Living in Bali has long been the dream of wave-hungry surfers seeking tropical perfection without breaking the bank. From beachfront villas in Uluwatu to modest rooms in Canggu, the “Island of the Gods” offers living costs that can fit almost any budget. But with tourism booming and digital nomads flocking to its shores, prices look a little different from the backpacker paradise of decades past.

Monthly rent and where to live

Finding the right spot in Bali means balancing access to the waves with your budget. The island’s premier surf zones—Uluwatu, Canggu, and Bingin—command the highest rents, but you can find deals in nearby neighborhoods.

Where to score waves without breaking the bank 

Uluwatu remains the crown jewel of Bali surfing, with monthly rents starting at $800 for basic rooms and climbing past $2,000 for luxury villas. Canggu offers better value, with comfortable apartments from $500 to $800, while up-and-coming Pererenan provides similar wave access at 20 to 30% lower costs. Budget-conscious surfers should consider Bingin or Padang Padang, where local homestays start around $300 monthly.

Your home break options 

Accommodation ranges from basic surf shacks to full-service villas. Monthly rates typically come with utilities and wifi, but always confirm what’s included. Simple rooms with fans start at $250 to $300, while mid-range spots with air conditioning and pools run $500 to $800. Luxury villas start from around $1,000 but often include cleaning service and scooter rental.

Getting the local price 

The best deals rarely appear online. Network with local surfers, join social media groups, and walk neighborhoods to find unadvertised rentals. Long-term stays (three months or more) can reduce monthly rates by 30% to 40%. Be prepared to negotiate and pay several months upfront for the best rates.

Daily living costs

A food stall in Bali full of fresh fruit a cheaper option to lower the cost of living in Bali

Beyond rent, daily expenses in Bali remain relatively affordable. Here’s what you can expect to spend on essentials:

Your biggest variable will be food costs. Eating locally can save you hundreds every month compared to Western restaurants. Many surfers find a balance, mixing cheap local breakfast and lunch spots with occasional more expensive Western dinners.

Surfing specific expenses

A beach in Badung, Bali with blue sea, golden sand, umbrellas, huts, surfers and swimmers

Board rental and storage costs add up quickly in Bali. Monthly board rental runs $150 to $200. Investing in your own board makes sense for stays over two months—expect to pay $400 to $600 for a new shortboard or $300 to $400 used. Many surf-specific accommodation includes board storage, but dedicated rack space costs $20 to $30 monthly at surf shops. Ding repairs average $10 to $30 depending on severity, while surf trips to spots like Nusa Lembongan or Medewi cost $50 to $100 per day including boat transport.

Surfing lessons with Rapture Camps

Rapture’s surf camp in Padang Padang and Green Bowl offers surf guiding and lessons from qualified instructors in a friendly atmosphere. Our surf school caters to all skill levels, from complete beginners to intermediate surfers. 

Daily surf guiding takes guests to the best spots based on conditions and ability. The camp provides surfing lessons, theory classes, and video analysis sessions to help improve technique. All equipment is included, and packages can combine accommodation with surf instruction.

Seasonal considerations

There are a few things to consider in Bali depending on the time of year. From the dry season to the wet season and beyond. 

The dry season tax 

Peak season (May-September) sees accommodation costs spike 30% to 50%, especially in prime surf zones. Many landlords require minimum stays during these months. The wet season (October-April) offers better deals but less consistent conditions.

Sweet spot months 

April to May and September to October provide the best value, offering good waves and shoulder season rates. Many accommodations offer significant discounts during these transition months as it’s outside of the peak season..

Weather watch 

The wet season brings daily rain but better deals across the board. Afternoon storms rarely impact morning sessions, while many spots work better on wet season swells. Budget extra for scooter rain gear and quick-dry clothing.

Making it work

Creating a realistic monthly budget can help avoid unwanted financial surprises further down the line. Here’s what different lifestyles typically cost:

Budget lifestyle ($1,000-1,500/month):

Comfortable lifestyle ($1,500-2,000/month):

Luxury lifestyle ($2,500+/month):

Whatever your aim, it’s worth opening a local bank account to avoid ATM fees, and make sure your visa situation is up to date because fines can add up quickly. Many surfers find sharing accommodation or joining existing house shares provides the best value while building community.

Riding the rupiah 

Getting the most from your Bali surf life means balancing expenses against wave time. Focus spending on elements that maximize water time, such as reliable transport, proper gear maintenance, and comfortable but not luxurious accommodation. With the right planning, $1,500-2,000 monthly provides a comfortable lifestyle with plenty of surf time in one of the world’s wave-richest destinations.Fancy learning to surf in Bali? Check out our surf camps!