How Much Does Bali Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Bali offers a remarkably wide spectrum of costs, making it accessible for budget backpackers while remaining a premier global destination for high-end luxury. Visitors can maintain a basic lifestyle on as little as $51 / Rp854,926 per day, though a more comfortable mid-range experience typically reaches $115 / Rp1,948,436. Unlike many island destinations, Bali provides excellent value for money regarding food and private transport, though international tourist taxes and visa fees add an initial cost of roughly $38 / Rp648,948 upon arrival. Compared to Western beach hubs like Ibiza or Maui, Bali remains significantly more affordable, especially for those who prioritize local dining and boutique lodging over international resort brands. The cost of living varies by region, with areas like Seminyak and Uluwatu commanding higher prices than inland cultural hubs or quieter coastal villages.
Is Bali expensive to visit?
Bali is great value: plan ~$51 / Rp854,926/day on a budget, ~$115 / Rp1,948,436/day mid-range, or $294+ / Rp4,970,500+/day for luxury.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Bali
$51
per person /day
$115
per person /day
$294
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $152 | $346 | $883 |
| 5-Day Trip | $253 | $577 | $1,471 |
| 7-Day Trip | $354 | $807 | $2,060 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the 10–21% tax and service charges (PB1) added to most restaurant bills, as well as the $2.94 / Rp49,705 ATM withdrawal fees. This extra cushion also covers unexpected costs like sarong donations or the 'protection' fees sometimes encountered at mountain trailheads.
How Does It Compare?
See how Bali stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Bali
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal for Two, Mid-Range Restaurant (3-Course) Average cost for a full dinner at a western-style restaurant (~$29 / Rp492,080). | $29 Rp492,080 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5L Bintang) Costs ~$2.65 / Rp44,735. Buying from local Indomaret/Alfamart is ~$1.53 / Rp25,847 per bottle. | $2.66 Rp44,933 |
| Specialty Coffee (Flat White/Latte) Bali has a world-class cafe scene. Average price ~$2.35 / Rp39,764. | $2.37 Rp39,963 |
| Budget Warung Meal (Nasi Campur) Authentic local food (Warung) is incredibly affordable, ~$2.94 / Rp49,705 per person. | $2.95 Rp49,904 |
Transport (5)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Blue Bird Taxi Flag-down Rate The most reliable metered taxi. Minimum fare for app bookings is ~$1.77 / Rp29,823. | $0.41 Rp6,959 |
| Daily Scooter Rental (Honda Vario 125cc) Costs ~$5.89 / Rp99,410 per day. International Driving Permit (IDP) and helmet are mandatory to avoid fines. | $5.91 Rp99,808 |
| Grab/Gojek Car (Airport to Seminyak) Includes airport parking fees. Roughly ~$11 / Rp178,938 for a private car transfer. | $11 Rp179,733 |
| Kura-Kura Bus (Kuta to Ubud) Reliable tourist shuttle with air conditioning and Wi-Fi for ~$5.89 / Rp99,410. | $5.91 Rp99,808 |
| Speedboat Transfer (Sanur to Nusa Penida) Return tickets often discounted to ~$16 / Rp278,348 total. Check tide times before booking. | $8.86 Rp149,711 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in a social hostel (Canggu/Ubud) Budget around ~$15 / Rp248,525 for a highly-rated hostel with air conditioning and a pool. | $15 Rp249,718 |
| Mid-range Boutique Hotel (Double Room) A quality 4-star room averages ~$88 / Rp1,491,150 per night. Pre-verified data suggests a standard mid-range stay at ~$59–$106 / Rp994,100–Rp1,789,380. | $89 Rp1,497,910 |
| Kastara Resort Ubud (Luxury Tier) High-end suites with private infinity pools. | $196 Rp3,312,739 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Sacred Monkey Forest Entrance Fee International adults are ~$5.91 / Rp99,808 on weekdays and ~$7.09 / Rp119,690 on weekends. | $5.91 Rp99,808 |
| Uluwatu Kecak & Fire Dance Ticket Does not include Uluwatu Temple entrance fee (~$2.94 / Rp49,705). Performance is at sunset. | $8.86 Rp149,711 |
| Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple Entry Adult entry is ~$4.44 / Rp74,955. A sarong is provided and required; open 08:00–18:00. | $4.44 Rp74,955 |
| Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking (All Inclusive) Includes transport, guide, and breakfast on the volcano. | $27 Rp457,286 |
Other (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) - 30 Days Payable online or at the airport. Costs ~$30 / Rp499,237. | $30 Rp499,237 |
| Bali International Tourist Levy Mandatory fee for all international arrivals (~$8.83 / Rp149,115). Best to pay online before arrival. | $8.86 Rp149,711 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Bali is a highlight for budget-conscious travelers, with authentic meals at local establishments like Warung Sika or Warung Makan Bu Mi costing around $2.95 / Rp49,904. In contrast, a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range western-style restaurant averages $29 / Rp492,080, while a specialty flat white coffee in the trendy cafes of Canggu or Ubud is priced near $2.37 / Rp39,963. Buying drinks from local convenience stores like Indomaret is a smart move, as a bottle of Bintang is roughly $1.53 / Rp25,847 compared to $2.66 / Rp44,933 for a draft beer at a bar.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Warung Makan Bu Mi
$1.48–$3.25 / Rp25,051–Rp54,874Canggu · Local chain
Point-and-choose dining; arrive early (12:00) for the freshest selection.
Warung Sika
$1.78–$3.54 / Rp30,022–Rp59,845Canggu · Local chain
Incredible value for money; their fried chicken is a local favorite for ~$1.77 / Rp29,823.
Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka
$3.25–$5.32 / Rp54,874–Rp89,867Ubud · Street food area
The original Ubud location is a rite of passage for first-timers; costs ~$4.41 / Rp74,558.
Sun Sun Warung
$2.07–$4.14 / Rp34,992–Rp69,985Ubud · Bakery
Located inside a traditional family compound, offering a very authentic atmosphere.
Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku
$2.07–$2.95 / Rp34,992–Rp49,904Ubud · Local chain
The 'Spicy' here is real; ask for sambal on the side if you aren't sure.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is most cost-effective via scooter rental at approximately $5.91 / Rp99,808 per day, though this requires an International Driving Permit and extreme caution. For those less confident on two wheels, Blue Bird taxis offer a reliable metered service starting at $0.41 / Rp6,959, while a private car transfer from the airport to Seminyak using Grab or Gojek costs about $11 / Rp179,733. Inter-island travel is managed via speedboat, with a one-way trip from Sanur to Nusa Penida priced at $8.86 / Rp149,711.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation spans from social hostels in Canggu at $15 / Rp249,718 per night to world-class luxury at Kastara Resort Ubud for $196 / Rp3,312,739. The 'sweet spot' for value is found in mid-range boutique hotels, where a quality 4-star room averages $89 / Rp1,497,910 per night. Many travelers find that high-end amenities, such as private infinity pools and daily breakfast, are significantly cheaper here than in European or Caribbean counterparts.
Accommodation Budget in Bali
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Book the Kura-Kura Bus for travel between Kuta and Ubud for just $5.91 / Rp99,808 instead of hiring private drivers.
- 2 Eat at 'Warung' style restaurants like Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku in Ubud to keep meal costs around $2.95 / Rp49,904.
- 3 Purchase a return speedboat ticket for the Sanur to Nusa Penida route to secure a discounted rate of approximately $16 / Rp278,348.
- 4 Apply for the Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) online for $30 / Rp499,237 and pay the $8.86 / Rp149,711 International Tourist Levy before landing to avoid airport queues and potential exchange rate losses.
- 5 Utilize the Gojek or Grab apps for motorbike taxis (ojek) to move quickly through traffic for a fraction of the cost of a car.
- 6 Shop for beer and snacks at Indomaret or Alfamart where a Bintang costs $1.53 / Rp25,847, nearly half the price of beach club service.
- 7 Visit Pura Tirta Empul where the ~$4.44 / Rp74,955 entry fee includes a sarong, so you don't need to rent or buy one outside.
- 8 Book the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek as an all-inclusive package for $27 / Rp457,286 to avoid hidden 'local association' fees at the trailhead.
- 9 Choose a hostel with free breakfast (or a guesthouse with kitchen access) in Ubud or Canggu to keep a realistic budget near $51 / Rp854,926 per day.
- 10 Avoid the airport money changers and use ATMs to withdraw local currency, though be aware of the $2.94 / Rp49,705 per-transaction fee common at most machines.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug, Dec
+30–50%
Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov
-25–40%
Apr, May, Jun, Sep
July and August are the driest and busiest. May and September offer the best balance of sunny weather 27–31°C (80–88°F) and lower hotel rates.
Events to Watch
- ● Christmas/New Year (late Dec): +100% hotel prices
- ● Nyepi (varies, usually March): Total island lockdown
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walk the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud at sunrise for stunning valley views and lush greenery.
- 2 Watch the sunset at Pantai Kelan near the airport to see planes taking off directly over the ocean.
- 3 Visit the Pura Taman Saraswati temple grounds in Ubud to admire the famous lotus ponds and ornate architecture.
- 4 Explore the abandoned plane in South Kuta (The Bukit) located in a limestone quarry near Pandawa Beach.
- 5 Trek through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces early in the morning before the ticket booths officially open at 08:00.
- 6 Sunbathe and watch expert surfers at Suluban Beach, accessed through a unique cave opening in Uluwatu.
- 7 Visit the Gianyar Night Market to soak in the local atmosphere and window shop through the vibrant stalls.
- 8 Walk along the 5km paved beachfront path in Sanur, perfect for a morning stroll or bike ride.
- 9 Witness the daily flower offerings (Canang Sari) being placed at small shrines on almost every street corner in Ubud.
- 10 Explore the sea salt farms in Kusamba to see traditional Balinese salt-making processes (donations are appreciated but not required).
- 11 Visit the Titi Batu Ubud Club on specific community days or enjoy the public viewpoints overlooking the Petanu River.
- 12 Hike to the viewpoint of the iconic Kelingking 'T-Rex' Beach on Nusa Penida (the view is free, though parking may be $0.35 / Rp5,965).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Finns Beach Club VIP Cabana (Up to 15 people)
The ultimate party experience where the entire ~$738 / Rp12,466,014 fee is fully redeemable for premium food and alcohol.
Fine Dining Tasting Menu at Locavore NXT
Globally ranked sustainable dining experience featuring exclusively Indonesian ingredients for ~$88 / Rp1,491,150.
Private Day Driver for Custom Tour (10 Hours)
Avoid the stress of traffic and scooter accidents; a private AC car and knowledgeable guide for ~$47 / Rp795,280/day is unbeatable.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Bali
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Bali and what they cost
Nusa Penida West Coast
$21 / Rp349,526 by boat
$1.48 / Rp25,051
$53 / Rp898,865
Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)
$44 / Rp748,955 by car
$3.25 / Rp54,874
$56 / Rp948,769
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
1 $ ≈ 16,892 Rp
Yes
Widely accepted in Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud hotels/cafes; cash only for markets and local warungs.
Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up for drivers (~$0.59–$1.18 / Rp9,941–Rp19,882) or leaving ~$1.18–$2.35 / Rp19,882–Rp39,764 for guides is standard practice.
Use BNI, BCA, or Mandiri ATMs located inside banks or guarded areas to avoid card skimming. Most ATMs issue 50k or 100k notes.
Expected in art markets (Ubud Market) and for private drivers. Start at 50% of the offer and aim for ~60-70%. Never bargain for food or in fixed-price boutiques.
Connectivity
eSIM: $11–$18 for 10GB (30 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $14–$21 / Rp238,584–Rp357,876 for 25GB at airport booths
WiFi: Excellent in most cafes and hotels; unreliable in remote northern areas.
Buy a Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid SIM at the airport (register your IMEI) for the best island-wide coverage.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Bali.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit Bali?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bali expensive to visit?
How much does Bali cost per day?
How much does a trip to Bali cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit Bali?
What are the hidden costs in Bali?
How can I save money in Bali?
More Bali Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown