Bali suits many budgets. The biggest costs are the flight and, if you want them, luxury resorts — on the ground, a lot is affordable. Here's an overview so you know how much a holiday in Bali costs.
The main cost items
- Flight: usually the biggest item; varies a lot by season and booking timing.
- Accommodation: from affordable guesthouses to luxury villas — you choose the class.
- Food: good value; from local warungs to fine restaurants.
- Transport: a private driver per day is affordable and comfortable.
- Activities: temples, waterfalls and tours are generally cheap.
Sample daily budget (per person, excl. flight)
- Budget: the thrifty traveller — guesthouse, warungs, scooter.
- Comfort: a boutique villa with pool, a mix of restaurants, a private driver now and then.
- Luxury: resorts and private villas, a daily driver, fine dining.
In the trip planner you choose budget, comfort or luxury per place and instantly see an estimate of the accommodation costs.
How to save
- Travel in the shoulder periods (April/May, Sep/Oct) for lower prices.
- Eat local and book activities on the spot or online in advance.
- Share a private driver with your travel group.
Sample daily budgets
On the ground, Bali stretches a long way. As a rough guide, excluding your international flight: a backpacker gets by on roughly €25–40 a day (guesthouse, warung meals, scooter, the odd activity); a comfortable mid-range trip runs about €60–120 a day (a nice villa or 4-star, mix of restaurants, a private driver for day trips); and luxury — five-star resorts, fine dining, spas — starts around €200 a day and climbs from there. Couples share room and driver costs, so per-person budgets fall.
Where your money goes furthest — and where it doesn't
Some things are wonderfully cheap: local food, domestic transport, massages and activities cost a fraction of European prices. What adds up is the flight, imported wine and spirits (heavily taxed), beach clubs and rooftop bars, and international-brand hotels. Entrance fees to temples and viewpoints are small but frequent, so keep some cash handy.
How to save without missing out
Travel in the shoulder season (April/May, September/October) for lower flights and rooms; eat where the locals eat; book villas and drivers direct or by the day rather than through pricey desks; and choose one or two splurge experiences rather than spreading thin. Booking flights a few months ahead usually beats last-minute fares.
Frequently asked questions
How much cash should I bring to Bali?
Not much up front — withdraw rupiah locally from bank ATMs as you go, and just carry a day or two's worth of cash for warungs, markets and small fees. Bring a debit or credit card that works abroad, plus a backup card.
Is Bali cheaper than Thailand?
They're broadly comparable — both are affordable on the ground. Your biggest single cost is usually the international flight; day-to-day, food, transport and activities are inexpensive in both.
Is Bali an expensive destination?
No, on the ground Bali is good value: food, transport and activities cost little. The flight and luxury resorts are the biggest expenses.
How much money do you need per day in Bali?
It depends on your style. Budget travellers get far on little; for comfort with a villa and the occasional driver, budget more. The trip planner shows an estimate per class.
What is the cheapest time for Bali?
The rainy season (November–March) and the shoulder periods are the best value, both for flights and accommodation.
Plan your trip
