Surf · Nomads · Cafes
Canggu
Bali's digital nomad capital. Black sand beaches, surf breaks, and Instagram-friendly cafes. Pricier than Ubud but buzzy and social.
- Budget room150–250K IDR
- Warung meal30–50K IDR
- Surf lesson150–200K IDR
Verified Prices · Updated May 2025
Here is a realistic daily budget for Bali broken down by category. Prices are verified as of May 2025. Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 16,300 IDR.
| Category | Budget Option | IDR / Day | USD / Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Fan room / hostel dorm | 130,000–240,000 | $8–$15 | A/C rooms add ~50K IDR |
| Breakfast | Nasi goreng at warung | 20,000–35,000 | $1.20–$2.15 | With tea or Bali coffee |
| Lunch | Nasi campur, warung | 25,000–45,000 | $1.50–$2.75 | Tourist areas cost more |
| Dinner | Mixed plate, local spot | 35,000–65,000 | $2.15–$4.00 | Seafood adds 20–40K IDR |
| Transport | Scooter rental or Gojek | 65,000–130,000 | $4–$8 | Scooter cheapest if daily |
| Activities | Temple, rice terrace, surf | 30,000–100,000 | $1.85–$6.15 | Surfing lessons ~200K IDR |
| Water + Misc | Bottled water, snacks | 15,000–25,000 | $0.90–$1.50 | Refill stations: 5K/litre |
| TOTAL (low end) | Hostel + warungs | 320,000–370,000 | $19.60–$22.70 | Backpacker minimum |
| TOTAL (comfort) | Private room + cafes | 650,000–820,000 | $39.90–$50.30 | The "sweet spot" range |
Prices collected across Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, and Amed. High season (Jul–Aug, Dec–Jan) adds 15–30%. All IDR prices are rounded. USD at 16,300 IDR/USD.
Each Bali area has a distinct budget profile. Choose based on your vibe— surf town, cultural hub, cliff-top escape, or diving village.
Surf · Nomads · Cafes
Bali's digital nomad capital. Black sand beaches, surf breaks, and Instagram-friendly cafes. Pricier than Ubud but buzzy and social.
Culture · Rice · Yoga
Bali's spiritual and artistic heart. Surrounded by rice terraces and temples. Best value for money—cheapest guesthouses on the island.
Cliffs · Surf · Sunsets
Dramatic clifftop views and world-class surf breaks. More remote— scooter essential. Budget options exist away from the beach clubs.
Diving · Quiet · Escape
East Bali's quiet fishing village. Cheapest prices on the island. Famous for the USAT Liberty shipwreck dive and black sand beaches.
Transport is your biggest variable cost in Bali. Here is a quick comparison. The full guide includes scooter rental tips, international licence requirements, and safe parking advice.
| Option | Cost/Day | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🛵 Scooter Rental | 60,000–80,000 ~$3.70–$4.90 |
Staying 3+ days, exploring freely |
| 🟢 Gojek | 10,000–25,000/ride ~$0.60–$1.50 |
Short hops, no licence needed |
| 🔵 Grab | 15,000–40,000/ride ~$0.90–$2.45 |
Car option, airport transfers |
| 🚐 Tourist Shuttle | 50,000–150,000 ~$3.06–$9.20 |
Kuta–Ubud–Canggu routes |
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The golden rule: eat where locals eat. A warung (family-run restaurant) serves the same food as tourist cafes for a quarter of the price. Below are verified spots from our team's research trips.
Canggu · Jl. Batu Bolong
Packed with locals at noon. Nasi campur (rice with 4 sides) for 30,000 IDR ($1.84). No English menu—point and smile.
Ubud · Jl. Suweta 2
Ubud's most celebrated suckling pig (babi guling). Full plate with rice and crispy skin: 50,000 IDR ($3.07). Opens 11am—arrive early, sells out.
Seminyak · Jl. Petitenget
Local favourite away from the tourist drag. Generous portions, crispy pork skin, and a cold Bintang for 45,000 IDR ($2.76) total.
Bali has excellent budget accommodation from $5 hostel dorms to $20 private bungalows with rice terrace views. These are affiliate links—we earn a small commission at no cost to you, which keeps this guide free.
Canggu · Dorm from $7/night
Ubud · Private from $12/night
Amed · Private from $9/night
Affiliate disclosure: links marked with ↗ are affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy.
Quick answers to the most-asked budget Bali questions.
Yes. Technically you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle category. Police checkpoints do occur, especially in Seminyak and Kuta. The fine for no licence is around 50,000–250,000 IDR. In practice, most checkpoints let tourists through—but carry your IDP.
Yes. Bali is one of Southeast Asia's safest destinations for solo travel. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas—use a crossbody bag. Avoid unlicensed taxis at the airport. Gojek and Grab are the safest and cheapest transport options.
Low season is October to March (wet season). Accommodation prices drop 20–40%. Expect daily afternoon rain, mostly short bursts. Surf is best April–October on the west coast, and October–April on the east (Amed).
Bring USD, EUR, or AUD in cash—these get the best exchange rates at licensed money changers (look for Authorized Money Changer signs). Avoid airport exchange booths. ATMs are widely available but charge 30,000–50,000 IDR per withdrawal. Use a no-fee travel card if possible.