The Ultimate Bali Study Abroad Budget Guide (2025) – Cost of Living & Expenses

💡 Thinking about studying in Bali? Wondering how much it costs per month? Use our interactive Bali Student Budget Calculator below to plan your perfect semester abroad!

📅 Updated for 2025 – So, you’re planning to study in Bali – epic choice! 🌴✨ Between beach sunsets and jungle adventures, you don’t want to stress about money. The good news? Bali is one of the most affordable study destinations – if you budget wisely.

This guide breaks down exactly what it costs to live, study, and thrive in Bali while sharing smart money-saving tips to stretch your rupiahs without sacrificing the experience. Ready? Let’s dive in!

📊 Bali Student Budget Calculator – Plan Your Monthly Expenses

💰 Cost Breakdown: What to Expect in Bali

Category	Budget-Friendly	Mid-Range Comfort	Luxury Living
Accommodation	$200 – $400/month (shared room in a villa or budget stay)	$500 – $800/month (private room in a shared villa or guesthouse)	$800 – $1,000+/month (high-end villa, resort, or hotel)
Meals (per day)	$3 – $5 (local warungs & street food)	$7 – $10 (cafés & restaurants)	$10+ (fine dining & expat spots)
Transport – Scooter rental + petrol	$70 – $120/month	$70 – $120/month	$120+/month
Transport – Gojek/Grab ride	$1 – $4 per ride	$1 – $4 per ride	$4+ per ride
Visa Fees (C9 Student Visa – Required for Semester Programs)	IDR 3,000,000 (~$200) for 60 days	IDR 6,000,000 (~$400) for 120 days	IDR 8,800,000 (~$600) for 180 days (≈$100 per month)
SIM Card & Data	$10/month	$10/month	$10+/month
Health Insurance	$15 – $30/month	$15 – $30/month	$30+/month
Additional Costs	$50 – $100/month (laundry, entrance fees, small shopping)	$100 – $200/month (occasional shopping, fitness classes, weekend outings)	$200+/month (frequent shopping, premium activities, wellness & spa treatments)
Daily Budget	$25 – $50/day	$50 – $100/day	$150+/day

🏡 Finding Your Perfect Home in Bali

Bali has tons of accommodation options depending on your budget and lifestyle. Do you want the community feel of a shared villa, the independence of a private apartment, or the luxury of a beachfront resort? Here’s what you need to know:

Budget travelers 🏠 → If you don’t mind sharing, a room in a shared villa or a budget guesthouse costs between $200–$400 per month.
Mid-range seekers 🏡 → A private room in a guesthouse or shared villa offers more comfort for $500–$800 per month.
Luxury lovers 🌟 → If you want a private villa, resort, or high-end apartment, expect to pay $800–$1,000+ per month.

Where to find accommodation:

Facebook Groups: Bali Housing & Rental (e.g. BALI ❤️ LONG TERM, BALI 🐲 VILLA LONG TERM )
Airbnb or Booking: Ideal for short-term stays
Local rental agencies: Best for long-term stays (e.g. Bali Study Guide)

💡 Pro Tip: Negotiate your rent! Many landlords offer discounts for 3+ month stays.

🍜 Eating in Bali: Delicious & Affordable

Food in Bali is super affordable if you eat like a local. Street food and warungs (small local restaurants) serve delicious meals for $3–$5, while cafés and restaurants range from $7–$10 per meal.

Warungs & street food: Enjoy Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or Mie Ayam (chicken noodles) for under $5.
Cafés & restaurants: A meal at a Western-style café will cost around $7–$10.
Fine dining: Fancy restaurants will set you back $10+ per meal.

💡 Budget Hack: Eating at warungs is cheaper than cooking at home—so take advantage of the local flavors!

🛵 Getting Around: Transport Costs & Tips

This program is for doers, dreamers, and digital pioneers. If you’re:

Bali doesn’t have a public transport system, so scooters and ride-hailing apps are the best ways to get around.

Scooter rental 🛵: $50–$100/month, plus $20–$30 for petrol.
Gojek/Grab (Ride-Hailing Apps) 🚗: $1–$4 per ride.
Hiring a private driver 🚘: If you don’t drive a scooter, you can hire a driver for $35–$50 per day.

💡 Pro Tip: Always wear a helmet and get an international driver’s license if you plan to ride a scooter!

🛂 Visa Costs: What to Budget for Your Stay in Bali

If you’re studying in Bali, you’ll need a C9 Student Visa, which covers your stay for the semester. Here’s what you need to budget:

e-Visa Fee (Application & Processing) – Included in total cost
Arrival Visa for 60 days (2 months) – IDR 3,000,000 ($200)
First Visa Extension (Additional 60 days) – IDR 3,000,000 ($200)
Optional Second Visa Extension (If staying beyond the semester) – IDR 2,800,000 (~$180)

💡 Important: Your C9 visa covers your full 4-month semester with an initial 60-day stay + 1 extension. If you decide to stay longer after your studies, you’ll need a second extension (IDR 2.8 million / ~$180).

⏳ Avoid Fines! Visa overstay fines are IDR 1,000,000 (~$65) per day, so set reminders to extend on time.

💸 Hidden & Unforeseen Costs – What to Expect

Even with a solid budget, there are always extra expenses that sneak up on you. Here’s what you might not have considered:

💦 Laundry Services: Most accommodations don’t have washing machines, so you’ll likely rely on local laundry services. Prices range from $1 – $2 per kg, and washing a week’s worth of clothes usually costs around $5 – $10.
🎟️ Entrance Fees for Attractions: Visiting Bali’s famous waterfalls, temples, and cultural sites often comes with small entrance fees, usually $2 – $5 per site. Planning weekend trips? These can add up quickly!
🛍️ Shopping & Personal Expenses: From toiletries and cosmetics to clothing, souvenirs, and electronics, your personal shopping habits can impact your budget. Expect to spend $50 – $200 per month depending on your lifestyle.
🏥 Unexpected Medical Costs: Even with travel insurance, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for minor treatments, prescriptions, or dental care. A simple doctor’s visit can cost $20 – $50, while medications for common issues like Bali Belly can be $5 – $15.
⚠️ Visa Overstay Fines: If you forget to extend your visa, overstay fines are IDR 1,000,000 (~$65) per day. Set reminders and don’t risk unnecessary costs!
🌐 Internet & Co-Working Spaces: While SIM cards with data are cheap, fast WiFi isn’t always guaranteed at accommodations. Some co-working spaces charge $50 – $200 per month for reliable high-speed internet.
✈️ Last-Minute Travel Plan: Spontaneous weekend trips, flights home, or visiting nearby islands can be costly. If you love adventure, keep an extra $200 – $500 in reserve for those unplanned getaways.

💡 Budget Tip: Always have a backup fund of at least $200 – $500 for those inevitable surprise costs!

🎯 Final Thoughts: Your Bali Budget, Sorted!

Bali is calling, and now you know exactly how to budget for the adventure ahead! Whether you’re keeping it low-key at $600 per month or going all-in on $2,000+ for the full experience, a little planning goes a long way in making sure you can enjoy every moment—without money worries.

The secret? Balance. Some days are all about warung lunches and scooter rides, while others might be for weekend island getaways or yoga retreats. With the right mix, you’ll make the most of your time in Bali—without overspending.