Bali is one of the most flexible destinations when it comes to cost because it caters to both budget backpackers and luxury travelers. Bali can be incredibly affordable or quite expensive, it all depends on your travel style, lifestyle, and how you plan.
If you're planning a vacation and wondering how cheap Bali is, this guide will help you break down the actual trip cost. From accommodation and food to transport and activities, here’s what you’ll spend, and how to decide if Bali is cheap to visit.
If you’re asking if Bali is cheap to visit, the answer is yes, especially for budget travelers. A daily spend of $10 to $20 covers hostels or homestays, meals at local warungs, and free attractions like beaches, lakes, and rice fields.
For mid range travelers, daily spending is around $50 to $100. This budget covers a comfortable hotel or budget friendly villa, meals at cafés, and transport like a scooter rental or ride hailing services. The cost of this island paradise is adjustable for all kinds of travel styles.
Luxury travelers might spend $200 or more per day. This includes 5 star hotels, private villas with pools, fine dining, and a private driver. Despite this, prices in Bali remain competitive compared to many global destinations.
You can lower your daily budget during the island's low season. It’s the best time to visit Bali because all daily expenses can be half off and most tourist areas have fewer crowds.
Is Bali cheap when it comes to accommodation? Yes, especially for solo travelers and backpackers. Hostels and homestays cost between $5 and $20 per night and often include air conditioning and private bathrooms.
Sharing a room with friends or using travel apps for discounts can make your stay even more affordable. The island's low season often comes with up to 50% off, making the prices in this serene island even cheaper.
For couples and families place to stay in Bali, guesthouses and mid range hotels are the best option with price range from $30 to $150 per night. Villas with private pools in areas like Sanur, Kuta, or Kerobokan can be found for as low as $100 per night.
Luxury travelers can enjoy premium villas like SOLO, Canggu Circle, Nara Villa, Sanora Villa, Kecapi Villa, or La Mira Villa, starting from $150 per night. These are ideal for families with young children who need space and comfort.
Long stays or living on this tropical island are also affordable. The average rent starts at $180 per month for shared housing, making the cost of living in Bali very affordable for long stays.
Is Bali cheap to eat and drink? Absolutely. Street food such as nasi goreng, satay, or nasi jinggo costs just $1 to $3 per portion. Local warungs offer hearty meals like nasi campur or babi guling from $2 to $5.
Casual restaurants and cozy cafes serve Instagram-worthy meals for $10 to $20. These places are ideal for brunch, offering both beautiful ambiance and delicious food.
Fine dining in tourist areas like Canggu, Seminyak, or Ubud starts from $30 per person. The prices in Bali vary based on where and what you eat, but most travelers mix things up, street food one day, cafés the next, and a luxury dinner after that.
So, is Bali cheap for food? Yes, it can be very affordable, and the culinary scene is diverse and exciting for all budgets. Prices in this Indonesian paradise are also competitive compared to destinations like Thailand or Malaysia.
Public transportation in this island is limited, with Trans Metro Dewata buses only run in parts of Denpasar, Badung, and Gianyar, and may not serve tourist areas well. Grab and Gojek ride-hailing apps are widely used, offering trips starting from just $1.
Scooter rentals are another great option and cost about $5 to $10 per day, depending on the model. If you're traveling with family, hiring a private car and driver costs around $50 per day, excluding gas and parking fees.
You can also reduce transportation costs by staying in walkable areas like Canggu, Ubud, or Seminyak. This makes the trip to Bali cost manageable, as transport remains one of the island’s most budget friendly aspects.
Many tourists don’t realize how many free things there are to do in Bali. Beaches, scenic rice fields, and hiking spots like Campuhan Ridge Walk are all free, with only small parking fees.
These attractions make Bali cheap to visit for travelers who enjoy nature and culture, you can spend entire days exploring without spending much at all. For those seeking more curated experiences, spa treatments, yoga classes, and cultural workshops cost around $20 to $50.
Family friendly activities like safari or zoo range from $15 to $20 per person. But families can also take the cheapest things to Bali with kids such as swimming, kayaking, or cycling in kids friendly beaches like Sanur.
Premium options like diving, beach clubs, or private excursions can go over $100. Again, whether Bali is expensive or cheap for activities depends on how you choose to spend your time.
The cost to go to Bali also depends on your flight and visa. Return flights from Australia cost around AUD 400, while flights from the US may exceed $1,000.
Visa rules vary by country. Tourists from countries like Singapore and Hong Kong can enter visa free. Others must pay for a Visa on Arrival, which costs around $30 to $35 depending on your currency.
Flights and visa fees can increase your overall trip to Bali cost, so it’s important to include them in your travel budget. Make sure to book your flights early so you don’t miss out on great deals and promos.
So, is Bali cheap or not? It depends on your travel choices and how long you stay in Bali. With smart planning, the island can be incredibly affordable or even luxurious, without breaking the bank.
For a one week stay, Bali is cheap with budgets starting under $1,000. Longer stays, depending on your lifestyle, may cost over $5,000 or more per month.
If you're traveling with family, book your stay at SOLO, one of Bali’s best family villas. It offers privacy, spacious rooms, and a warm atmosphere that blends value and comfort perfectly.