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Living in Bali is significantly more affordable than in the United States. According to MyLifeElsewhere, the cost of living in Bali is approximately 41.6% lower. Expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and utilities are all considerably cheaper, allowing your money to go much further on the island.
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This affordability has made Bali a top choice for Americans and other Western expats. The island features a variety of desirable residential areas, from beachside neighborhoods to tranquil inland towns. Combined with a vibrant community of digital nomads, freelancers, retirees, and travelers, Bali offers an appealing lifestyle at a much lower cost.
For those of you seriously planning to make the move and live in Bali as an American, this Pacific Prime article offers a cost of living comparison between the US and Bali so that you can budget and plan more effectively. After all, money matters.
Rent Costs Compared: Bali vs the US
Rental costs in Bali are significantly cheaper than the US, and you can sometimes save more than two-thirds of your budget. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost you around USD $1,500 per month in the US and only USD $500 in Bali.
Bali Rental Costs by Location
But, of course, like any city, rent prices in Bali can vary based on the area you’re in and type of property you’re after. For example, a two-bedroom pool villa will cost around USD $760 per month in Ubud and USD $300 in Lovina. Expect to save even more if you opt for less luxury.
Comparing Utility Bills: Bali vs the US
And what about utilities you may wonder? On average, two people sharing a 65 square meter apartment will pay close to USD $150 in the US and just under USD $50 in Bali. Internet is also cheaper. Compared to paying USD $70 for a 50 mbps connection in the US, you’ll only need to pay USD $30 in Bali.
Transport Costs: Bali Scooter Rental vs US Transit
Your main mode of transport in Bali would be scooter rental, which would cost USD $150 to USD $300 per month, as the island doesn’t have a well developed public transport system. As such, it can be cheaper to get around in the US, where a monthly public transit pass will cost you around USD $60.
Grocery and Meal Costs: Bali vs the US
Whether you prefer to eat simply or splurge a bit more on food, the amount of money you’ll need to spend is much lower in Bali compared to the US. For example, a basic meal in an inexpensive eatery will cost you close to USD $20 in the US and just under USD $2 in Bali! Groceries are also cheaper.
Here’s a breakdown of some common kitchen staples in the US and Bali:
| US | Bali | |
| 1 loaf of bread | $3 | $1.50 |
| 1 dozen eggs | $4 | $1.50 |
| 500 grams of local cheese | $6 | $4.50 |
| 1 liter of milk | $1 | $1.50 |
| 1 kg of boneless chicken breast | $12 | $5 |
| 1 kg of tomatoes | $4.50 | $1.50 |
| 1 kg of onions | $3 | $2.50 |
| 1 kg of potatoes | $3 | $2 |
*All items are priced in USD ($) and are approximate prices.
Note: If you opt for imported foods in Bali, like cheese and fancy bread, be prepared to pay more for your groceries than if you’d stick to local items.
Leisure and Entertainment Costs in Bali vs the US
Entertainment costs can be hard to compare because it depends on the range of activities offered and what you prefer to do in your down time. Besides, there are plenty of free things to do in both Bali and the US such as going to the park, visiting museams, swimming in the beach, and more.
Popular Bali Activities and Their Costs
You can also consider activities that usually appeal to tourists in Bali. For example, you could go snorkeling (one trip will cost around USD $15), enjoy a relaxing spa (one session will cost around USD $30), or learn to cook Balinese food (one class will cost around USD $30), amongst others.
US vs Bali Healthcare and Insurance Costs
The US is notorious for its exceptionally high cost of healthcare and health insurance. In fact, the country consistently ranks #1 every year when it comes to health insurance premiums, including this year as shown in our Cost of Health Insurance Report 2023. Bali, in comparison, ranked #32.
Public vs Private Healthcare in Bali
While Bali has both a public and private healthcare system, the latter offers better care and is more likely to have English-speaking staff. That said, you may need to fly out of the island for medical care in an emergency so it’s a good idea to secure medical evacuation as part of your health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Americans find Bali an attractive place to live?
Besides the stunning beaches and unique culture, Americans are drawn to Bali for its relatively low cost of living. It’s perfect for digital nomads who are just starting out, established entrepreneurs running an online empire, and expat retirees looking forward to a laid back lifestyle.
What are some drawbacks of living in Bali?
Like all places, Bali has its fair share of drawbacks. These include the lack of public transport system, traffic and congested roads, as well as poor safety standards for scooter riders. Petty crime, stray dogs on the road, and visa difficulties are other negatives associated with living in Bali.
Is it possible to live off USD $1,000 per month in Bali?
Yes, it’s possible to live off USD $1,000 per month in Bali. But, of course, it all depends on your lifestyle. If you’re a single person, you’ll need anywhere between USD $750 and USD $2,500 per month. Couples and families who share the cost of rentals will save quite a bit of money.
What is the best area to live in Bali?
Bali has many liveable areas. Kuta is great if you like to party the night away, Seminyak is popular for those looking for an upmarket and happening place, Canggu is a magnet for hipsters, and Denpasar attracts those looking to live amongst locals.
Conclusion
After reviewing the cost of living in Bali compared to the US, it’s no surprise why many Americans want to move to the tropical island. Not only will they benefit from all that Bali has to offer, but they’ll get more bang for their buck.
With that said, one area that Americans in Bali shouldn’t skimp on is health insurance. In the event that accidents or illnesses occur, having a good health plan in place ensures you can access the best care without having to pay for it out of pocket.
Not sure where to begin in your hunt for health insurance? Pacific Prime is a global health insurance brokerage with over two decades of experience. We can help you find the right plan for your needs and budget, and provide plenty of support and assistance along the way.
Contact us today to get started!
With over 5 years of experience in the field, Suphanida spends the majority of her day synthesizing complex pieces of insurance-related information and translating this into easy-to-understand, engaging, and effective content across a variety of media such as articles, infographics, whitepapers, videos, and more.
Suphanida is also responsible for planning and publishing three whitepapers released annually by Pacific Prime: The State of Health Insurance Report, The Cost of Health Insurance Report, and The Global Employee Benefits Trends Report. Additionally, she handles the LinkedIn profiles of Pacific Prime’s Founder and CEO, as well as Global HR Lead.
Suphanida’s strengths lie in her strong research and analytical skills, which she has gained from her BA in Politics from the University of Warwick and Erasmus Mundus Joint MA in Journalism from Aarhus University and City, University of London.
Being of Thai-Indian origin and having lived, studied, and worked in Thailand, the UK, and Denmark, Suphanida also has a unique, multicultural perspective that helps her understand the struggles of expats and globetrotters.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to new places and immersing herself in different cultures.
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