Want to visit Bali but aren’t sure how much it will cost? You’ve come to the right place.
I’ve spent over a year in Bali; some were week-long trips, and some were multi-month-long trips while I was remote working, so I know the costs of Bali inside and out.
A week-long trip to Bali for two people costs on average around $4,000 to $5,000 USD, including airfare, modern accommodations, food and drinks, as well as daily transportation, activities, and spending.
Below, I’ll give you the most up-to-date figures and estimates for how much a Bali trip costs, based on current flights, hotel costs, and explain how to work with Bali’s local currency!
Are you ready to take a trip to Indonesia’s most sought-after destination?
Bali Trip Cost Breakdown
If you want to give yourself the best experience in Bali, it’s a good idea to set a budget for yourself and start saving for the trip. Remember, it’s always better to save too much and have a bit extra to spend than to not save enough.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the average cost of a one-week Bali trip so you have an idea of what to budget for:
| Expense | Average Cost For One Person | Average Cost For Two People |
| Airfare (standard round-trip economy ticket) | $1,350 | $2,700 |
| Accommodations (4 or 5-star hotel) | $1,050 | $1,050 |
| Food and drinks | $300 | $600 |
| Transportation | $70 | $100 |
| Daily activities and spending | $350 | $350 |
| Total Cost: | $3,120 USD | $4,800 USD |
Most of these costs are quite variable and depend entirely on the type of experience you’re trying to have. For instance, you can find small, modern eco-resorts for as low as $70 per night, while larger resorts can cost upwards of $250 per night.
Food and drinks can be costly if you’re eating at a resort or fine dining-style restaurants or can be very affordable if you’re eating local street food.
As far as activities go, you can rent a surfboard for $5 to $10 per day or choose to pay for more expensive activities like a dirtbike or ATV tour through the jungle for $200.
Bali has become slightly more expensive in the past few years compared to when I travelled there. This is mostly due to inflation and the dramatic increase in remote work opportunities post-pandemic. However, it’s still a relatively affordable place to travel to.
Overall, a trip to Bali can be an incredible experience, whether you’re trying to travel on the cheap or want to go all out. No matter what experience you’re looking for, be sure to check out my guide on how to save money for travelling.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these expenses, so you can see where you can save or splurge, depending on the experience you’re looking for.
1. Flight Cost To Bali
Flying from the US or Canada to Bali is usually the most expensive part of a Bali trip. Overseas flights typically don’t come cheap, and while you can save a bit by booking months in advance, you’re still going to pay at least $1,250 for a round-trip economy ticket.
The primary airlines that provide service to Bali, Indonesia, are:
- Philippine Airlines
- China Airlines
- EVA Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
Bali is a relatively small island and only has one airport – the Ngurah Rai, which should be denoted as DPS on your plane ticket.
There is a fair bit of variability when it comes to flight costs, depending on when you’re trying to visit Bali. The most expensive time to visit Bali is late-May through early August. This is when tourism peaks, as students are out of school.
If you book a flight during peak season, expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,350 for a single economy ticket:
The least expensive time of the year to travel to Bali is late-August through November. During this period, it’s entirely possible to get a single round-trip ticket for less than $1,000:
As far as flight time goes, expect to spend around 24 hours total. Some direct flights may be shorter and may only require 21 or 22 hours. These shorter flights are generally a bit more expensive but are worth it if you’re not a fan of long, cramped flights.
If you’re looking for a bit more legroom and the ability to kick back and sleep like a king, then you can opt for business-class seating for $4,000 to $5,000 per ticket or first-class seating for $12,000 to $15,000 per ticket.
Paying for business or first-class seating can dramatically increase your flight cost. But you will be able to sleep better on the flight and likely won’t be as jet-lagged when you land in Bali.
2. Hotel & Accommodation Costs In Bali
As far as accommodations in Bali go, you’ll have plenty of options, including:
- Small, local hotels
- Fancy resorts
- Eco resorts (resort-style service, but smaller rooms)
- AirBnBs and short-term rental homes
When I stayed in Bali for a month, I spent most of my time in an Airbnb, as these seemed to offer the best deal in terms of how much you get for the money you spend.
For example, you can rent an entire villa for around $150 to $200 per night:
These villas are entire homes that often have their own swimming pools, multiple rooms, a kitchen, and other premium amenities. If you’re travelling to Bali with a larger group of friends or family, then these are probably the best option, as you can split the cost of the stay among your group.
However, if you’re just going by yourself or with a partner, then your best bet is to stay in one of the smaller hotels or eco-resorts spread throughout the island.
Eco-resorts are a great option, as they often include a small private pool and nice amenities. Private rooms at an eco-resort can often be rented for as low as $60 or $70 per night, which is an incredible deal considering what you’re getting. Some of the smaller, local spots can be rented for less than $20 per night:
That being said, you can also splurge and go all-out on an expensive all-inclusive resort, which can cost upwards of $300 per night or more:
If you’re on a budget, though, I’d just go with a standard eco-resort or hotel, as these are a far better deal and will allow you to spend your money on more fun activities that Bali offers.
3. Food & Drink Costs In Bali
One of my favourite parts of living in Bali was all of the delicious, cheap food on the island. If you know where to go, you can eat like a king for less than $25 a day. The local food is always fresh, and meals typically cost less than $5 to $7 for a large plate that will keep you full for hours.
Bali does offer a few fast-food restaurants, if you’re craving some comfort food. Here, meals cost around $4 with a side and a drink.
The only place where you’ll find expensive food is at the all-inclusive resorts that offer exclusive fine dining experiences.
If you’re staying in one of the larger villas that feature an in-home kitchen, then you can save even more money by cooking some of your own meals at home. This can be a great way for large groups of people to save on food costs.
4. Local Transportation Costs In Bali
The easiest way to get around Bali is to rent a moped. A small scooter with a 125cc engine can be rented for as low as $10 per day (and often cheaper).
Additionally, you don’t need an international driver’s license to drive a scooter around Bali. As long as you’re comfortable on two wheels, scooters are a great way to get around. Even if you’ve never ridden one in your life, they’re still pretty easy to get the hang of, as they don’t go very fast.
If scooters aren’t your thing, then you can use the Indonesian ride-sharing apps Go-Jek or Grab, which are similar to using Uber or Lyft (albeit with older cars).
Ride-sharing is easier than hailing a traditional taxi cab and makes it easier to get around any language barriers, as it’s a simple transaction on your phone. Ridesharing is typically $4 to $6 per ride.
If you’re in the centre of the island, then you can also catch a ride on a bus for less than $1, which can be a fun way to ride around and see the sights.
Those looking for a more luxurious experience can hire a private driver with a dedicated vehicle for as little as $40 per day. The driver will show you around Bali, wait for you at stops, and can drive you around pretty much any time of the day.
| Transportation In Bali | Average Cost |
| Scooter rental | $10 per day |
| Ridesharing (Go-Jek or Grab) | $4 to $6 |
| Taxi cab | $3 to $5 |
| Bus ride | $1 to $2 |
| Hire a private driver and car | $40 to $50 per day |
5. Cost Of Tourism & Activities In Bali
Arguably, the most expensive part of being in Bali is participating in the various tourist activities offered throughout the island.
When I was in Bali, the most expensive experience that I paid for was an immersive dirt bike tour through the jungle. It lasted for most of the afternoon, and I paid $180 (which was totally worth it):
The experience included everything I needed, including:
- Dirt bike with a full tank of gas
- Tour guide to guide us through the jungle trails
- Riding gear (boots, gloves, jacket, pants)
- Helmet
No matter what type of adventures you’re into, there are virtually endless activities you can do in Bali, including:
- Jeep tours
- Mountain hiking
- Photoshoots
- Waterfall tours
- Yoga
- … and a whole lot more
You can find a lot of these experiences through AirBnB Experiences, and costs range between $30 and $100 per person, depending on how immersive the experience is:
That being said, there are also plenty of opportunities for cheap (or even free) fun in Bali, including:
- Surfing (you can rent a board for $5 a day)
- Swimming
- Hiking on your own
- Walking around the city
- Visiting local museums, parks, and attractions
If you’re going, I’d suggest paying for at least one or two immersive experiences, as these are really rewarding. However, don’t bypass the simple joy of relaxing on a beach and swimming in Bali’s beautiful waters – activities which are completely free.
What Is The Local Currency In Bali?
The local currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (denoted as IDR).
At the time of writing this, the current value of $1 USD is about 15,000 IDR.
Much of the local food and local activities require you to pay in IDR, so it’s a good idea to bring some cash with you to exchange for the local currency.
If you’re looking for a better idea of how much cash to bring, you can use Forbes’ foreign currency exchange calculator here.
Is It Better To Take Cash Or Credit Cards To Bali?
Most of the larger hotels, resorts, and restaurants accept credit cards. However, most charge a 3% card processing fee, which can add up over the course of your stay, depending on how much you’re spending.
While it’s good to have a credit card on-hand for some payments, I recommend using cash whenever possible to avoid extra fees. Locals generally prefer the local currency, and you’ll also need it to tip those who serve you.
The Bali airport has several stands where you can convert your US Dollars or Canadian Dollars to the local IDR currency. There are also several other currency exchange locations throughout the island if you need to replenish your cash.
Do Stores Accept Contactless Payments In Bali?
Some stores and hotels may accept contactless payment methods, and you may be able to pay using your Apple Watch, Samsung Watch, or tapping your phone (providing you have cellular service). However, don’t rely on this, as the majority of the smaller, more local stores don’t accept contactless.
How Much Cash Should I Bring To Bali?
Your flights and accommodations should be paid for beforehand using your card. However, it’s still a good idea to bring some extra cash for spending on food, drinks, and other activities you might participate in throughout your stay.
From personal experience, bringing around $750 to $1,000 should be more than enough to pay for a week’s worth of food and experiences for two people.
Generally speaking, airport security requires you to claim any amount of cash that you’re carrying over $10,000. This is designed to prevent money laundering activities, and you can get in trouble if you fail to claim your cash.
Additionally, any cash you carry with you should be stored in your carry-on bag to prevent it from being lost or stolen. This also makes it easier for airport security to see the amount of cash you’re bringing on the plane.
If you’re not comfortable flying with a bunch of cash, then you can use an ATM at the Bali airport to withdraw funds.
Is Bali A Safe Place To Visit?
Bali is one of the safest countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Robberies and violent crime are incredibly rare on the island, and the people are generally very friendly to outsiders, as tourism is a major part of Bali’s local economy.
However, petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching is commonplace. So, I wouldn’t walk around with large sums of money, a large wallet, or an open purse.
Personally, I’d recommend keeping a small wallet with a few hundred bucks worth of spending money, one credit card, and an ID (if you plan on purchasing alcoholic beverages). Keep the rest of your spending money and important documents safely locked up in your residence.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Bali?
The dry season in Bali is between May and September. During this time, humidity is low, rain is sparse, and the weather is optimal for outdoor activities. However, the cost of accommodations and flights are also a bit more expensive during this time.
If you don’t mind the rain and want to save a bit of money, then you can travel to Bali during the rainy season, which lasts from late September through April.
Is Bali Expensive?
Locally referred to as “The Land of the Gods,” Bali offers the absolute serenity of nature paired with a vibrant local community. Thanks to the relatively low cost of living and accepting nature of the country, Bali is also home to around 110,000 expats who’ve chosen to live there temporarily or semi-permanently.
Bali, itself, is a relatively cheap place to live. Local food and drink is affordable and you can find very nice accommodations for far lower than you’d pay in the US or Canada.
The most expensive part about travelling to Bali is the round-trip plane ticket from North America. Once you get there, though, staying in Bali is quite affordable.
That being said, some visitors may also choose to splurge on all-inclusive resorts with fine dining options, ultra-luxurious suites, and on-demand spa treatments. However, if you’re just looking for a standard vacation experience, Bali is one of the most affordable (and friendly) destinations in Southeast Asia.
In terms of technology and infrastructure, Bali isn’t the most modern. However, 4G wireless data and wifi provide reliable (if somewhat slow) internet throughout the island.
Most of the hotels, resorts, and AirBnBs in Bali all provide internet, and there’s an abundance of small cafes and co-working spots. If you get set up with a 4G hotspot through a local wireless carrier, you’ll even be able to work on the beach. It’s a dream come true for digital nomads and content creators!
These are all some of the reasons why I chose Bali as one of my first remote work destinations, after leaving my home in Canada.
Conclusion – How Much Does It Cost To Travel To Bali?
Including airfare, modern accommodations, daily transportation, and fun activities, a single traveller should budget around $2,500 to $3,500 USD for a week-long vacation to Bali.
If you plan on living in Bali for a longer period of time, you can reduce your costs by renting a long-term stay and limiting the amount you spend on daily activities.
While travelling certainly costs money, it can also open you up to new ideas and opportunities that can change your life forever. Keep on reading to see 7 awesome ways that travelling can help you make more money!
