who work async and don't need perfect WiFi every single day
✗ Avoid if
- •You need rock-solid WiFi for daily video calls — power outages affect connectivity
- •January and February — wet season peak means heavy daily rain
- •You're uncomfortable on a scooter — there's no practical alternative
Money tips for Bali
- 1
Never book short-term Airbnb when planning a month-long stay — negotiate directly with villa owners for 40–60% savings
- 2
Get your Telkomsel SIM at Ngurah Rai Airport from the official kiosk, not outside resellers
- 3
Use Grab for airport transfers — significantly cheaper than taxi touts
- 4
Ubud accommodation is cheaper than Canggu for similar quality — consider splitting your time
- 5
Power outages are real — a fully charged laptop and power bank are non-negotiable
IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) — All figures in USD. 1 USD ≈ 15,800 IDR as of May 2026. Verify current rates before travel.