Living in Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the Indonesia destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Bali city center rents for around IDR 14,000,000/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages IDR 9,500,000/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about IDR 2,800,000 for groceries (single person) and IDR 540,000 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Bali scores 40, which makes it one of the more affordable destinations.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Bali starts at roughly IDR 17,340,000/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost IDR 220,000 for a mid-range meal and IDR 18,000 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around IDR 35,000. Owning a car adds approximately IDR 3,800,000/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Bali skip this in favour of public transport or the IDR 540,000/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Indonesia offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Bali costs around IDR 600,000/month, with a family plan at IDR 1,800,000. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about IDR 500,000, while specialists charge around IDR 900,000. Families should budget IDR 12,000,000/month for international schooling, or IDR 6,500,000/month for a local private school.
Who does Bali suit best?
Bali works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.