Living in Bali is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a high quality of life in Southeast Asia. But costs have changed a lot since the post-COVID nomad wave. Here’s what you’ll actually spend in 2026.
TL;DR — Monthly Cost Summary
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $300–500 | $500–900 | $900–1,500 |
| Food | $200–300 | $300–500 | $500–800 |
| Coworking | $0–50 | $80–150 | $150–250 |
| Transport | $50–100 | $100–150 | $150–300 |
| Health & Insurance | $50–80 | $80–150 | $150–300 |
| SIM & Internet | $10–15 | $15–25 | $25–40 |
| Entertainment | $50–100 | $100–250 | $250–500 |
| Total | $660–1,145 | $1,175–2,125 | $2,125–3,690 |
Accommodation
Canggu
Canggu remains the most popular area for digital nomads. Expect to pay:
- Room in a shared villa: $300–500/month
- Private studio/1BR: $500–800/month
- Nice 1BR villa with pool: $800–1,500/month
Ubud
Ubud is quieter and generally 20–30% cheaper than Canggu:
- Room in a guesthouse: $200–350/month
- 1BR with rice field view: $400–700/month
Sanur
A more relaxed, family-friendly area:
- 1BR apartment: $350–600/month
- Villa: $600–1,200/month
Pro tip: Book on Airbnb or Booking.com for the first week, then negotiate directly with landlords for monthly rates — you’ll save 30–50%.
Food & Dining
Bali offers incredible value if you eat local:
- Local warung meal: $1.50–3
- Western café lunch: $5–10
- Nice restaurant dinner: $10–20
- Groceries (weekly): $20–40
If you cook at home and eat at warungs, $200–300/month is very doable. Add regular café visits and you’re looking at $400–500.
Coworking Spaces
Bali has one of the best coworking scenes in Southeast Asia:
- Dojo Bali (Canggu): from $130/month
- Outpost (Canggu/Ubud): from $150/month
- Hubud (Ubud): from $120/month
- Café working (buying coffee): $50–80/month effectively
Many nomads alternate between cafés and coworking spaces.
Transport
Most people get around by scooter:
- Scooter rental: $50–80/month
- Grab/Gojek rides: $1–3 per trip
- International driving permit: recommended but rarely checked
Health & Insurance
- SafetyWing (nomad insurance): ~$45/month
- Local clinic visit: $10–30
- Dentist cleaning: $20–40
- Gym membership: $30–50/month
Visa Costs
As of 2026, the main options for staying in Bali:
- B211A visa (60 days, extendable to 180): ~$300 via agent
- Digital Nomad Visa (E33G): for stays over 6 months
- Visa on Arrival (30 days, extendable once): $35
Internet & SIM Cards
- Telkomsel tourist SIM (30GB): ~$10/month
- Home WiFi (if renting villa): usually included
- Coworking WiFi: 50–100 Mbps typical
Is Bali Still Worth It in 2026?
Yes — but it’s no longer the ultra-cheap paradise of 2019. Budget nomads can still live well on $1,000–1,200/month. For a comfortable lifestyle with regular dining out and a nice villa, budget $1,500–2,500.
The combination of weather, community, food, and affordability still makes Bali one of the best places for digital nomads in the world.
FAQ
How much money do I need per month in Bali?
A comfortable digital nomad lifestyle costs $1,500–2,500/month. Budget travelers can manage on $800–1,200.
Is Bali cheaper than Thailand?
Bali and Chiang Mai are comparable. Bali accommodation can be slightly cheaper, but Bangkok offers more variety at different price points.
Do I need a visa to work remotely in Bali?
Technically, you need a visa that permits remote work (like the B211A or Digital Nomad Visa). A tourist visa doesn’t officially allow working, though enforcement is minimal for remote workers.
What’s the best area in Bali for digital nomads?
Canggu for the social scene and coworking options. Ubud for a quieter, nature-focused lifestyle. Sanur for a more relaxed vibe.