You can live frugally in Denpasar for about 6.7–7.5 million IDR monthly (excluding rent), but typical one‑bedroom rents push total costs to roughly 18–27 million IDR depending on location. City‑center one‑bedrooms average ~15.7M IDR, outside center ~11M IDR; three‑bedrooms in center can reach ~48M. Groceries and utilities are modest (utilities ~1.44M, internet ~373K), transport is cheap, and schools/healthcare vary — keep going and you’ll see the full cost breakdown.
Monthly Budget Breakdown by Lifestyle Tier
How much you’ll need in Denpasar depends on the lifestyle tier you choose: a frugal single can cover food, transport and utilities with roughly 6.7–7.5 million IDR monthly (excluding rent), while a family of four typically needs about 23.4 million IDR for the same non-rent items; add rent and you’ll see wide variation—expect ~11–15.7 million IDR for a one-bedroom (outside vs. city center) and up to ~48.1 million IDR for a three-bedroom in the center—so compared with New York (Denpasar is roughly 75% cheaper overall), your budget scales primarily by housing choice, with utilities (~1.44M IDR) and internet (~0.37M IDR) forming modest fixed costs and local food options keeping daily expenses minimal. You’ll plan monthly budget around clear buckets: rent plus apartment utilities and internet, groceries and warungs for food, transport and miscellaneous. With average salary near 3.7M IDR, affordability depends on whether you prioritize central apartment living or frugal local consumption. Additionally, it’s essential to consider average living costs that can fluctuate based on lifestyle choices and location within the city.
Housing and Rental Prices in Denpasar
Your monthly budget will hinge largely on where and how you live, so looking at rental numbers gives a clearer picture of affordability in Denpasar. Denpasar rent is high relative to local incomes: a 1-bedroom city center averages about 15,708,151.63 Rp/month, while a 1-bedroom outside center averages 10,952,951.94 Rp/month. A 3-bedroom in the city center averages 48,148,000.00 Rp/month, showing scale-up costs for space.
Compare these to the average monthly salary of 3,700,000.00 Rp: rent can exceed several months’ pay, making rent comparison essential when planning Bali housing. If you plan to buy an apartment, the price per square in the city center is about 2,522,554.12 Rp/ft²; outside center the price per square meter is roughly 7,333,333.33 Rp/m² from provided data. Choose outside center for lower monthly rent; choose buying only if your budget tolerates high price per square and long-term investment horizons. Additionally, understanding local market conditions can help in making informed choices about housing options.
Food, Groceries and Dining Costs
Frequently, you’ll find eating out and groceries in Denpasar are markedly cheaper than in Western cities, but costs vary widely depending on whether you choose local options or Western-style venues. You can expect a mid-range restaurant meal for two at about 50,000 Rp, while McDonald’s McMeals range roughly from 30,000 to 99,702 Rp, illustrating the spread between local dining and global chains.
For Bali groceries, staple prices are clear: rice price is about 8,272 Rp per pound, eggs price roughly 38,600 Rp per dozen, milk price near 115,454 Rp per gallon, and chicken fillets about 30,300 Rp per pound. Local cheese runs ~118,722 Rp per pound. Local warungs prices undercut Western venues, so your weekly groceries can be very affordable if you shop markets. Beverage costs are higher by comparison: local beer lists around 437,928 Rp per pint and a small water bottle about 8,909 Rp, affecting occasional dining-out totals. Regular inspections can help identify issues early, much like monitoring air conditioning performance to avoid costly repairs.
Healthcare, Insurance and Education Expenses
Wondering about costs for healthcare, insurance and schooling in Denpasar? You’ll find doctor visits are inexpensive, but hospital costs can rise quickly, so adequate insurance matters. Basic medical travel insurance runs around USD 60 per month, with premium plans costing more depending on coverage and duration. If you stay long-term, international medical travel insurance is recommended to avoid large out-of-pocket bills.
Education is a major variable: international school tuition can reach up to USD 10,000 per year per child, while local schools are generally much cheaper. That gap will likely dominate family budgets compared with routine healthcare costs.
Healthcare access is good—Siloam and BIMC are prominent private hospitals near tourist areas, influencing where you might live for quicker access. Factor visas and legal fees into monthly budgeting too, as they affect overall cost of stay. Overall, prioritize insurance level relative to your education choices and expected hospital exposure.
Transport, Utilities and Everyday Services
How much will you spend getting around and keeping comfortable in Denpasar? You’ll find transport affordability in Bali leans cheap compared with many capitals. A one-way ticket on public transport is about 4,460 Rp, while a monthly pass runs ~137,403 Rp, which keeps commuting costs low if you travel daily. Taxi starts average 7,616 Rp, useful for short hops from the city center.
- Compare: one-way ticket 4,460 Rp vs taxi start 7,616 Rp — public transport wins for routine trips in Denpasar.
- Monthly economics: a monthly pass at 137,403 Rp vs occasional taxis — passes minimize per-trip transport cost for regular commuters.
- Utilities: basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment cost ~1,441,952 Rp/month, a predictable overhead whether you live in the city center or outside.
- Connectivity: unlimited 60+ Mbps internet averages 372,746 Rp/month, and rent differences (15,708,152 Rp city center vs 10,952,952 Rp outside) affect total monthly budget significantly. Additionally, consider budgeting for seasonal fluctuations in utility costs, as they can vary throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is Rent in Bali per Month?
You’ll pay roughly 10.95–15.71 million Rp/month for one-bedrooms (outside-center to city-center), about 48.15 million Rp for a central three-bedroom; rents are roughly 67% lower than New York, so considerably cheaper overall.
Can You Live in Bali for $1000 a Month?
Yes — you can, but choices matter: with $1,000 you’ll get basic comfort rather than luxury. Prioritize a $250–400 room, local meals, scooter transport, modest utilities, and occasional extras to stay within budget.
Is It Cheaper to Live in Bali Than in the US?
Yes — you’ll generally pay much less in Bali than in the US. Data shows overall costs about 64% lower and rent roughly 67% lower, though exact savings depend on location, housing choice, and personal lifestyle.
Is $1000 Enough for a Week in Bali?
Yes — you’ll feel like a budget king, if you choose wisely. With $1,000 for a week, you’ll comfortably cover mid-range food, local transport, modest lodging, and activities; splurging on villas or luxury dining won’t fit.
Conclusion
So, you’re eyeing Denpasar’s numbers: rent and groceries shave differently depending on whether you’re living like a backpacker, expat, or local elite. The data say modest budgets stretch further than marketing suggests, while premium lifestyles cost predictably more. You’ll pay less for food than in many Western cities, more for imported comforts, and transport is cheap unless you insist on convenience. In short: choose your tier, match your math — Bali rewards sensible spending, mocks extravagance.
