Is $1,000/Month Realistic in 2025 Bali?
If you’re wondering whether How to Live in Bali on $1000 a Month in 2025 is still possible, this guide confirms it is – but only with strategic budgeting. As a long-term expat who’s tracked Bali cost trends since 2022, I’ll share exact 2025 prices for housing, visas, and daily expenses that most blogs miss.
Key Changes Affecting 2025 Budgets:
- 15-20% increase in villa rentals since 2023 (Bali Property Report 2024)
- New visa regulations requiring minimum $2,000/month income proof for some permits (Bali Immigration Office)
- Rising food costs at local warungs (5-10% inflation)
Detailed Monthly Budget Breakdown
Accommodation: 300−300−500
Cheap bali housing 2025
Best Value Areas:
- Pererenan: Shared villas from $250/month (Bali Affordable Housing FB Group)
- Ubud outskirts: Private rooms from $350/month
- Sanur: Older but cheaper studios from $400/month
Cost Comparison Table:
Type | Low Season | High Season |
---|---|---|
Shared Villa | $250 | $350 |
Private Room | $350 | $500 |
Airbnb (1 month) | $600 | $900 |
Tip: Negotiate 10-15% discounts for 6+ month rentals paid upfront in cash.
Food & Groceries: 200−200−350
Bali food costs 2025
Where to Eat Cheap:
- Local warungs: 1.50−1.50−3/meal (Try Warung Sika in Canggu)
- Pasar Badung market: $50/week for groceries (Market Price List)
- Western food: 5−5−8 at budget cafes
Monthly Food Budget Example:
- 15 warung meals: $45
- 10 home-cooked meals: $30
- 5 cafe meals: $40
- Groceries: $60
- Total: 175−175−250
Transportation: 50−50−100
- Scooter rental: 50−50−80/month (Bali Bike Rental)
- Gasoline: 15/month(Premiumfuelat15/month(Premiumfuelat1.30/liter)
- Gojek rides: 1−1−3 per short trip
Visa & Health Costs: 100−100−200
Bali digital nomad visa 2025
- B211A Social Visa: $300 for 6 months
- Local clinic visit: 10−10−20
- Travel insurance: $45/month (SafetyWing Nomad Insurance)
Proven Money-Saving Strategies
Rent Directly From Owners
Use these verified Facebook groups to avoid agent fees:
Cook Simple Meals
Best cheap groceries:
- Rice: $0.80/kg at Tiara Dewata Supermarket
- Eggs: $2.50/dozen
- Local vegetables: 1−1−2/kg
Use Local SIM Cards
Telkomsel 10GB plan: 3/monthvstouristSIMsat3/monthvstouristSIMsat20
Avoid Tourist Areas
Price Comparison:
Expense | Tourist Area | Local Area |
---|---|---|
Meal | 5−5−10 | 1.50−1.50−3 |
Massage | $15 | $5 |
Scooter Rent | $100 | $50 |
Extend Visas In-Country
Saves $200+ vs border runs (Bali Visa Agency)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in Bali on $800/month?
Yes, but requires:
- Shared housing in remote areas
- Eating only at warungs
- No coworking spaces
What’s the cheapest month to move?
February-March (rainy season) when rents drop 10-15%
How much should I budget for 6 months?
6,000−6,000−7,000 including flights and setup costs
Final Recommendations
Best Banks for Expats
- Wise: For cheap currency transfers (Sign Up)
- BCA: Best local ATMs