How to Live in Bali for Under $1,000 a Month as a Digital Nomad
Bali is one of the world’s most affordable and attractive destinations for digital nomads, offering an incredible mix of low-cost living, stunning landscapes, coworking spaces, and a thriving remote work community. Many digital nomads manage to live in Bali for under $1,000 a month, enjoying a lifestyle that includes great food, beachside cafes, coworking hubs, and affordable accommodations.
This guide will break down how to live comfortably in Bali on a $1,000 budget, covering accommodation, food, transportation, workspaces, and fun activities while maintaining a productive and enjoyable lifestyle.
1. Is It Really Possible to Live in Bali for Under $1,000 a Month?
Yes! Bali is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy a high quality of life on a relatively low budget. While it’s easy to spend more on luxury villas and high-end experiences, it’s also possible to live affordably without sacrificing comfort.
A well-planned $1,000/month budget can cover accommodation, food, transportation, coworking spaces, and entertainment, allowing digital nomads to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while working remotely. The key is to choose the right area, find affordable accommodations, and make smart spending choices.
📊 Sample Budget for Living in Bali as a Digital Nomad (Under $1,000/month)
| Accommodation | $300 – $500 |
| Food & Groceries | $150 – $250 |
| Coworking & Internet | $50 – $100 |
| Transportation | $50 – $80 |
| Leisure & Activities | $100 – $200 |
| Miscellaneous | $50 – $100 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $850 – $1,000 |
💡 Insider Tip:
The biggest way to save money is by choosing the right accommodation and eating at local warungs instead of Western-style restaurants.
2. Best Affordable Areas to Live in Bali for Digital Nomads
Different areas of Bali cater to different lifestyles and budgets. While places like Canggu and Ubud are popular among remote workers, they can be more expensive than lesser-known areas like Sanur or Pererenan.
🌍 Best Digital Nomad Areas in Bali for Budget Living
📍 Ubud – Best for Culture & Nature Lovers
Ubud is known for its rice terraces, yoga retreats, and strong coworking culture. The cost of living is lower than in beach towns, and you can rent a private villa with a pool for under $500/month.
📍 Canggu – Best for Surf & Social Life
Canggu is the most popular nomad hub in Bali, offering coworking spaces, trendy cafes, and a vibrant nightlife. However, rent here tends to be higher than in Ubud, so budget-conscious nomads often stay in guesthouses or shared villas.
📍 Sanur – Best for Peace & Low Costs
Sanur is a quieter, less touristy area that still offers great coworking spaces, beachfront cafes, and affordable long-term rentals. Many digital nomads choose Sanur for a peaceful and budget-friendly lifestyle.
📍 Pererenan – Best for a Hidden Gem
Pererenan is next to Canggu but less crowded, making it a great option for digital nomads who want to save money while staying close to the action. Rent here is cheaper than in Canggu, and cafes are less expensive.
💡 Insider Tip:
If you’re on a tight budget, consider renting outside the main tourist areas and getting a motorbike to explore nearby coworking spaces and cafes.
3. Finding Affordable Accommodation in Bali
Renting in Bali is one of the biggest expenses, but there are many ways to find affordable housing options. Most digital nomads prefer monthly rentals in guesthouses, shared villas, or co-living spaces to cut costs.
🏡 Best Budget Accommodation Options for Digital Nomads
✔ Guesthouses & Homestays ($250 – $400/month) – Private rooms with shared kitchens and pools.
✔ Shared Villas ($400 – $600/month) – Fully furnished homes split between multiple nomads.
✔ Co-Living Spaces ($500 – $800/month) – Includes coworking, community events, and utilities.
💡 Insider Tip:
To get the best rental deals, look for monthly rates instead of daily or weekly bookings. Facebook groups like “Bali Long Term Rentals” and Airbnb monthly discounts are great for finding affordable stays.
4. Eating on a Budget: Best Affordable Food Options
Eating out in Bali can be very affordable, especially if you skip Western-style restaurants and eat at local warungs.
🍽️ Where to Eat on a Budget in Bali
✔ Warungs (Local Eateries) ($2 – $5/meal) – Traditional Balinese meals like Nasi Goreng, Nasi Campur, and Mie Goreng.
✔ Street Food Stalls ($1 – $3/meal) – Try satay skewers, fresh coconut drinks, and Indonesian snacks.
✔ Local Markets ($20 – $50/week) – Buy fruits, vegetables, and fresh seafood for home-cooked meals.
💡 Insider Tip:
If you eat at Western-style cafes daily, your food costs will be much higher. Save money by cooking at home or alternating between local warungs and budget-friendly Western spots.
5. Working as a Digital Nomad: Best Budget Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces in Bali range from premium memberships to affordable daily passes. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of affordable coworking spots and free Wi-Fi cafes where you can work.
🏢 Best Budget-Friendly Coworking Spaces
✔ Dojo Bali (Canggu) – Offers affordable monthly rates with high-speed internet, networking events, and a great community.
✔ Outpost Ubud – A budget-friendly coworking space with jungle views and 24/7 access.
✔ Bali Bustle (Kuta) – Budget-friendly co-living and coworking combined, offering shared workspaces and fast Wi-Fi.
💡 Insider Tip:
Many coworking spaces offer discounts for long-term memberships. If you’re on a budget, consider working from cafés with free Wi-Fi like Crate Café in Canggu or Clear Café in Ubud.
6. Best Budget-Friendly Hotels & Accommodations
For digital nomads who prefer a private space instead of a co-living setup, Bali offers budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses that provide fast Wi-Fi, comfortable rooms, and easy access to coworking spaces and cafés. These accommodations offer a balance of affordability, comfort, and convenience, making them perfect for remote workers on a budget.
🏨 Recommended Budget Hotels & Guesthouses for Digital Nomads
📍 Ubud – Best for Jungle Views & Quiet Workspaces
✔ Adiwana Monkey Forest (Mid-Range)
A peaceful boutique hotel located in the heart of Ubud, offering private suites, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a serene environment ideal for focused work. The hotel is within walking distance of coworking spaces like Outpost Ubud and some of the best cafés for remote workers.
✔ Tegal Sari Accommodation (Budget-Friendly)
A budget-friendly option surrounded by rice paddies, offering a quiet setting, great Wi-Fi, and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is close to coworking spaces and yoga studios, making it ideal for nomads who enjoy a work-life balance.
📍 Canggu – Best for Surf & Coworking Culture
✔ The Haven Suites Bali Berawa (Mid-Range)
A stylish yet affordable beachfront hotel offering a mix of comfort and connectivity. Located near popular coworking spaces like Dojo Bali and Tropical Nomad, this hotel is perfect for nomads who want to combine work with beachside living.
✔ FRii Bali Echo Beach (Budget-Friendly)
A great budget hotel with modern rooms, a rooftop café, and a shared coworking-friendly lounge. The hotel is located near Echo Beach and Canggu’s top coworking spots, making it ideal for remote workers who love the ocean.
📍 Sanur – Best for Affordable & Relaxed Nomad Life
✔ Maya Sanur Resort & Spa (Mid-Range)
A beachfront resort with a relaxed vibe, offering spacious rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and great access to coworking spaces in Sanur. Perfect for nomads looking for a quieter work environment away from Bali’s busier areas.
✔ Sanur House (Budget-Friendly)
A cozy, budget-friendly boutique stay offering a peaceful retreat with good Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and a tropical garden setting. This hotel is a great choice for digital nomads who prefer a quiet work environment.
📍 Kuta – Best for Budget Digital Nomads & Convenience
✔ The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali (Mid-Range)
A modern beachfront resort offering budget-friendly luxury with excellent workspaces, a beachfront café, and strong internet for remote work. Ideal for digital nomads looking for comfort without overspending.
✔ Mercure Kuta Bali (Budget-Friendly)
A budget-friendly hotel in the heart of Kuta, offering comfortable rooms, fast Wi-Fi, and a rooftop pool with ocean views. Perfect for digital nomads looking for an affordable stay with a great location near coworking spaces and cafés.
Why Bali is the Best Place for Budget Digital Nomads
Bali is one of the few places where you can live comfortably for under $1,000 a month, with access to beautiful beaches, a thriving coworking scene, and a relaxed lifestyle. By choosing the right location, finding budget-friendly housing, eating at local warungs, and using affordable coworking spaces, digital nomads can enjoy a fulfilling, productive, and exciting life on a budget.
Ready to start your digital nomad journey in Bali? Book your accommodation, find a coworking space, and start living your best island life for less! 🌴✨
