Vacay AlchemistFor travelers coming from the US, a Bali trip's cost is dominated by getting there - once you land, Bali is one of the better-value destinations in the world across every budget tier.
Per-person total for 10 days
- Budget: $1,600-$2,200 (guesthouses and homestays, scooter, local warungs) - Mid-range: $2,500-$3,500 (private villas and 4-star hotels, drivers, spa days, a Nusa Penida or Gili trip, daily restaurant meals) - High-end: $5,000+ (luxury resorts in Ubud and the south, private guides, fine dining) Flights from the US West Coast run $900-$1,400 round trip and are the single biggest line item.
Flights
Expect 20-30 hours of travel with at least one stop. US West Coast round trip is typically $900-$1,400; East Coast $1,100-$1,700. Fares dip in the February-March and October-November shoulders.
Lodging is where Bali shines
A clean guesthouse with a pool is $25-$45 a night. A private villa with a plunge pool and staff is $80-$180. Internationally branded five-star resorts run $250-$600. Ubud and Canggu are pricier than Sanur or Amed.
Daily costs
$50-$100 per person per day covers mid-range travel comfortably: a warung meal is $2-$4, a nice restaurant dinner $10-$25, a full-day private driver $40-$55, a 60-minute massage $8-$15, temple entries $2-$5. A scooter rental is about $5 a day.
Hidden costs to plan for
The visa on arrival is about $35, there's a tourist levy of roughly $10, travel insurance is strongly recommended for scooter travel, and fast boats to the Gilis or Nusa islands run $25-$50 each way.
Frequently asked
Is Bali cheap to travel?
Once you arrive, yes - lodging, food, transport, and spa services are all inexpensive. The long-haul flight from the US is the main cost.
How much money do you need per day in Bali?
$50-$100 per person per day is comfortable for mid-range travel including a driver and restaurant meals. Budget travelers manage on $25-$40.
Do you need to pay for a visa for Bali?
Most visitors buy a visa on arrival for around $35, plus a separate tourist levy of about $10. Check current rules for your nationality before you go.
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