Let’s get real. One of the most common questions people ask before coming to Bali is:
“How much does a trip to Bali actually cost?”
The answer? It can be as cheap or as bougie as you want.
Bali has this magical ability to fit almost any budget. You can live like royalty in a private villa for less than a hotel room back home. Or you can travel super cheap, eat street food, and still enjoy the beauty of the island without burning a hole in your wallet.
In this guide, we’ll break it down — flights, food, transport, activities, and sneaky costs — to help you plan the perfect Bali trip without surprises.
1. Flights to Bali: What You Can Expect
Let’s start with your biggest upfront cost: the flight.
Round-trip airfare (per person):
- From the US/Canada: $700 – $1,200+
- From Europe: $600 – $1,000+
- From Australia: $250 – $600
- From Southeast Asia: $100 – $300
Tips to save:
- Use Google Flights or Skyscanner and set alerts.
- Travel during the shoulder season (March–April or October–November) for lower fares.
- Consider flying into Jakarta and then taking a budget airline to Bali.
2. Accommodation in Bali
Bali has everything — from $10/night hostels to $2,000/night luxury resorts. It depends on your vibe.
Budget travelers
- Hostel bed or guesthouse: $10 – $25/night
- Homestays in Ubud or Canggu can be clean, cozy, and cheap. Plus, you get to support local families.
Mid-range
- Boutique hotels and villas: $30 – $100/night
- Expect a pool, air-con, maybe even breakfast included.
Luxury
- Private pool villa or 5-star resort: $150 – $500+ per night
- Think ocean views, in-villa massages, and floating breakfasts.
Pro Tip:
Book your first few nights ahead of time, then explore different areas as you go. Many travelers end up moving around between Ubud, Uluwatu, Canggu, and beyond.
3. Daily Food Costs in Bali
You can spend $3 or $300 a day on food in Bali — it’s totally up to you.
Local warung meals:
- Nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), or ayam bakar (grilled chicken): $1.50 – $3
- Big flavor, small price.
Trendy cafes & Western food:
- Smoothie bowl, sandwich, coffee: $5 – $10
- Canggu and Seminyak are full of Instagrammable cafés and restaurants.
Fancy dinners:
- Upscale beach clubs, tasting menus, or fine dining: $30 – $100+ per person
- Worth it for a splurge night or sunset experience.
Money-saving hacks:
- Eat where locals eat — it’s tastier and cheaper.
- Many cafés offer lunch specials or combo deals.
- Stick to filtered water (or refill bottles) to avoid buying plastic and getting sick.
4. Transportation: How to Get Around Bali
Bali doesn’t have trains or metros, so you’ll mostly rely on scooters, drivers, or apps.
Scooter rental:
- $5 – $7/day (or ~$50/month long-term)
- Fuel: Around $1.50 to fill the tank
- Best for confident riders. Always wear a helmet.
Private driver for a full day tour:
- $35 – $60 (up to 10 hours, car fits 4–5 people)
- Great for day trips to temples, waterfalls, etc.
Grab / Gojek apps (like Uber):
- Short rides around town: $1 – $4
- Scooter taxis are even cheaper and faster in traffic.
Airport transfer:
- Around $10 – $25 depending on your destination
Pro Tip:
Don’t try to cover the whole island in a day. Bali traffic can be slow, so choose one region to explore at a time.
5. Entrance Fees & Activities
Many of Bali’s most beautiful places are super affordable to visit — or free!
Popular entrance fees:
- Waterfalls: $1 – $3 (Tegenungan, Sekumpul, etc.)
- Temples: $1 – $5 (Tirta Empul, Tanah Lot, etc.)
- Mount Batur sunrise hike: $25 – $45 (includes guide)
- Cooking class: $20 – $35
- Yoga class: $8 – $15
- Surf lesson: $15 – $30
Free things to do:
- Walk around Ubud’s rice fields
- Visit local markets
- Chill on the beach and catch the sunset
- Watch a Balinese ceremony (respectfully)
Money-saving tip:
Get a driver and split tour costs with friends or fellow travelers. You’ll save more than booking individual tours.
6. SIM Card & Connectivity
Yes, you can stay connected in Bali.
Prepaid SIM with data:
- $5 – $10 for 20–30 GB (valid for 30 days)
- Providers: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat
- Buy it at the airport or any phone shop — staff will usually help you set it up.
Or just rely on Wi-Fi. Most cafés, restaurants, and hotels have it — though speeds can vary.
7. Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
It might seem like a boring expense, but if something goes wrong (accidents, sickness, lost items), you’ll be glad you had it.
Average cost: $40 – $80 for a 2-week trip
Make sure it covers:
- Medical emergencies
- Scooter accidents (if you plan to ride)
- Trip cancellations
8. Daily Budget Cheat Sheet
Here’s a rough guide of what you might spend per day in Bali:
| Traveler Type | Accommodation | Food & Drinks | Transport | Activities | Total/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $15 | $10 | $5 | $5 | ~$35 |
| Mid-range | $40 | $20 | $10 | $10 | ~$80 |
| Luxury | $150+ | $50+ | $30 | $30+ | $250+ |
Budget for souvenirs, SIM card, travel insurance, and some shopping too.
9. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Let’s be honest — it’s easy to overspend in Bali if you’re not careful.
Watch out for:
- Overpriced taxis at the airport (pre-book or use apps)
- Beach club minimum spends ($25 – $100 just to get a seat)
- Hotel taxes (10–21% may be added to your bill)
- Tempting spa deals everywhere you turn (resist… or don’t 😄)
Is Bali Expensive?
Not really — if you plan smart.
You can do Bali on a backpacker budget of under $40/day or go full luxury and spend thousands a week. What makes Bali special is that both types of travelers — and everyone in between — can have an amazing time.
Pro tips for spending less in Bali:
- Travel during shoulder season for lower prices
- Eat at warungs (local restaurants)
- Stay longer in one area to save on transport
- Share rides, tours, and even villas with travel buddies
With the right balance, Bali gives you more bang for your buck than almost anywhere else in the world.
