Before booking a trip to Bali, one of the first things you probably Google is:
“Is Bali expensive?”
Same.
And after spending time there ourselves, I can confidently say:
? Bali can be incredibly cheap… or shockingly expensive.
It all depends on how you travel.
In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly what things cost in Bali. From hotels and food to transportation and activities. Plus what we personally experienced (and where we may have gone a little overboard… looking at you, poolside cocktails ?).
? Is Bali Expensive? A Real Look at Costs
Short answer: No…but it can be. Here’s what a Bali travel budget looks like:
- Budget travelers can spend as little as $40–$70 per day
- Mid-range travelers average $80–$140 per day
- Luxury travel can easily hit $200+ per day
? That’s what makes Bali so unique. It fits almost any budget.
? Bali Budget Per Day (Realistic Breakdown)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–$30 | $40–$100 | $150+ |
| Food | $5–$15 | $20–$40 | $50+ |
| Transport | $5–$10 | $10–$25 | $30+ |
| Activities | $5–$15 | $20–$50 | $75+ |
| Total | $40–$70 | $80–$140 | $200+ |
?️ Is Bali Expensive for a Week?
From our experience, for a 1-week trip to Bali, here’s what you can expect:
- Budget: $300–$500
- Mid-range: $600–$1,000
- Luxury: $1,500+
Flights not included.
? This makes Bali one of the most affordable tropical destinations for longer stays.
? Bali Accommodation Cost
When asking “is Bali expensive,” accommodation is usually the biggest factor that will impact your overall budget.
You can spend $10 a night… or $500+, depending on your travel style.
The best part? Even mid-range stays in Bali often feel like luxury.
Where to Stay in Bali (By Budget)
We always use Booking.com to compare prices and find deals. It’s usually the easiest way to see what’s available within your budget.
? Budget Stays ($10–$30/night)
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, Bali has no shortage of affordable guesthouses and homestays.
You’ll find:
- simple but clean rooms
- family-run properties
- breakfast often included
We found that the best area for this is usually Ubud, where you can stay surrounded by jungle and still pay next to nothing.
✨ You can read our Ubud Travel Guide here! It’s a one day itinerary…but trust me, you’ll want more than one day!
? Browse budget stays in Ubud here: Budget Hotels in Ubud
? Mid-Range Stays ($40–$100/night)
This is where Bali really shines, and where we usually land.
You can get:
- boutique hotels
- beautiful pools
- great locations near restaurants and shops
We stayed at The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali in Kuta, and it was one of the best-value stays of our entire trip. Lagoon pool access, beach views, and incredible food. It was definitely a luxury stay…without the price tag. We couldn’t believe the low price for what you get.
✨Read our full Kuta Bali travel guide here.
? Check availability and similar stays in Kuta: Affordable Stays in Kuta
? Luxury Stays ($150+/night)
If you want to splurge, Bali is one of the best places in the world to do it.
Think:
- private villas with pools
- oceanfront resorts
- next-level service
We treated ourselves to a stay at the AYANA Resort Bali. Home to the famous Rock Bar Bali (if you don’t know about this…check out the link below ?) It was one of those “this is why we travel” moments.
✨Read the full article on the Rock Bar here
? Browse luxury stays in Bali here: Luxury Stays in Bali
❗️Prices in Bali can vary a lot depending on the season, so it’s always worth checking current rates before booking.
? Best Areas to Stay in Bali
Choosing where to stay can completely change your experience in Bali.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Kuta → beaches, nightlife, shopping
- Ubud → jungle, culture, temples
- Canggu → trendy cafes, surfing, digital nomads
? Our Experience
We stayed in a mix of places such as budget-friendly stays in Ubud to a splurge at a resort along Jimbaran Bay (which is technically part of the South Kuta District).
And honestly? Bali is one of the only places in the world where luxury feels attainable.
Private pools, insane views, breakfast included… all for less than a basic hotel back home.
? Bali Food Prices: What to Expect
If you love food (hi, it’s me), Bali is a dream. If you’re wondering “is Bali expensive” when it comes to food, this is actually where you can save a lot of money. Here’s what we spent:
Local Food (BEST value)
- Warungs (local restaurants): $2–$5 per meal
Cafes & Western Food
- Brunch & smoothie bowls: $6–$12
- Dinner: $10–$20
Drinks
- Fresh juice: $1–$3
- Beer: $2–$5
- Cocktails: $8–$15
? Real Talk
You can eat for $10 a day if you stick to local food.
Or…
You can spend $25 on brunch and $15 on cocktails without even blinking (guilty).
? Transportation Costs in Bali
Getting around Bali is relatively cheap…but not always convenient.
Options:
- Scooter rental: $5–$10 per day
- Gas: $2–$3 per day
- Private driver (full day): $30–$60
- Grab/taxi rides: $2–$10 per trip
? What We Did
We unexpectedly stumbled upon a private driver in Ubud, and it was the best find ever.
Affordable, stress-free, and we didn’t have to attempt driving a scooter in Bali traffic (which looks like organized chaos at best).
?️ Activities & Attractions Costs
This is where Bali really shines. You can do a LOT without spending much.
Free or Cheap Things
- Beaches: free
- Rice terraces: ~$1–$2
- Waterfalls: ~$1–$3
Paid Activities
- Temples: $5–$10
- Snorkeling/diving: $25–$40
- Massages: $10–$30 (yes, really)
? Our Experience
We did:
- Monkey forest
- Rice terraces
- Elephant sanctuary
- Parasailing & jet skiing
- Massages
And none of it felt outrageously expensive.
We always take a look at GetYourGuide for excursions in the area. They are super trust worthy and you’ll know exactly what you’re getting in to. Click the link to explore all the great things you can do in Bali!
Sometimes shopping the vendors along the streets can be cheaper..so take a look at both and make a decision based on your comfort level! We spoke with the vendors first, then researched different excursions online. We went with the vendors because:
1. They are SO friendly and appreciative of your business!
2. They gave us super helpful tips on other things to see and do in the area. Google doesn’t always give you allll the deets.
✈️ Flights to Bali
This is usually your biggest expense.
- From the U.S.: $800–$2,000 round trip
This is where you either save big… or start crying. It’s sometimes cheaper to fly from the US to somewhere closer to Bali. Not directly. We came from Singapore and saved so much money..and also got to hang out in Singapore. Win win.
Have an issue with your flight to Bali? AirHelp might be able to help you get some money back for your troubles.
? Hidden Costs in Bali (Don’t Skip This)
These are the things people don’t always talk about:
- Visa on arrival: ~$30–$35
- Tourist tax: ~$10–$15 per person
- Travel insurance: highly recommended
- ATMs & currency exchange fees
? How Much Does a Bali Trip Cost? (Real Examples)
Budget Traveler (Backpacker Style)
- $40–$70 per day
? Hostels, local food, scooters
Mid-Range Traveler (Most People)
- $80–$140 per day
? Hotels, mix of food, activities
Luxury Traveler
- $200-$500+ per day
? Villas, beach clubs, private tours
? Tips to Save Money in Bali
If you want to keep costs low:
- Eat at local warungs
- Use Grab instead of taxis
- Book accommodations outside major hotspots
- Travel in shoulder season (cheaper prices)
- Don’t overbook tours. Many things are cheap or free
If you’re trying to travel Bali on a budget while also being mindful of your impact (which I highly recommend practicing here), we put together a full Eco Tourism Guide on how to travel more responsibly without sacrificing your experience…or your bank account.
? Is Bali Expensive Compared to Other Destinations?
Compared to places like:
- Europe
- Australia
- the U.S.
? Bali is significantly cheaper
But compared to:
- Thailand
- Vietnam
? It’s starting to get slightly more expensive, especially in popular areas like Canggu.
? Final Thoughts: Is Bali Expensive?
So, is Bali expensive? Not necessarily. It all comes down to how you choose to travel.
Bali is one of those rare destinations where:
- You can travel on a tight budget
- OR live your luxury dream
…Or both if you plan it right.
For us?
? It felt like we were getting way more value for what we spent.
And that’s what makes Bali so special.
