Quick answer: Bali runs about EUR 50 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: April–June or September–October (dry, less humid).
What things actually cost
| warung meal (nasi campur) | 2.50 EUR |
| scooter rental per day | 6 EUR |
| flat white in Canggu | 2.50 EUR |
| Bintang beer | 2 EUR |
| one-hour Balinese massage | 8 EUR |
| Gojek short ride | 1.50 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Nasi campur at a local warungrice with a spread of dishes for 2-3 EUR, the everyday Balinese meal
- Babi guling (suckling pig)about 3-4 EUR a plate in Ubud, Ibu Oka is famous but any busy warung is great
- Nasi goreng or mie goreng2 EUR at warungs, triple that at beach clubs for the same dish
- Smoothie bowls in Canggu4-5 EUR, the cafe-brunch scene is genuinely strong
- Sate lilitminced seafood satay on lemongrass sticks, around 2.50 EUR a portion
Money mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating travel times30 km can take 2 hours in traffic, do not plan Uluwatu and Ubud in one day
- Renting a scooter without an international driving permit or helmet - police fines and voided travel insurance are common
- Never leaving the Canggu-Seminyak stripthe island's best scenery is in Sidemen, Munduk and the east
- Drinking tap water or cheap arak cocktailsstick to bottled water and branded spirits, methanol poisoning is a real risk
Transport without the tourist tax
From the airport agree a fixed taxi price or use Grab/Gojek - Canggu costs about 15-20 EUR and can take over an hour in traffic. On the island rent a scooter (5-7 EUR per day) if you are experienced, otherwise hire a private driver for about 45 EUR per day.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 7-day Bali itinerary.