What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life

If you’re new to Kata Bella, you’re probably wondering what this website is all about. So hi! I’m Bella. I started this page as a blog to share fun and interesting things about life in Bali – the place I’ve called home for the past 12 years, as well as bits and pieces from my journeys outside Bali too.

I first moved here completely unplanned – I “accidentally” got a job while travelling. Yep, accidentally. I left my big city life behind and landed on this island with nothing but a small suitcase.

Wait…where is Bali again?

Bali might sound familiar –  people talk about it all the time. But I’m no longer surprised that a lot of people still don’t know where it is (It’s okay, though. No judgement here).

So here’s a quick geography check: Bali is a small island in Indonesia, a country in Southeast Asia made up of over 17,000 islands. Despite all that competition, Bali has consistently been in the spotlight as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

The magic of Bali: what keeps people coming back

There are plenty of reasons! Surfing is a big one. Not for me, but a lot of the friends I’ve met here came for the waves and ended up never leaving. Bali’s got some legendary surf spots, especially for seasoned surfers, like the world-famous Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Bingin. 

Another major perk is the tropical weather. Bali has only two seasons: the wet season, usually from November to March, and the dry season for the rest of the year. Simple, sunny, and warm pretty much all year round – no winter coats needed! Beyond the beaches, there are some lush green rice terraces. You might recognise some of them from Eat Pray Love. Two of the most iconic ones are Tegalalang and Jatiluwih, both UNESCO-recognised for their cultural and agricultural significance.

Jatiluwih rice fields – known for producing good quality organic rice

If you’re more into hiking, Bali’s got that covered too. The island is home to several volcanic mountains, with options for everyone – from casual hikers to hardcore trail runners. Mount Batur is a popular sunrise hike that’s beginner-friendly, while Mount Abang or Mount Agung offer a more challenging climb.

Ok next, chances are, you’ve heard that many people come to Bali to find healing, with plenty of spots offering spiritual journeys and wellness retreats. Honestly, the list is endless. Bali really does have something for everyone. Whether you’re into silent retreats and meditation or the party scene (I’ve been through all kinds of phases during my 20s here, hehe).

The highland areas of Bali, like Kintamani and Bedugul has cooler temperatures

But for me, it’s the local Balinese people who make Bali truly special. While they’re open-minded and influenced by Western culture, there’s still a deep-rooted sense of tradition, spirituality, and ceremony. It’s not unusual for your Monday morning commute to be paused by a temple procession right in the middle of the road – and that’s part of the charm. I often get invited to odalan (ceremonies), and I still remember getting my first Balinese attire. Next thing I knew, I had a whole collection in different colours for all kinds of occasions!

What to expect when you live in Bali

Living in Bali definitely has its perks – especially if you’re into that laid-back, but not too slow, kind of slow living. It’s not as fast-paced or hectic as Jakarta or other big cities, so if you’re all about climbing the corporate ladder, Bali might not be the best fit. But it’s not super quiet either – definitely not like a sleepy village. Bali strikes a nice balance between work and play, hustle and chill.

It’s a real perk to still have time for yourself after work

I said yes to my first job here because I was drawn to the work-life balance, the quality of life, and the lifestyle I wanted. Sure, work is still work – busy days happen just like anywhere else, but it’s the little things that make a big difference. Like riding your scooter to work and stopping by a nice little coffee shop (many open crazy early, like 6 or 7am – Thank you to the early-rising surfer crowd!). Or clocking out right on time at 5pm when the sun’s still shining, and having enough time to catch up with friends, go to my jiu jitsu class, or general errands.

It’s all about having the time and space to do more than just work – and being reminded every day that life’s meant to be enjoyed, not spent glued to a screen.

Living cost in Bali: what you need to know

There’s really no right or wrong answer to this — it all depends on your lifestyle. Since Bali’s in Southeast Asia, things are generally pretty affordable. If you live like the locals do; eat at warungs (local eateries), rent in residential neighbourhoods, shop at traditional markets, and ride a scooter to get around – then yes, living in Bali can be really cheap. You could comfortably get by on a modest budget.

But if you’re chasing that dreamy Instagram lifestyle; private villas with pools, daily brunches at photogenic cafés, shopping at boutiques, and regular spa treatments, then Bali can get expensive quickly. Many of those things are priced for tourists and expats, not locals.

And let’s talk about extras: gyms, yoga studios, pilates, martial arts, CrossFit, dance classes, imported groceries, international schools if you have kids, all those things that have been brought into Bali from the outside are still considered “luxuries” here. So they’re priced accordingly. 

So yeah, Bali can be as cheap or as pricey as you make it. It’s all about what kind of life you want to live. Let me break down the math for you.

Getting around Bali: scooters, taxis, and more

One of the first things you’ll notice when living in Bali is just how popular scooters are. Renting or buying a scooter is by far the easiest and most affordable way to get around the island. Just make sure you’re steady and confident enough to navigate Bali’s often chaotic streets — and always wear a helmet for safety!

If you’re not comfortable driving, it’s probably safer to avoid it. There are plenty of taxis available, and apps like Gojek or Grab make getting around affordable and hassle-free. Personally, I’m not a fan of traveling by car here because, aside from the highways and main roads, Bali’s streets are narrow and prone to heavy traffic – especially during peak holiday seasons. So, if you want to survive and thrive in Bali, a scooter is definitely your best friend.

Food scene in Bali: local flavours and international eats

Don’t worry — I didn’t forget to write about the food. Bali’s food scene is just as diverse as the island itself. You can eat like a local with nasi campur (rice with various side dishes), satay skewers, babi guling (suckling pig), or ayam betutu (Balinese spiced grilled chicken) at any warung (local food stall).

But does “Bali belly” exist? Well, it’s a valid concern – Balinese, or Indonesian spices can be a bit intense for first-timers, so go easy in the beginning and listen to your gut (literally).

If you’re craving something more familiar, Bali is a total melting pot. You’ll find just about every type of cuisine here; from Japanese and Italian to Middle Eastern, Indian, and more. There are also loads of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, so no one gets left out at the table.

Okay, so that’s a rough idea about Bali and what living in Bali is like – at least through the eyes of a girl who came for one year and somehow ended up staying for twelve (still here!).

In short, I genuinely love living here. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies, of course, especially when high season traffic hits — but hey, I am totally aware that I live in a holiday destination 😉

If you’re thinking about making the move or just curious about what it’s really like to call Bali home, stick around. I’ll be sharing more stories, tips, and guides to help you navigate island life with a little more ease and a lot more fun. 

Matur Suksema for reading!