💰 Costs for your semester abroad in Bali
How much does a semester abroad in Bali really cost?
Bali can be surprisingly affordable – but it can also end up being significantly more expensive if you eat in cafés every day, travel frequently or want to live right in the city centre.
To help you plan realistically, here’s an honest overview of what students in Bali can expect should really take into account – without embellished backpacker budgets or unrealistic savings estimates.
🎯 What does that all mean?
💸 Budget Student
approx. €800–950 per month
For anyone who wants to live more affordably.
⭐ Komfort Student (Recommended)
approx. €1,000–1,400 per month
The most realistic budget for most students.
🌴 Bali Lifestyle Premium
from €1,600 per month
For plenty of comfort, high-quality accommodation and lots of activities.
💡 Our honest recommendation:
With €1,000–1,400 per month Most students in Bali lead a very relaxed lifestyle – including accommodation, mopeds, leisure time and the occasional trip.
💡 In a nutshell: What sort of budget should you expect?
Our realistic guide for students
approx. €1,000–1,400 per month
This is how most students live in Bali very pleasant – including accommodation, a scooter, food, sport, leisure activities and the occasional trip.
Of course, you can find cheaper options – but also much more expensive ones.
Important:
Your budget depends largely on,
✅ where you live (e.g. Canggu vs. Kerobokan)
✅ Where you live (shared flat, villa or flat)
✅ how often you go out for a meal, travel or go out partying
📍 The biggest difference: the region
Not every area in Bali costs the same.
💸 A bit cheaper:
Jimbaran, Kerobokan, Kuta
⚖️ Mid-range price point:
Pererenan, Seminyak
💰 Usually a bit more expensive:
Canggu, Uluwatu
Accommodation, cafés and lifestyle in particular can vary significantly from region to region.
🏡 Accommodation
approx. €300–600 per month
Accommodation is usually the biggest expense.
Many students live in shared villas, flatshares or student houses – often including a swimming pool, cleaning service, kitchen and communal areas.
💡 Our tip:
Good long-term accommodation for students in popular areas is often snapped up quickly – especially in Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu.
🍜 Food & Drink
approx. €200–400 per month
In Bali, you can eat for next to nothing – or pay prices that are almost as high as in Europe.
General guidelines:
Local cafés
approx. €2–5 per meal
Cafés & Restaurants
approx. €6–15 per meal
Supermarket & Snacks
approx. €100–200 per month
💡 Our experience:
Most students combine local restaurants with cafés – and usually end up at €200–400 per month.
🛵 Scooters & Transport
approx. €60–100 per month
A scooter is almost essential in Bali.
Many areas are hard to reach without a scooter – daily rides with Grab or Gojek can quickly add up.
Typical costs:
Scooter hire
approx. €50–90 per month
Petrol
approx. €5–15 per month
Grab / Gojek (like Uber)
handy for one-off trips
⚠️ Important:
An international driving licence is highly recommended.
📱 SIM card & internet
approx. €8–20 per month
Mobile internet in Bali is cheap and usually reliable.
Many accommodation options, cafés and co-working spaces also offer good Wi-Fi.
Typical providers:
Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat
For most students, a local SIM card with a large data allowance is more than enough.
🏋️ Fitness, sport & hobbies
approx. €20–100 per month
Bali is perfect for an active lifestyle.
The gym, surfing, yoga, walks on the beach, padel or weekend trips quickly become part of everyday life for many students.
Typical costs:
Gym
approx. €20–80 per month
Surfboard hire
approx. €3–10 per day
Surfing lesson
approx. €10–30
Depending on your lifestyle, you might also enjoy yoga, wellness, padel or events.
🌴 Leisure, Travel & Nightlife
approx. €80–300 per month
This area is often underestimated.
Bali itself isn’t particularly expensive – but lots of little things can quickly add up.
Typical leisure expenses:
• Beach Clubs
• Restaurants & Cafés
• Parties & Nightlife
• Weekend breaks
• Day trips
• Coworking spaces
• Massages
• Surfing & Events
Popular trips:
Nusa Penida · Lombok · Gili Islands · Uluwatu · Amed · Komodo
💡 Based on realistic estimates:
For leisure and occasional trips, you should at least €80–300 per month plan ahead.
✈️ One-off costs before you set off
As well as your monthly costs, there are a few one-off expenses.
Flight to Bali
approx. €600–1,200
Depending on the season, airline and time of booking.
Visas & Entry
approx. €200
Depending on the length of stay and type of visa.
Overseas health insurance
approx. €30–70 per month
Please don’t skimp on this.
Vaccinations & first-aid kit
personalised
Vaccinations are often covered by health insurance.
International driving licence
approx. €15
Highly recommended for scooter riders.
📊 Sample budgets
💸 Budget Student
approx. €800–950 per month
Perfect if you’re looking to live more affordably.
Typically includes:
✅ Rooms in shared flats/villas
✅ Local warungs
✅ Roller
✅ Not much partying
✅ simple leisure activities
⭐ Komfort Student (Recommended)
approx. €1,000–1,400 per month
The most realistic budget for most students.
Typically includes:
✅ lovely accommodation
✅ Roller
✅ Regular cafés/restaurants
✅ Gym & Leisure
✅ Occasional trips
✅ Nightlife
💡 Our recommendation:
With this budget, you can relax and enjoy Bali without having to constantly check your bank balance.
🌴 Bali Lifestyle Premium
from €1,400 per month
For anyone who wants to live in comfort and make the most of their experiences.
Typically includes:
✅ High-quality villa
✅ Lots of restaurants and cafés
✅ Beach Clubs/Nightlife
✅ Regular trips
✅ Premium Gym
✅ Plenty of comfort & privacy
💰 Cost overview at a glance
This will help you plan realistically for Bali
🏡 Accommodation
approx. €350–900 per month
Depending on the region, a villa, shared flat or apartment.
🍜 Food & Drink
approx. €200–350 per month
Local eateries and cafés combined.
🛵 Scooters & Transport
approx. €60–100 per month
Scooter hire, petrol and the odd Grab or Gojek ride.
📱 SIM card & internet
approx. €8–20 per month
Local data packages are usually more than enough.
🏋️ Fitness & Sport
approx. €20–100 per month
The gym, surfing, yoga or other hobbies.
🌴 Leisure & Nightlife
approx. €80–300 per month
Trips, cafés, beach clubs, parties & activities.
🩺 Overseas health insurance
approx. €30–70 per month
Please don’t cut corners in the wrong places.
💸 Miscellaneous
approx. €50–150 per month
Laundry, doctor’s appointments, trips to the supermarket or unexpected expenses.
🎯 How much does a trip to Bali cost in total?
💸 Budget Student
approx. €800–950 per month
For anyone who wants to live more affordably.
⭐ Komfort Student (Recommendation)
approx. €1,000–1,400 per month
The most realistic budget for most students.
🌴 Bali Lifestyle Premium
from €1,600 per month
For greater comfort, high-quality accommodation and plenty of activities.
💡 Our honest recommendation:
With €1,000–1,400 per month Most students in Bali lead a very relaxed lifestyle – including accommodation, mopeds, sport, leisure and the occasional trip.
💡 5 money-saving tips for Bali
1. Book your accommodation early
Good accommodation in popular areas often gets snapped up quickly.
2. Don’t eat in cafés every day
Hostels are cheaper – and often really good.
3. Rent a scooter monthly rather than daily
Monthly rents are significantly cheaper.
4. Plan your trips carefully
Lots of little weekend trips add up faster than you might think.
5. Allow for a buffer
In Bali, there are often small additional costs: laundry, a helmet, doctor’s appointments, entrance fees, Grab rides or spontaneous activities.
Our honest verdict
Bali is often more affordable than many other countries for a semester abroad – but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s cheap.
If you live mindfully, you can often get by with under €1,000 per month get by.
But if you really want to enjoy Bali – with lovely accommodation, cafés, sports, trips and leisure activities – you should rather go with €1,000–1,400 per month calculate.
That way, you’ll have plenty of freedom to enjoy your term in a relaxed way – without having to constantly keep an eye on your budget.