Bali has a reputation for being cheap. And honestly, it can be. But it can also quietly get expensive if you’re not watching where the money goes.
So what does a trip to Bali actually cost in 2026? Here’s a real breakdown, from one-time entry fees through to daily spending, with figures for three different budget types.
What Does Bali Cost Per Day? (Quick Answer)
| Travel Style | Estimated Daily Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $40-$55 |
| Mid-Range | $100-$130 |
| Luxury | $250+ |
These figures cover accommodation, food, local transport, and basic activities per person. They exclude international flights, the one-time entry costs (covered below), and any big-ticket splurges.
Entry Costs First: What You Pay Before You Start Spending
Before your first meal or taxi, there are a few one-time costs to factor in.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) Most nationalities pay IDR 500,000 (around USD 35) for a 30-day Visa on Arrival. You can pay at the airport on arrival, or apply online in advance for the e-VOA to skip the queue. It’s extendable once for another 30 days if you want to stay longer.
Not sure if your country qualifies? Check the Bali e-VOA guide for the full breakdown.
Bali Tourist Levy Since February 2024, all international visitors pay a one-time levy of IDR 150,000 (about USD 10) per person. You can pay online before you arrive at lovebali.baliprov.go.id, or at a counter in the airport. The app has had reliability issues, so if it fails, just pay on arrival.
All Indonesia Arrival Card Free, but required. Complete it online within 72 hours before you fly — it covers your customs and health declaration and takes about 5 minutes. You get a QR code to show at immigration.
Entry cost total: roughly USD 45 per person (VOA + levy), plus flights.
New for 2026: Bali is rolling out stricter tourist screening at immigration, including checks for proof of sufficient funds. Having evidence of at least USD 2,000 available for your stay is recommended.
Budget Breakdown: Accommodation
Bali has accommodation at every price point. Here’s what to expect:
Budget (USD $10-$25/night) Guesthouses, hostels, and basic homestays. Perfectly clean and comfortable. You’ll find these throughout Canggu, Kuta, and Ubud. Think fan-cooled or basic aircon, shared or private bathroom.
Mid-Range (USD $40-$100/night) This is where Bali really shines. Your money goes a long way here — you can get a private villa with a plunge pool in Canggu or a jungle-view room in Ubud for under USD 80 a night.
Luxury (USD $120-$300+/night) World-class resorts, private pool villas, and boutique eco-lodges. Properties like [AFFILIATE LINK: Booking.com – COMO Shambhala Estate] or [AFFILIATE LINK: Booking.com – The St. Regis Bali] are genuinely at a global standard.
Tip: Book accommodation through [AFFILIATE LINK: Booking.com – Bali hotels] for the best rates. Prices can be 30-40% cheaper in the low season (January, February, October, November).
Budget Breakdown: Food and Drink
Food in Bali can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be.
Eating local (warungs) A meal at a local warung — Bali’s casual family-run restaurants — costs IDR 30,000-50,000 (roughly USD 2-3). Nasi goreng, nasi campur, mie goreng, fresh juices. This is how most locals eat and it’s genuinely delicious.
Cafes and mid-range restaurants Bali has no shortage of Instagram-worthy cafes, especially in Canggu and Ubud. Expect to pay IDR 80,000-150,000 (USD 5-10) for a meal, more for a full dinner out.
Upscale and beach clubs A night at a beach club or a dinner at one of Seminyak’s better restaurants can easily run IDR 400,000-800,000 (USD 25-50) per person with drinks.
Budget food estimate: USD 10-15/day eating mostly local Mid-range food estimate: USD 20-35/day mixing warungs and cafes Luxury food estimate: USD 60+/day with restaurant dinners and beach clubs
Budget Breakdown: Getting Around
Getting around Bali is cheap — as long as you avoid the airport taxi mafia.
Grab and Gojek The easiest way to get around for short trips. GoCar and GrabCar fares for a 20-minute trip typically run IDR 40,000-80,000 (USD 2.50-5). Note: in some areas like parts of Canggu and Ubud, local taxi groups can make pickups tricky — you may need to walk to meet your driver.
Private driver (by the day) The best value for a full day of sightseeing. Hiring a car and driver for 8-10 hours costs IDR 300,000-500,000 (USD 20-35) depending on the area and itinerary. Split between two or more people, it’s remarkably affordable.
Scooter rental IDR 70,000-120,000 per day (USD 5-8). Cheap and flexible, but not recommended if you’re not an experienced rider. Bali traffic and road conditions catch many tourists off guard.
Kura-Kura Bus A tourist shuttle bus connecting the main areas — useful for getting between Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud without arranging a driver. Fares from around USD 2-6.
Transport estimate: USD 10-20/day for comfortable getting around
Budget Breakdown: Activities and Entrance Fees
Most of Bali’s highlights are affordable. A few examples:
| Activity | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Tanah Lot Temple | IDR 60,000-75,000 / USD 4-5 |
| Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple | IDR 50,000-75,000 / USD 4-5 |
| Tegalalang Rice Terraces | IDR 15,000-50,000 / USD 1-3 |
| Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest | IDR 80,000 / USD 5 |
| Mount Batur sunrise trek (guided) | IDR 300,000-500,000 / USD 20-35 |
| Nusa Penida day trip (boat + tour) | IDR 400,000-700,000 / USD 25-45 |
| Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu | IDR 100,000-150,000 / USD 7-10 |
| Surf lesson (beginner) | IDR 200,000-350,000 / USD 14-23 |
Book tours through [AFFILIATE LINK: Viator – Bali day tours] to compare options and lock in prices in advance, especially for popular activities like the Mount Batur trek and Nusa Penida trips.
How Much Does a 7-Day Bali Trip Cost?
Here’s what a 7-day trip looks like per person at each budget level, excluding international flights:
| Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (7 nights) | $105 | $490 | $1,400 |
| Food (7 days) | $90 | $210 | $420 |
| Transport (7 days) | $70 | $140 | $210 |
| Activities | $50 | $150 | $400 |
| Entry (VOA + levy) | $45 | $45 | $45 |
| Total (per person) | ~$360 | ~$1,035 | ~$2,475 |
Budget travelers can do a genuine week in Bali for under USD 400. Mid-range travelers get a comfortable, well-rounded experience for around USD 1,000. Luxury travelers get one of the best value luxury destinations in Asia for around USD 2,500.
When to Visit for the Best Prices
Low season (cheapest): January, February, October, November Prices on accommodation can be 25-40% lower than peak season. Some rain, but Bali’s wet season is usually short bursts rather than all-day downpours.
Shoulder season (good balance): April-June, September Great weather, manageable crowds, reasonable prices. This is arguably the sweet spot.
Peak season (most expensive): July-August, December School holidays from Australia, Europe, and Asia push prices up significantly. Book accommodation well in advance.
More details in the Best Time to Visit Bali guide.
Tips to Keep Costs Down
- Eat at warungs. Nasi goreng at a local spot costs less than a coffee at a Canggu cafe.
- Hire a private driver for full-day trips. Much better value than multiple Grab rides, especially outside the main areas.
- Book accommodation in the low season. January and October especially have real bargains, including at mid-range villas.
- Pay the tourist levy online before arrival. The airport queue adds time, though the price is the same.
- Skip the airport taxis. Use a pre-booked transfer or arrange a Grab pickup once you’re outside the official taxi zone. The price difference is significant.
- Buy a local SIM card on arrival. Data is cheap in Indonesia and you’ll need Grab and maps working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bali cheap for tourists?
By global standards, yes. A comfortable mid-range trip costs around USD 100-130 per day per person. Budget travelers can do it for under USD 50. That said, Bali has gotten more expensive over the last few years, particularly in Canggu and Seminyak.
How much spending money do I need for a week in Bali?
Budget around USD 300-400 per person for a week (excluding flights) if you’re traveling on a tight budget. For a comfortable mid-range experience, USD 900-1,100 is realistic.
Do I need to carry cash in Bali?
Yes, for smaller warungs, markets, and temples. Most mid-range restaurants and shops accept card, but cash is useful to have. Rupiah (IDR) is the only accepted currency for small purchases. See the money and currency guide for ATM tips and how to avoid bad exchange rates.
Is Bali more expensive than Thailand?
Generally comparable, though Thailand has more transport infrastructure that can lower costs. Bali has a slight edge for villa accommodation value at the mid-range level.
What’s the biggest unexpected cost in Bali?
Transport between areas. Bali is bigger than people expect, and getting from Uluwatu to Ubud, for example, takes time and money. Factor in private driver costs if you’re planning to cover a lot of ground.
Planning your trip? Check out the Bali Travel Guide for First-Timers for everything else you need to know before you go.
