Bali, known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and tropical lifestyle, is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads. But is it cheaper to live in Bali than in the US?
This guide provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living to help you decide if relocating to Bali is a financially wise move.
Table of Contents
1. Housing Costs
Bali:
- Rent: Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center (e.g., Seminyak or Ubud) ranges from $300 to $800 USD. Outside the city center, prices drop to $200 to $500 USD.
- Buying Property: Property prices vary widely, but on average, a modern villa can cost between $1,000 to $2,500 per square meter.
US:
- Rent: Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center (e.g., New York City or San Francisco) ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 USD. Outside the city center, prices are around $1,000 to $2,500 USD.
- Buying Property: The average cost of a home in urban areas ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 per square meter.
2. Food and Dining
Bali:
- Groceries: Monthly grocery expenses for a single person range from $150 to $300 USD.
- Dining Out: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $2 to $5 USD, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is around $20 to $40 USD.
US:
- Groceries: Monthly grocery expenses for a single person range from $200 to $400 USD.
- Dining Out: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $10 to $20 USD, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is around $50 to $100 USD.
3. Transportation
Bali:
- Public Transport: Limited options; most expats use scooters or taxis. Renting a scooter costs around $50 to $100 USD per month, and fuel is inexpensive.
- Car Ownership: Owning a car is more costly, with prices for a new car starting around $15,000 USD. Monthly expenses include fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
US:
- Public Transport: Widely available in cities, with monthly passes costing around $70 to $130 USD.
- Car Ownership: Prices for a new car start around $25,000 USD. Monthly expenses include fuel, insurance, and maintenance, which can total $300 to $700 USD.
4. Utilities and Internet
Bali:
- Utilities: Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost around $50 to $150 USD per month for a standard apartment.
- Internet: High-speed internet costs about $20 to $50 USD per month.
US:
- Utilities: Basic utilities cost around $100 to $200 USD per month for a standard apartment.
- Internet: High-speed internet costs about $50 to $100 USD per month.
5. Healthcare
Bali:
- Public Healthcare: Limited and not recommended for serious conditions. Most expats use private healthcare.
- Private Healthcare: High-quality private healthcare is available, with insurance costs ranging from $50 to $150 USD per month, depending on coverage.
US:
- Public Healthcare: Not available; healthcare is primarily private.
- Private Healthcare: Insurance costs vary widely, averaging $200 to $500 USD per month for individual coverage. Out-of-pocket expenses can be high without comprehensive insurance.
FAQs about whether it is cheaper to live in Bali than in the US
Is the cost of living in Bali lower than in the US?
Yes, the cost of living in Bali is generally lower than in the US, particularly in terms of housing, food, and transportation.
How much does it cost to rent a house in Bali?
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Bali’s city center ranges from $300 to $800 USD per month. Prices are lower outside the city center.
Are groceries cheaper in Bali than in the US?
Yes, monthly grocery expenses in Bali range from $150 to $300 USD for a single person, compared to $200 to $400 USD in the US.
What are the transportation options in Bali?
Most expats use scooters, which cost around $50 to $100 USD per month to rent. Car ownership is more expensive. Public transport options are limited.
How is healthcare in Bali compared to the US?
Bali offers high-quality private healthcare at a lower cost than the US. However, public healthcare in Bali is limited and not recommended for serious conditions.
Wrapping It Up
Living in Bali can be significantly cheaper than living in the US, especially regarding housing, food, and transportation. Bali offers a unique lifestyle with its tropical climate, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes. However, it’s important to consider factors like healthcare and the availability of certain amenities. By understanding the cost differences and planning accordingly, you can decide whether a move to Bali is right for you.
About Nour Estates
We started Nour Estates with a simple idea: to make finding your dream land in Indonesia as easy and enjoyable as a day at the beach. Our team is a mix of local folks and people from around the world who fell in love with Indonesia just like you. We’ve been in your shoes, faced the challenges of buying land here, and learned all the ins and outs. Now, we’re here to share that knowledge with you.
We are here to find you the perfect property to invest in. Contact us today, and let’s start this exciting journey together!
