Ubud was the first place we stayed in Bali. It was overwhelming in many ways – positive and negative. Do you also want to visit Ubud and are interested in how much housing, a Western lifestyle, and childcare costs there? This breakdown of the cost of living in Ubud is from January 2023, which marks the beginning of the low season.
Monthly Costs in Ubud
🏠 Housing: 50.000.000 IDR (3.100 EUR/3.410 USD) – 3bdr Villa with Pool in the east of Ubud
🛒 Groceries: 2.790.000 IDR (173 EUR/190 USD) – supermarkets and local markets
🥗 Restaurants: 20.839.000 IDR (1.292 EUR/1.420 USD) – mostly Western food
🛵 Transportation: 5.200.000 IDR (322 EUR/354 USD) – we rented 1 Scoopy and 1 PCX from Bikago
👶 Childcare: 20.705.000 IDR (1.283 EUR/1.411 USD) – every day at a local school + nannies
🏋️ Sport: 5.200.000 IDR (322 EUR/354 USD) – memberships at Parq
💻 Co-Working: 1.400.000 IDR (86 EUR/95 USD) – day passes at different Co-Working spaces
💆♀️ Personal Care: 2.970.000 IDR (184 EUR/202 USD) – massages, nails, hairdresser/barber
🥳 Fun & Activities: 2.235.000 IDR (139 EUR/152 USD) – e.g., parties, watersports
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💸 Total: 111.339.000 IDR = 6.907 EUR = 7.595 USD
Bali was by far the most expensive place for us in Southeast Asia. We must add that we also lived a very luxurious life. But we felt so trapped in the middle of the traffic that we (thought we) needed the luxury of nice restaurants and a big house. That’s why our cost of living in Ubud may be higher than average.
The decision to embrace luxury contributed to a higher cost of living in Ubud than the regional average. While the island offers diverse living options, the perceived need for upscale amenities and surroundings influenced our expenses. It’s a reminder that lifestyle choices, such as opting for comfort and convenience, can significantly impact the overall cost of living, even in destinations known for their affordability.
Our experience in Bali reflects the complex interplay between lifestyle preferences, local circumstances, and the perceived necessities that influence the financial aspects of the nomadic journey. In the pursuit of a balance between comfort and adventure, the cost of living becomes a dynamic consideration shaped by individual choices and the unique characteristics of each destination.
Please note: You won’t find our costs for health insurance, software subscriptions, retirement plans, etc., here, as I want to show you the cost of living at a specific location.
Are these cost breakdowns helpful for you? Let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading!