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What I Spend in a Month Living in Bali as a Digital Nomad

Leo Maslowe by Leo Maslowe
July 9, 2025
in Digital Nomad
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What I Spend in a Month Living in Bali as a Digital Nomad

If you’re dreaming about swapping your 9-to-5 grind for beaches, coconuts, and coworking spaces, you’re not alone. Bali has become a global hotspot for remote workers, freelancers, and creatives who want a laid-back yet vibrant lifestyle.

But before you pack your bags, it’s smart to get a real sense of what your Bali digital nomad budget should look like. In this honest breakdown, I’ll share exactly what I spend in a month living in Bali as a digital nomad—covering accommodation, food, coworking, transport, fun, and all the little extras.

Why Bali for Digital Nomads?

Bali’s magnetic appeal isn’t just about palm trees and infinity pools. It’s one of the world’s most epic destinations for remote workers because of its affordability, strong expat community, and a balance of fast WiFi and relaxed island vibes. But living here isn’t always as cheap as some Instagram posts suggest. Having a clear Bali digital nomad budget helps you enjoy the best of Bali without any surprises.

Accommodation: Home Base Choices

Guesthouses, Villas, and Coliving

Accommodation is the biggest piece of your Bali digital nomad budget. Bali offers options for all lifestyles—basic guesthouses, stylish coliving spaces, and private villas. Most digital nomads base themselves in Canggu, Ubud, or Seminyak, where monthly rentals are easy to find.

  • Basic Guesthouse/Room: $200–$400/month (fan or AC, simple room, maybe shared kitchen)
  • Coliving Spaces: $400–$700/month (all-inclusive with coworking, cleaning, community events)
  • Private Villa/Apartment: $600–$1,200/month (1-2 bedrooms, private kitchen, often a pool)

I personally opt for a cozy one-bedroom villa with a pool and kitchen in Canggu, which costs about $700/month, including utilities. This is a comfortable middle ground on my Bali digital nomad budget—privacy, space, and a peaceful workspace.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations & Booking Tips

Your Bali digital nomad budget can fluctuate depending on season. High season (June-August, December) brings price hikes of 20–30% in many areas, while low season (January-May, September-November) sees more deals and flexibility. Booking directly with landlords—via Facebook expat groups, WhatsApp, or local agents—almost always secures you better monthly rates than Airbnb or booking sites. It also gives you the chance to negotiate inclusions like WiFi, cleaning, and utilities—critical factors for your Bali digital nomad budget.

If you’re coming with friends or a partner, sharing a villa or apartment dramatically reduces individual costs and can make luxury living surprisingly affordable.

Food: Eating Well, Local or Luxe

Warungs vs. Western Cafés

Bali’s food scene is diverse, delicious, and can be incredibly affordable—if you know where to eat. Local “warungs” (small restaurants) offer traditional Balinese dishes for a fraction of what you’d pay at Western cafés.

  • Local Meals (Warung): $1.50–$3 per meal
  • Western Cafés: $5–$12 per meal
  • Groceries (per month): $80–$120 if you cook some meals at home

On my typical Bali digital nomad budget, I mix it up: breakfasts and some lunches at local warungs ($2 for nasi goreng and fruit juice), dinners at nice cafés a few times a week, and the occasional pizza or sushi delivery. Total monthly spend on food: $250–$350.

Coworking and SIM Cards: Staying Connected

Coworking Spaces

If you thrive on routine and community, factor a coworking membership into your Bali digital nomad budget. Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak are filled with stylish, social coworking spaces.

Coworking Monthly Pass: $80–$180 (access, events, sometimes coffee/snacks)

I use Dojo in Canggu—great vibes and networking. For those who prefer working from home, some villas have fast WiFi, but you may miss out on socializing and professional events.

Internet & SIM Card

  • SIM Card with 25–30 GB data: $7–$15/month
  • Home Fiber WiFi (if needed): Usually included in rent; if not, around $20–$30/month

Together, coworking and connectivity usually take up about $100–$200 of my Bali digital nomad budget monthly.

Transport: Getting Around

A scooter is the digital nomad’s best friend in Bali. Renting is cheap and offers the freedom to explore beaches, temples, and cafes.

  • Scooter Rental: $50–$80/month (automatic, well-maintained)
  • Gas: $5–$10/month (scooters are super fuel-efficient)
  • Occasional Grab/Taxi: $10–$20/month (for longer rides or late nights)

So, expect to spend about $70–$100 per month on transportation—an essential part of any realistic Bali digital nomad budget.

Fitness, Wellness & Health

Staying Healthy in Bali

Many digital nomads are health-conscious, and Bali is full of yoga studios, gyms, and wellness centers.

  • Yoga/Studio Classes: $40–$90/month (unlimited passes or packs)
  • Gym Membership: $25–$50/month (modern, AC-equipped gyms)
  • Health Insurance: $40–$100/month (expat insurance; highly recommended)

Healthcare in Bali is affordable, but insurance is a smart addition to any Bali digital nomad budget. I pay about $60/month for good coverage, and another $50 for yoga and gym.

Social Life & Fun: Enjoying Island Living

Nights Out, Activities, Day Trips

Bali’s social scene is vibrant—live music, sunset drinks, beach clubs, and surf lessons. You can spend as much or as little as you want, but it’s easy for fun to creep into your Bali digital nomad budget.

  • Beach Club Day: $10–$30 (including drinks/food)
  • Drinks Out: $2–$8 per beer/cocktail
  • Surf Lesson: $15–$30
  • Weekend Getaway (Uluwatu, Nusa Penida): $50–$150 (accommodation + transport)

On average, I set aside $120–$180/month for socializing and adventures. This covers a couple of nights out, a surf lesson, and a weekend trip every month.

Extras & Unexpected Costs

Laundry, Visas, Shopping

It’s easy to overlook the small things that add up in your Bali digital nomad budget.

  • Laundry: $6–$12/month (by weight, washed and folded)
  • Visa Extensions: $35–$70/month (social visa, extendable, or business visa)
  • Toiletries/Shopping: $20–$40/month (imported items are pricier)

Keep a $50–$100 buffer for these unexpected extras.

Sample Bali Digital Nomad Budget Breakdown

Let’s put all these numbers together in a sample monthly budget:

CategoryAverage Monthly Spend
Accommodation$700
Food & Groceries$300
Coworking & WiFi$150
Transport$80
Fitness/Wellness$100
Social/Activities$150
Extras/Visas$60
Total$1,540

You can definitely get by for less (as low as $1,000/month), or spend more if you like luxury or constant adventure. Your Bali digital nomad budget really depends on your lifestyle.

How to Keep Your Bali Digital Nomad Budget in Check

  • Eat local whenever possible: Warungs offer delicious, cheap meals.
  • Share accommodation: Roommates or coliving help cut costs.
  • Use coworking wisely: Pay monthly for unlimited use if you go often, or buy day passes if you don’t.
  • Rent a scooter long-term: It’s far cheaper than taxis or ride-shares.
  • Book accommodation off Airbnb: Ask directly for local rates.
  • Travel during low season: Prices drop and it’s less crowded.
  • Join Facebook groups: Get tips, deals, and community support.

The Reality: Is Bali Still Cheap for Digital Nomads?

Bali remains an affordable, beautiful base for remote workers, but prices have risen as its popularity grows. Many find that their Bali digital nomad budget is higher than Southeast Asian alternatives like Vietnam or Thailand, especially for short-term stays. However, with mindful spending, you can enjoy an incredible lifestyle, great weather, and creative energy without breaking the bank.

Why Bali Is Worth Every Rupiah

Living as a digital nomad in Bali is more than just stretching your budget—it’s about the unique blend of adventure, inspiration, and community that this island offers. Crafting a realistic Bali digital nomad budget lets you make the most of your time here, enjoying everything from morning yoga and epic surf sunsets to deep work sessions in breezy coworking spaces. Whether you’re here for a few months or a few years, understanding what you’ll actually spend gives you freedom to enjoy Bali, stress-free.

So, if you’re ready to trade your office for the Island of the Gods, remember: with a smart Bali digital nomad budget, Bali isn’t just affordable—it’s one of the best places on earth to live, work, and thrive.

Ready to take the next step on your journey? Discover even more expert travel tips, destination ideas, and digital nomad hacks at Viral Voyage—your go-to resource for making travel easier, smarter, and more inspiring.

Leo Maslowe

Leo Maslowe

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