Cost of living in Bali
The most common question I get on this site is “How can I get a job in Bali?”. The second most common question is “How much does it cost to live in Bali?” It is a very difficult question to answer, as everyone has different needs and expenses.
I hope this information can at least serve as a general guide for people wanting to live in Bali.
Some factors which influence the cost of living in Bali:
Location
The closer you are to tourist areas, the more you can expect to pay. The south of Bali is also generally more expensive than the north.
Language ability
The greater your language ability, the better ability you will have to negotiate prices. Bahasa Indonesia is good but Balinese is even better. Another option is to have a Balinese friend purchase things on your behalf to get local prices.
Local markets
If you have some language skills, you can pick up some great bargains by shopping at the local markets (pasar).
Imported goods
Imported goods, particularly alcohol carries high import duties.
Housing
Houses are usually rented in Indonesia on a 12 month basis, with the full 12 months paid in advance. The longer you rent the property for, the bigger reduction in rent you can get.
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$875 for one term at an independent school is the stand out value for money on that list. That’s incredible!
$875. 90% to pay EXPAT GURU salary
Yeah, incredible isn’t it. I suppose they have to pay for the expat teacher salaries.
Very interesting. Bali always seems relatively expensive to me, if you look at ‘western’ requirements, e.g. while doing grocery shopping, western products, alcohol etc.
Any more concrete indications of rental in the main expat areas, for instance in Seminyak?
I have seen villas advertised in Seminyak for 150 million a year in the Bali Advertiser. You might find something cheaper if you are prepared to look.
I have visit Bali 8 times,I’m absolutly in love with this unique place.
This time i would like to open a busines /few ideas/something small to start from.I feel a bit insecure in such a corupted place,so if anyone looking for a partner busines ,please send me email i will appreciate…
Hi!Elizabeth,I read your response in “Cost of living in Bali”.My friend and I are going to Bali to open a Restaurant,maybe,depends on whats involved and costs.Mike Henery has just released a book on opening a buisness in Bali.It should be good reading.Maybe we can share ideas.Hope to hear from you.Len
Hi Elizabeth, my wife Sandy and me are moving to Bali next January from (cold) Austria. We start this year a new business – but not directly in Bali – if it’s interesting to you, please just send a short message to my mail: p.ganster(et)buerozwo.com
Hello Len.
Thank you for your responde.
You can’t go wrong with restaurant
but locations! locations!!!!
I do have somehow simillar idea and I WILL BE HAPPY to exchange
more directly with you.
How can I do it?
Best wishes
Elizabeth..
Hello Elizabeth.Thanks for your reply.Email me at lenkaths@bigpond.com anytime.Len