Daily Budget Tiers
Bali is one of the most affordable tropical destinations in the world. Here's what you can realistically spend per day, all-in (accommodation, food, transport, activities). For a full destination overview including neighbourhoods, culture, and sightseeing tips, see our Bali destination guide.
Full Cost Breakdown
Here's a realistic budget breakdown for a 10-day solo trip to Bali:
| Expense | Budget option | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight (from Europe) | Budget airline / stopover | €450–700 |
| Accommodation (10 nights) | Guesthouse / hostel dorm | €80–150 |
| Food & drinks (10 days) | Warungs + local markets | €60–100 |
| Transport | Scooter rental (10 days) | €35–50 |
| Activities & entrance fees | Temples, Tegallalang, Nusa Penida day trip | €50–80 |
| Visa on arrival (30 days) | Required for most nationalities | €30 |
| Travel insurance | Basic coverage | €25–40 |
| Total (10 days) | €730–1,150 | |
Travelling as a couple sharing a private room and splitting a scooter rental brings the per-person cost down significantly — a 10-day Bali trip for two can cost as little as €900 total.
10-Day Budget Itinerary
This route covers Bali's three must-visit zones (Ubud, South Bali, East Bali) while keeping costs low by renting a scooter and eating at local warungs.
Ubud: Cultural Heart
Arrive, settle into a guesthouse (€8–15/night), explore the Monkey Forest (€4), walk the rice terraces at Campuhan Ridge for free, eat at a warung (€2–4/meal).
Ubud: Temples & Rice Fields
Rent a scooter (€4/day) and ride to Tirta Empul holy springs (€3), Tegallalang Rice Terraces (€2 entry), and Goa Gajah elephant cave (€3). Sunset at Pura Taman Saraswati temple — free.
Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
Join a group sunrise hike to Mount Batur (€15–25 incl. guide). One of Bali's most spectacular experiences at a fraction of resort tour prices.
Nusa Penida Day Trips
Take the fast boat from Sanur (€20 return). Visit Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong, and Broken Beach. Rent a scooter on the island (€5/day) — skip the overpriced guided tours.
Seminyak / Canggu: Beach & Surf
Head south for beaches, surf lessons (€15–20), and the famous €3 sunset at Tanah Lot temple. Stay in Canggu for a hipper, cheaper scene than Kuta.
Uluwatu & Departure
Visit Uluwatu Temple at sunset — free entry, stunning clifftop setting. Watch the Kecak fire dance (€8). Transfer to airport from €8 via Blue Bird taxi app.
Cheap Accommodation in Bali
Best budget areas
- Ubud: The best value for money. Guesthouses from €8/night, private rooms with breakfast from €15.
- Canggu: Trendy digital nomad hub. Hostels from €10, private rooms from €20 — better value than Seminyak.
- Sanur: Quiet, local feel. Cheaper than Kuta with direct ferry access to Nusa Penida.
- Amed: Far east Bali, much cheaper. Great for divers and those wanting a relaxed, authentic vibe.
Tips for cheap stays
- Book directly with guesthouses — many don't appear on Booking.com and charge 20–30% less
- Minimum-stay discounts: ask for a 7-night rate
- Avoid July/August and Christmas/New Year when prices double
- Hostels in Bali often include free breakfast — factor this into your food budget
Eating on a Budget in Bali
Bali's warungs (small family-run restaurants) serve generous, delicious meals for €1.50–3. You can eat well on €8–12/day if you follow local habits.
What to eat cheaply
- Nasi goreng / mie goreng — fried rice or noodles: €1.50–2.50 at warungs
- Nasi campur — mixed rice plate with side dishes: €2–3
- Satay skewers from street vendors: €0.30 each
- Fresh fruit smoothies at local juice bars: €1.50–2
- Babi guling (suckling pig) at Ibu Oka in Ubud: €4–6 — a must-try
Where to save on food
- Eat where locals eat — avoid restaurants on the main tourist strips (Legian St, Monkey Forest Rd)
- Use the Warung search on Google Maps, filter for "local" results
- Buy fruit and snacks at Pasar Badung (Denpasar central market)
- Bring a reusable water bottle — refills at Isi Ulang stations cost €0.10–0.20
Getting Around Bali Cheaply
- Scooter rental: €4–6/day — the cheapest and most flexible option. Essential for Ubud and East Bali. International driving permit required.
- Grab / Gojek apps: Ride-hailing apps with fixed prices — 3× cheaper than negotiating with regular taxi drivers in tourist areas.
- Blue Bird taxis: Metered taxis, reliable for longer city trips.
- Perama tourist bus: Budget shuttle between main tourist hubs (Ubud–Kuta–Sanur) for €3–5 per leg.
- Ferry to Nusa Penida / Lombok: €8–12 each way from Sanur or Padang Bai.
Airport transfers: Use the official Ngurah Rai taxi counter inside arrivals (fixed rate ~€6–10 to Kuta). Avoid touts offering €20+ outside.
Free & Cheap Activities in Bali
- Campuhan Ridge Walk (Ubud) — free sunrise hike through jungle and rice fields
- Pura Lempuyang "Gates of Heaven" — free temple, €2 sarong rental if you forget yours
- Seminyak, Kuta & Echo Beach sunsets — free
- Tanah Lot Temple exterior — free; inner temple €3
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces — €2 entry, walking is free on the ridge above
- Waterbom Bali (Kuta) — worth it at €25 if you want a full day, cheaper with advance booking
- Yoga classes in Ubud from €5–8 at independent studios (skip the Yoga Barn at €18+)
- Cooking classes from €15–20 including market visit and 5-course meal
Travelling to Bali with Friends or Family?
Use MyHolidayMatch to make sure everyone agrees on Bali — swipe, match, and plan your group trip together.
Download FreeMoney-Saving Tips for Bali
Avoid July, August & Christmas
Peak season doubles or triples prices for accommodation and flights. Visit April–June or September–October for the best value.
Rent a Scooter, Not a Driver
Hired drivers cost €40–60/day for a car. A scooter is €4–6/day — 10× cheaper and more flexible for exploring.
Withdraw Cash in Larger Amounts
ATMs charge a flat fee (usually €2–3) per withdrawal. Take out IDR 2–3 million at once. Use Wise or Revolut to minimise conversion fees.
Negotiate Respectfully
Market stalls and some guesthouses expect negotiation — start at 50–60% of the asking price and settle around 70%. Don't haggle at warungs or small food stalls.
SIM Card at the Airport
Buy a Telkomsel or XL SIM card at the airport for €5–8. Gives you 20–30GB data — essential for Grab/Gojek and Maps navigation.
Skip the Tourist Traps
Kuta's famous Poppies Lane restaurants charge 3–4× warung prices. Walk two blocks inland for the same food at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bali really cheap for Europeans?
Yes — the Indonesian rupiah is very weak against the euro. A full meal at a warung costs €1.50–3, a scooter rental €4/day, and a private guesthouse room €10–18/night. However, tourist-facing prices in beach clubs and upscale restaurants approach European levels, so staying local is key.
How much does a 10-day Bali trip cost from Europe?
On a backpacker budget, allow €700–1,000 all-in including flights. On a mid-range budget with private villas and day tours, plan for €1,200–1,800 per person. Couples sharing accommodation and a scooter save significantly.
Do I need a visa for Bali?
Most EU and UK nationals get a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VoA) for around €30, extendable once for another 30 days at the immigration office. From 2024, Indonesia also offers a free Visa-Free entry for 30 days for many nationalities — check the latest rules before you travel.
Is it safe to rent a scooter in Bali?
Many visitors do it successfully, but Bali roads can be chaotic, especially around Kuta and Seminyak. Stick to quieter areas (Ubud, East Bali) if you're a beginner. Always wear a helmet, carry your licence, and take out travel insurance that covers scooter riding.
What is the cheapest month to visit Bali?
January and February are the cheapest months (low season, rainy season) — prices can drop 30–50%. April–June offers the best combination of good weather and lower prices. Avoid July/August and Christmas/New Year peak periods.