While Bali is an island and province of Indonesia, rather than a country itself, it is widely considered a cheap travel destination when compared to many other places around the world.
According to our reference, when considering the cost of being in Bali:
It's better to think in terms of setting a travel budget rather than trying to work out how much it costs to be in Bali. Is Bali expensive? Not really. In fact, it's often significantly cheaper than other destinations, and certainly, it's cheaper than the average costs of living back home.
This highlights that the cost of travel and living in Bali is relatively low, often significantly more affordable than many popular tourist spots globally and the typical expenses in Western countries.
Understanding the Cost of Bali
Thinking about Bali's cost involves looking at various factors, but the overall sentiment is that it offers great value, especially for travelers coming from countries with higher costs of living.
How Bali's Costs Compare
- Compared to Other Destinations: Bali is frequently cited as being significantly cheaper than many other popular travel destinations in Asia, Europe, or the Americas. This applies to accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
- Compared to "Back Home": For many international visitors, the average costs of living back home are considerably higher than what you would typically spend in Bali for everyday needs, dining out, or even luxury experiences.
Budgeting for Your Bali Trip
Instead of focusing solely on whether it's "cheap," it's more practical to think about setting a travel budget. The good news is that a modest budget in Bali can often stretch much further than in other places.
Consider these aspects when budgeting:
- Accommodation: Options range from very affordable guesthouses and hostels to luxurious villas. Even mid-range options can be surprisingly inexpensive compared to international standards.
- Food: Local food (Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Satay) is incredibly cheap and delicious, available at warungs (local eateries). Western food and tourist restaurants are more expensive but still often less than equivalent places elsewhere.
- Transport: Renting a scooter is very cheap, or you can use ride-sharing apps for affordable car transport. Taxis are also readily available.
- Activities: Entrance fees to temples and attractions are generally low. Activities like massages, yoga classes, and cooking classes are also often very reasonably priced.
While luxury options can be expensive anywhere, the baseline costs for essential needs and enjoyable experiences in Bali make it a highly budget-friendly destination for many.
