Cost of Living in Bali (Canggu & Ubud), 2026

The cost of living in Bali in 2026 for an expat single in Canggu or Ubud typically ranges from about USD 700–1,000/month at the absolute bare minimum to USD 1,000–2,000/month for a more typical lifestyle, with premium comfort from USD 2,500–3,500+ (last verified June 2026). For a couple, realistic living in Bali monthly cost ranges around USD 1,600–3,000, again depending mostly on rent, lifestyle and how often you eat out or travel.

How much does it really cost to live in Bali (Canggu & Ubud) in 2026?

As of June 2026, most expats in Canggu and Ubud fall into three broad monthly budget bands (all ranges are indicative — rules, prices and FX move fast):

Bare-bones solo (Canggu/Ubud): ~USD 700–1,000/month – basic room or small kos/studio, scooter, local food, minimal nights out.
Comfortable solo: ~USD 1,000–2,000/month – decent one-bed villa or apartment, mix of local & Western food, coworking, some travel.
Premium solo: ~USD 2,500–3,500+/month – private pool villa, eating out often, regular spa/fitness, trips around Indonesia/region.
Comfortable couple: ~USD 1,600–3,000/month – one- or two-bed villa/apartment, scooter(s) or car, dining out a few times a week.
Family (2 adults + 1–2 kids, local/online school): ~USD 2,500–4,500+/month – depends heavily on housing, schooling and healthcare choices.

All figures here are based on real expat spends in Canggu and Ubud, priced in Indonesian Rupiah and converted at broadly IDR 15,500–16,500 per USD (last verified June 2026). Always check up-to-date exchange rates.

This page focuses on daily life costs, not visa fees or tax. For the immigration side, see our visa partners at balivisaapplication.com, or for higher-end options goldenvisaindonesia.com (Golden Visa) and secondhomevisaindonesia.com (Second Home Visa).

Any visa, tax or legal references here are general information only and not advice. Always confirm with a licensed Kantor-Imigrasi-registered visa consultant, Indonesian lawyer or tax consultant before acting.

Canggu vs Ubud: cost of living comparison

Canggu and Ubud are the two most popular “digital nomad / long-stay” areas in Bali, and most emails we get are some version of “What’s the Canggu cost of living vs Ubud?” or “Which is cheaper?” As of 2025–2026, Ubud is still generally cheaper, but the gap has narrowed.

Expense (solo, 2025–2026)	Canggu (typical)	Ubud (typical)	Notes (last verified June 2026)
Rent – basic room/kos	IDR 4–7m/month	IDR 3.5–6m/month	Cheapest often 6–12 month contracts, paid upfront.
Rent – 1BR villa/apartment (mid-range)	IDR 10–18m/month	IDR 8–15m/month	Annual contracts give better value vs monthly.
Rent – private pool villa (nice)	IDR 18–35m+/month	IDR 15–30m+/month	Location, design and rice-field view increase price.
Scooter rental	IDR 800k–1.2m/month	IDR 700k–1.1m/month	Newer models and surf racks cost more.
Coworking hot desk	IDR 2–4m/month	IDR 1.5–3.5m/month	Depends on brand, views, events.
Midrange café meal	IDR 80k–140k	IDR 70k–130k	Brunch spots in Canggu tend to be pricier.
Electricity (solo, AC light use)	IDR 500k–1.2m/month	IDR 400k–1m/month	AC use and pool pumps drive costs.

For most people, the main saving in Ubud is rent. Day-to-day spending on food, gyms, yoga and cafes is a bit lower but not dramatically so anymore.

Bali rent: apartments, villas & how payment really works

Rent is your big swing factor. Two people in identical lifestyles can differ by USD 500–1,000/month purely on their housing choice.

How much is rent in Canggu in 2026?

As of June 2026, realistic Canggu rent ranges for long-term stays (Pererenan/Berawa/Echo Beach area) are:

Basic kos or room in shared house: IDR 3.5–7 million/month (USD ~210–450) on a 6–12 month deal.
Simple studio or 1BR apartment: IDR 7–12 million/month (USD ~450–750), often with shared pool.
Mid-range 1BR villa (no pool or plunge pool): IDR 10–18 million/month (USD ~650–1,150).
Nice 1–2BR private pool villa: IDR 18–35+ million/month (USD ~1,150–2,200+), depending on design and access.
Larger / luxury villas (3BR+): IDR 35–80+ million/month (USD ~2,200–5,000+).

Budget tends to creep upwards the closer you are to the beach, shortcut roads and major cafés. Cheaper deals are usually inland or on smaller access roads (gang).

How much is rent in Ubud in 2026?

Central Ubud (Monkey Forest / Jl. Raya) is no longer the budget-only zone it used to be, but you still get more space for the same money compared with Canggu:

Basic room / kos: IDR 3–6 million/month (USD ~190–380).
Simple 1BR apartment or bungalow: IDR 6–10 million/month (USD ~380–640).
Mid-range 1BR villa, often with rice-field view: IDR 9–16 million/month (USD ~580–1,020).
Private pool villa (1–2BR): IDR 15–28+ million/month (USD ~950–1,800+).
3BR+ villas or “retreat” style houses: IDR 28–60+ million/month (USD ~1,800–3,800+).

Go 10–20 minutes out of central Ubud and rent drops again. The trade-off is longer scooter rides, less walkability and more reliance on gojek/grab cars in the evenings.

Yearly upfront vs monthly rent

For longer stays (6–12 months) in both Canggu and Ubud, owners strongly prefer:

Full-year payment upfront (one invoice for 12 months).
Sometimes 50% upfront, 50% at 6 months.

Monthly rental of the same property can be 20–40% more expensive on a per-month basis. Yearly deals have lower monthly equivalent but require more cash at once. If you’re using foreign income or savings, think about banking and transfer costs — see our banking guide or ask via plan your trip and we’ll connect you with a licensed advisor to discuss legal ways to bring in larger amounts.

Important legal note: foreign individuals cannot directly own freehold residential land in Bali in their own name. There are legal structures for long-term leases and certain titles for foreigners via Indonesian entities, but so-called “nominee” ownership (using an Indonesian name to hold your property) is risky and contracts can be voided. We do not recommend nominee arrangements. If you’re considering buying or long-leasing property, talk to a qualified Indonesian notary (PPAT) and lawyer first.

Utilities & internet costs in Bali

Electricity

Electricity in Bali is billed either through prepaid meters (token/“pulsa listrik”) or post-paid monthly bills. Prices depend heavily on aircon use and whether you have a pool pump.

Basic room, fan only: IDR 150k–350k/month (USD ~10–23) if not included in rent.
Small 1BR with AC (moderate use): IDR 400k–900k/month (USD ~25–60).
1–2BR villa with AC + pool: IDR 800k–1.8m/month (USD ~50–115+).
Larger villas (3BR+, heavy AC): IDR 1.8–4m+/month (USD ~115–260+).

Always ask what’s included before signing a lease. “All in” villas that include electricity, pool and cleaning look more expensive but can work out similar to managing all bills yourself.

Water & drinking water

Tap water is not drinking water for most expats. You’ll buy gallon bottles (19L) or use a filter.
Gallon refills delivered: IDR 20k–35k per gallon (USD ~1.30–2.30). A solo person might go through 3–5 per month.
Property water bills: often included in rent; if separate, usually IDR 50k–200k/month (USD ~3–13) for typical household use.

Internet & phone

Canggu and Ubud both have widespread fibre and 4G/5G mobile coverage, but actual speeds vary street by street.

Home fibre internet (where available): IDR 300k–800k/month (USD ~20–50) for typical packages. Some higher-end villas include this.
SIM card + data (Telkomsel/XL/IM3 etc.): IDR 70k–200k/month (USD ~5–13) for 15–40GB+ depending on promos.

Most long-stay expats combine home Wi-Fi with a local SIM as backup. If you work online, test connection speeds at a property before paying a deposit.

Food & groceries: how much will you actually spend?

Food is where the “Bali cost of living expat” stories diverge the most. A warung-based diet can cost less than USD 10/day; daily brunches and wine can easily push a solo person over USD 1,000/month.

Eating out

Indicative 2025–2026 prices in Canggu and Ubud:

Local warung meal (nasi campur, etc.): IDR 20k–40k (USD ~1.30–2.60).
Mid-range café main dish: IDR 70k–130k (USD ~4.50–8.50).
Coffee (flat white/latte): IDR 30k–55k.
Smoothie or juice: IDR 30k–70k.
Western dinner (main + drink): IDR 120k–250k per person (USD ~8–16+).
Cocktail: IDR 100k–180k (more in beach clubs).
Beer (local, bar price): IDR 35k–60k.

Rough monthly ranges for a solo person:

Mostly cooking + cheap warung: IDR 2.5–4m/month (USD ~160–260).
Mix of warung & cafés, some deliveries: IDR 4–7m/month (USD ~260–450).
Eating out most meals in Western-style places + drinks: IDR 7–12m+/month (USD ~450–770+).

Groceries & cooking at home

Supermarket prices vary depending on how “import-heavy” your taste is.

Local vegetables, rice, eggs, tofu/tempe: very affordable, similar or cheaper than many Western countries.
Imported cheese, cereals, snacks, almond milk, wine: can be the same price as back home or more.

Indicative monthly grocery spend for a solo person cooking part-time (last checked June 2026):

Mostly local ingredients: IDR 1.5–3m/month (USD ~95–190).
Mix of local + imported treats: IDR 3–5m/month (USD ~190–320).
Heavy on imported goods: IDR 5–8m+/month (USD ~320–510+).

Transport: scooters, cars & getting around legally

Scooters are by far the most common transport choice for long-stay expats in Canggu and Ubud.

Scooter costs

Monthly scooter rental: IDR 700k–1.2m (USD ~45–75) for a basic automatic; IDR 1.2–2m+ for larger/newer models.
Fuel: IDR 11k–13k per litre, so a solo person might spend ~IDR 150k–300k/month (USD ~10–20) on petrol.
Helmet: Often included with rental; if you buy your own, IDR 250k–700k+ depending on quality.

Legal point: to ride a scooter legally in Indonesia, you’re expected to hold a licence valid for motorbikes here (local SIM C or appropriate international licence) and ride a registered, insured vehicle. Police checks in Canggu and Ubud are regular. Fines for tourists and expats riding without proper documents are common.

Go-Jek / Grab / taxis

Short scooter ride (online ojek): IDR 8k–25k.
Short car ride around town: IDR 25k–70k+ depending on time/distance.
Airport to Canggu/Ubud: usually IDR 200k–400k (USD ~13–26) via pre-booked car or apps outside airport zone.

Car rental

Self-drive car rental (monthly): IDR 4–8m/month (USD ~260–510) for basic cars.
Driver + car (daily): IDR 600k–900k+ for 8–10 hours (excluding fuel, tips).

Traffic in Canggu has intensified in 2024–2026, and Ubud has periodic jams around key junctions. Factor stress/commute time into your choice of area and where you live in relation to your coworking space or frequent cafés.

Work & play: coworking, gyms & lifestyle costs

Coworking & workspaces

Many expats structure their living in Bali monthly cost around a coworking membership instead of trying to work from home all day.

Hot desk memberships: IDR 2–4m/month (USD ~130–260) in Canggu; IDR 1.5–3.5m in Ubud.
Day passes: IDR 150k–350k/day depending on space and inclusions.
Private offices: starting around IDR 5–10m/month for small rooms, going much higher for premium brands/locations.

Gyms, yoga & sports

Local/basic gyms: IDR 200k–500k/month.
Midrange gyms / fitness clubs: IDR 500k–1.2m/month.
Premium boutique gyms, functional training boxes, beach clubs with gym access: IDR 1.2–2.5m+/month.
Yoga classes: IDR 120k–200k per drop-in; class packs bring this down to IDR 90k–150k per class.
Surfboard rental: IDR 50k–100k per hour or IDR 150k–250k for a half-day.

Leisure & other lifestyle costs

Massage (local spa): IDR 120k–250k for 60 minutes.
Midrange spa treatment: IDR 250k–600k depending on duration and venue.
Cinema (in Denpasar/Kuta): IDR 40k–100k per ticket, plus transport from Canggu/Ubud.
Weekend trip to nearby islands (Nusa Penida, Gili, etc.): typically IDR 800k–2.5m+ per person including fast boat, 1–2 nights accommodation and simple activities.

Healthcare & insurance costs in Bali

Healthcare is the part too many expats ignore in their “Bali cost of living expat” budgets. You can get everyday treatment cheaply, but serious issues can become very expensive very quickly, especially if evacuation to Singapore or your home country is involved.

Everyday healthcare

Local clinic/GP consultation: IDR 150k–400k per visit.
International-standard clinics: IDR 400k–900k per consultation, more for specialists.
Dentist (simple clean/check-up): IDR 300k–800k.

Larger hospitals and specialised facilities are mainly in Denpasar, Bali’s south and sometimes in Surabaya or Jakarta. For serious conditions, many expats choose to go to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.

Insurance

Costs vary hugely by age, cover, pre-existing conditions and whether policies are global or regional. Indicative 2025–2026 ranges (non-binding, general):

Basic travel/medical cover for younger digital nomads: can start around USD 50–120/month.
More comprehensive international cover with hospitalisation: often ranges from USD 150–400+/month, higher with age or extensive benefits.

Indonesia also has the national BPJS scheme, but eligibility, enrolment and coverage for foreign residents depends on your visa and employment situation. Always speak to a licensed insurance broker or advisor; we can introduce you to someone vetted if you use plan your trip (WhatsApp-friendly, no pressure).

Visas, tax & legal basics that affect your budget

This site focuses on relocation, not quick holidays. Your visa type and tax residency status directly affect your cost of living and your legal risk. This section is general information only and not immigration, legal or tax advice.

Visa options and their costs (very high level)

Visa fees change regularly and can differ by sponsor and service provider, so we only quote rough bands as of June 2026. Typical long-stay options include:

Tourist / visit visas – suitable for short stays; not legal for working in Indonesia. Serial visa runs carry increasing risk of refusal, deportation or blacklist.
Remote worker / digital nomad-type options – there are evolving policies here; many remote workers stay on visit visas while earning abroad, but that does not automatically remove Indonesian tax questions if you pass 183 days in a 12-month period.
Second Home Visa – for people with higher financial thresholds to hold longer-stay rights; see secondhomevisaindonesia.com for current requirements and ranges.
Golden Visa – targeted at significant investors or high-earners; see goldenvisaindonesia.com for up-to-date bands.

Many visa categories require showing proof of funds or income in the range of several thousand to tens of thousands of USD (or equivalent) and/or substantial investments (rules shift frequently; always verify the current Peraturan and BKPM circulars with a licensed consultant).

For practical help, visit our partner site balivisaapplication.com or contact us via plan your trip and we’ll connect you to a vetted, licensed visa agent. No one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.

Tax residency and the 183-day rule

Many Bali newcomers assume “my employer is abroad, so I’m tax-free here.” That assumption can be wrong.

Under Indonesian rules, you can become a tax resident if you:

Stay in Indonesia for more than 183 days in any 12-month period; or
Are present in Indonesia and intend to reside here (e.g., you hold certain long-stay visas with a local domicile).

If you’re tax resident, Indonesia may tax your Indonesia-sourced income and potentially your foreign-sourced income (with some transitional and territorial rules evolving in recent legislation). Exact treatment depends on your specific facts, tax treaties and how/when you remit money into Indonesia. These details are complex and highly fact-dependent; they require personalised advice.

If you plan to stay long-term, open a local bank account, or bring in larger sums, talk to a licensed Indonesian tax consultant before you cross the 183-day threshold. They can also advise on NPWP (tax number) registration and how to report foreign income correctly.

Putting it together: sample monthly budgets for Canggu & Ubud

These are realistic, date-stamped examples based on 2025–2026 prices. They’re not promises, just starting points for your own spreadsheet.

1. Bare-bones solo in Ubud – ~USD 700–1,000/month

Rent (simple kos room, 6–12 month term): IDR 3.5m
Electricity & water (fan or light AC use): IDR 300k
Internet & phone: IDR 350k
Food (warungs, occasional café): IDR 3–3.5m
Scooter + fuel: IDR 950k
Yoga/gym (basic membership or drop-ins): IDR 400k–600k
Miscellaneous (laundry, small trips, SIM top-ups): IDR 1–1.5m

Total: roughly IDR 9.5–11.7m/month = around USD 600–760. Add some buffer and you’re at ~USD 700–1,000 for a more realistic range.

2. Comfortable single in Canggu – ~USD 1,200–1,800/month

Rent (decent 1BR apartment/villa, some privacy): IDR 11–16m
Electricity, water, waste: IDR 700k–1.3m
Internet & phone: IDR 500k–800k
Food (mix of cooking, cafés, deliveries): IDR 5–7m
Scooter + fuel: IDR 1–1.3m
Coworking hot desk: IDR 2–3m
Gym/yoga: IDR 600k–1.2m
Going out, spas, occasional trips: IDR 2–4m

Total: roughly IDR 23.8–34.8m/month = around USD 1,450–2,150 depending on lifestyle and FX. Many solo expats report landing between USD 1,200–1,800 by tightening or relaxing café and social spending.

3. Couple in Ubud – ~USD 1,600–2,600/month

Rent (nice 1–2BR villa, sometimes with pool): IDR 14–22m
Utilities: IDR 1–1.8m
Internet & phone (two SIMs): IDR 800k–1.2m
Food (cooking + cafés): IDR 7–10m
2 scooters + fuel: IDR 1.8–2.4m
Coworking / workspace (1–2 users): IDR 2–4m
Gyms/yoga for two: IDR 1–2.4m
Leisure, trips & buffer: IDR 3–6m

Total: roughly IDR 31.6–49.8m/month = around USD 2,000–3,200. With more modest rent and fewer cafés, some couples keep this nearer USD 1,600–2,000.

Cheapest way to live in Bali without cutting corners on legality

You can lower your Bali cost of living expat budget without drifting into risky territory like working illegally or overstaying visas.

Pick Ubud or inland Canggu areas rather than beachfront or Berawa hot spots.
Sign a 6–12 month lease and negotiate rent. Annual contracts usually get lower equivalent monthly rates.
Eat mostly local food and reserve Western restaurants for a couple of times per week.
Limit imported groceries (cheese, wine, cereals) and use local alternatives.
Share costs – house-shares or co-living can keep rent and utilities significantly lower.
Be realistic about going out – weekly beach clubs and bar nights add up fast in Canggu.

What we don’t recommend as “budget hacks”:

Working for local businesses on a tourist/visit visa – this is illegal and there have been more audits and deportations since 2023.
Serial visa runs to dodge long-stay visas – airlines and immigration have become stricter, and being turned away at the border is expensive and stressful.
Nominee property ownership to “save rent” – contracts can be voidable and you risk losing both your money and the property.

Need help planning real numbers for your move?

If you want a second pair of eyes on your Canggu cost of living or Ubud budget, share your draft spreadsheet via plan your trip. We’ll help sense-check your assumptions and, where needed, connect you to licensed visa, legal and tax professionals over email or WhatsApp. No one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with one of our partners they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.

FAQs: Cost of living in Bali (2026)

How much do I need per month to live in Bali?

As of 2026, a solo expat in Canggu or Ubud typically needs around USD 1,000–2,000/month for a comfortable lifestyle, excluding long-haul flights and major medical costs. Bare-bones setups can come in around USD 700–1,000/month, while premium comfort and frequent travel often push spending into the USD 2,500–3,500+/month range. Couples usually budget in the USD 1,600–3,000/month band.

Is Canggu more expensive than Ubud?

Yes, on average Canggu is more expensive than Ubud, especially for rent and Western-style cafés and nightlife. For the same quality villa, you might pay IDR 10–25% more in Canggu than in Ubud (last verified June 2026). Day-to-day costs like local food, fuel and SIM cards are broadly similar in both areas.

What is the cheapest way to live in Bali as an expat?

The cheapest legal approach is usually a simple room or kos in Ubud or inland Canggu, a scooter for transport, mostly local food, minimal imported groceries and limited nightlife. That can bring a solo budget into the USD 700–1,000/month range in 2025–2026. You still need to account separately for visa fees, travel insurance or health cover and emergency savings.

How much does a couple need to live comfortably in Bali?

A couple living in a decent one- or two-bedroom villa or apartment in Canggu or Ubud, with scooters, a mix of home-cooking and cafés, coworking and some local travel, typically spends around USD 1,600–3,000/month in 2026. Higher-end villas, international schools and frequent regional trips can push this above USD 3,500/month.

Can I work online for a foreign company and be tax-free in Bali?

Not automatically. Indonesian tax rules focus on tax residency (for example, spending more than 183 days in any 12-month period) and where income is sourced, not just where your employer is. Depending on your days in Indonesia, visa type, and how you structure and receive income, you may have Indonesian tax obligations even if your clients are abroad. This is general information only — always confirm your position with a licensed Indonesian tax consultant before you decide how long to stay or how to bring money into Indonesia.