Understanding the food cost in Bali is the first step to planning your dream trip, because unlike many tourist hubs, this island offers incredible flexibility for every budget. While it’s easy to assume that everything is pricey in such a famous destination, the reality is that Bali allows you to eat like a king for a few dollars or indulge in world-class fine dining.
From savoring simple, delicious meals at local warungs to enjoying unlimited luxury at exclusive resorts, your food budget is completely in your hands. To help you plan, here is a practical guide to what you can expect to spend on food in Bali in 2026.
Food Cost by Dining Type
1. Local Warung and Street Food Bali
This is the heartbeat of the island’s culinary scene. For the most authentic and budget-friendly experience, pull up a plastic stool at a local warung.
Here, you’ll discover true Indonesian cuisine like Nasi Campur (mixed rice with a dozen sides) or fragrant meatball soup. It’s a delicious, filling, and incredibly affordable way to eat like a local.
- Price Range: IDR 15,000 – IDR 35,000 per plate.
- Drinks: A refreshing iced tea or bottled water is around IDR 5,000.
- The Vibe: No-fuss, delicious food you can point to. There are no hidden taxes or service charges, just real, everyday meals perfect for maximum savings.
2. Cafes and Casual Restaurants
Craving an acai bowl or a flat white after a morning swim? The cafe culture is massive here, especially in the trendier coastal pockets.
These spots are the quintessential Canggu cafes, designed for digital nomads and brunch lovers. They offer great food in an aesthetically pleasing setting, perfect for snapping a few photos while you work or catch up with friends.
- Price Range: IDR 60,000 – IDR 120,000 per main dish.
- Drinks: Your daily latte or a fresh smoothie will typically cost between IDR 35,000 and IDR 55,000.
- The Vibe: Airy, stylish, and equipped with fast Wi-Fi. Just remember that your bill will usually include an extra 10-15% for tax and service.
3. Seminyak Restaurants and Mid-Range Dining
When you’re ready for a sit-down dinner with table service and a lively atmosphere, look towards the many Seminyak restaurants.
This category is where you’ll find a step up in ambiance, offering everything from sizzling steaks and premium pasta to larger grilled seafood feasts. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed dinner with friends or family.
- Price Range: IDR 150,000 – IDR 350,000 per person (including a drink or two).
- The Vibe: Comfortable and curated, often with beautiful design elements, and sometimes a view of the rice paddies or the sunset.
4. Fine Dining Bali and Luxury Restaurants
For an unforgettable evening, Bali rivals any world-class city. The fine dining Bali scene offers high-concept culinary journeys, often with a “farm-to-table” philosophy. These experiences are about more than just the food; they are immersive events with impeccable service, extensive wine lists, and menus that are works of art.
- Price Range: IDR 1,000,000 – IDR 3,000,000+ per person.
- The Menu: Think multi-course tasting menus featuring premium ingredients like A5 Wagyu beef.
- The Vibe: Exclusive and personalized. Reservations are essential, often needing to be booked weeks in advance.
Must-Try Balinese Food and What It Costs
One of the best parts of any Bali trip cost is how far your money goes when you’re eating local. Balinese food is an incredible explosion of flavor, thanks to its signature blend of spices known as base genep.
The best part? You can taste these dishes everywhere, from a humble plastic stool on the roadside to the most elegant tables in town. To help you plan your culinary adventure, here are the must-try dishes and what you might pay for them in 2026.
- Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)
This is the island’s most famous celebration dish. It’s a plate of rice served with incredibly tender, spiced roasted pork, its famous crispy skin, a side of sate lilit (minced meat satay), lawar (chopped vegetables with minced meat), and a drizzle of zesty sambal matah.
- Local Warung: IDR 35,000 – IDR 50,000 for a generous “mixed” portion.
- Popular Restaurant: IDR 70,000 – IDR 120,000 for a complete set menu.
- Ayam Betutu (Slow-Cooked Spiced Chicken)
This dish is a true labor of love. The chicken is marinated in a rich paste of turmeric, ginger, and chilies, then slow-cooked until it’s so tender it falls off the bone.
The spices penetrate every strand of meat, creating an unforgettable depth of flavor.
- Warung/Per Person Portion: IDR 30,000 – IDR 45,000.
- Whole Chicken: IDR 100,000 – IDR 150,000, easily enough to share with 3-4 people.
- Sate Lilit (Minced Seafood Satay)
Unlike the chicken skewers you might know, sate lilit is a uniquely Balinese creation. It’s made from finely minced fish, chicken, or pork, mixed with grated coconut and spices, then wrapped and pressed around a stick of lemongrass or bamboo, which infuses it with a citrusy aroma as it grills.
- Street Vendors: IDR 1,000 – IDR 2,500 per skewer.
- Restaurants/Set Menus: IDR 40,000 – IDR 75,000 for a serving of 5-8 skewers with rice and sides.
- Balinese Mixed Rice (Nasi Campur)
Consider this the perfect introduction to the local food Bali eats every day. Your plate becomes a canvas, piled with white rice and surrounded by little “mountains” of flavor, think shredded chicken, a boiled egg, crispy peanuts, urap vegetables, and a spoonful of spicy chili sauce. It’s a different meal every time.
- Local Rice Stalls: IDR 15,000 – IDR 25,000.
- Cafe/Boutique Restaurant: IDR 60,000 – IDR 95,000, often featuring organic ingredients or a more artistic presentation, making it a popular choice for Ubud dining.
- Tipat Cantok (Vegetables in Peanut Sauce)
This is a fantastic vegetarian option and a staple of the Bali food scene. Think of it as Bali’s version of gado-gado: sliced rice cakes and blanched vegetables are generously coated in a rich, savory peanut sauce ground with chilies and aromatic galangal. It’s simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
- Local Stall: IDR 10,000 – IDR 20,000.
- Tourist Restaurant: IDR 35,000 – IDR 55,000.
- Jimbaran Grilled Seafood
For a truly magical evening, head to Jimbaran Bay at sunset. Here, you’ll find rows of casual restaurants right on the sand, grilling fresh fish, squid, and prawns over coconut husks with a sweet, smoky Balinese glaze. You dine with your feet in the sand and the sound of waves in the background.
- Standard Package: IDR 150,000 – IDR 300,000 per person for a complete meal.
- By the Kilo/Deluxe: For premium picks like lobster or king crab, prices start from IDR 400,000+, depending on the weight.
Hidden Costs and Extra Charges to Know
When planning your travel budget for Bali, it’s easy to focus on the big-ticket items. But the real secret to managing your cost of living Bali style? It’s spotting the sneaky little extras that can add up before you know it.
From menu fine print to parking fees, here’s what you need to watch out for to keep your budget on track.
- The “Plus-Plus” on Your Bill
You sit down, order a meal, and when the bill arrives, it’s higher than the menu price. This is the classic traveler trap. If a menu shows “IDR 100,000++”, those little plus signs mean government tax and a service charge are not yet included. Always scan the bottom of the menu for the fine print.
- The Amount: An extra 15% to 21% is typical.
- Government Tax: 10%
- Service Charge: 5% – 11%
- The Tip-Off: If you see the word “Nett,” you’re safe—that’s the final price.
- The Foreign Tourist Levy
Since 2024, there’s been a new line item for anyone visiting the island. It’s a one-time entrance fee for foreign tourists, designed to help preserve Bali’s culture and environment.
- The Cost: IDR 150,000 per person.
- Pro Tip: Pay online through the “Love Bali” app or website before you fly. It saves you time, and you’ll want to keep that QR code receipt on your phone.
- Parking and Village “Donations”
This is one of those small costs that surprises everyone. In Bali, you almost always pay to park, even if it’s just for five minutes.
You’ll also encounter local village posts at the entrance to certain beaches or attractions, sometimes asking for a small “donation” for maintenance.
- Motorcycle Parking: IDR 2,000 – IDR 5,000.
- Car Parking: IDR 5,000 – IDR 10,000.
- Village Fees: IDR 10,000 – IDR 20,000 (often voluntary, but nice to contribute).
- ATM and Money Exchange Traps
Using your foreign card at an ATM here often triggers a fee from the local bank, on top of whatever your bank back home charges. The best way to minimize this is to withdraw larger amounts less often.
The Warning: When exchanging money, always use an authorized, official money changer (look for a certificate). Avoid small, dark shops offering rates that seem too good to be true, they usually are. - The Tipping Question
Wondering if you need to tip? In Bali, it’s a kind gesture but never expected. Always check your bill first: if a service charge has already been added, you’re done.
If not, or if someone went above and beyond (like a driver who was with you all day), leaving a little something is a lovely way to say thank you.
The Guideline: IDR 50,000 – IDR 100,000 for a full-day driver is a common and appreciated token. - Minimum Spends and “Drop-In” Fees
Some of Bali’s most glamorous spots don’t have an entrance fee, but they do have a catch. Popular beach clubs often require you to meet a minimum spend on a sunbed or table, which can range from a few hundred thousand to millions of rupiah.
Also, if you’re planning to work out, be aware that many trendy gyms charge a steep “drop-in” rate compared to a monthly membership.
Real Budget Examples: What People Actually Spend
So, how much should you actually set aside for your trip? The beauty of Bali is that your travel budget Bali can look completely different depending on your style. The cost of living per month in Bali depends on your lifestyle, so choose wisely what your purpose is in Bali.
The Backpacker: Adventure Over Luxury
If your philosophy is all about maximizing experience while minimizing expense, this is your lane. You’re here for the sun, surf, and culture, not the five-star sheets.
- Daily Spend: IDR 350,000 – IDR 500,000.
- Where You Sleep: A simple but social hostel or basic guesthouse will cost you around IDR 150,000 to IDR 200,000 a night
- What You Eat: You’re eating like a local, and loving it. Your bali food budget here is tight but delicious. Think hearty meals from warungs (local eateries) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can easily get by on a total of IDR 75,000 for the day’s food.
- Getting Around: You’ll be zipping around on a small, rented scooter for about IDR 70,000 per day.
- The Extras: The rest of your budget goes to the small stuff, parking fees, big bottles of water, and maybe a cold Bintang beer while you watch the sunset on the sand.
The Digital Nomad: Comfort and Functionality
You need a solid Wi-Fi connection, a comfortable space to work, and a great cafe culture at your doorstep. You’re balancing productivity with the good life.
- Daily Spend: IDR 850,000 – IDR 1,500,000. So $100 a day is more than enough to live comfortably in Bali.
- Where You Sleep: You’ve upgraded to a stylish boutique guesthouse or a reliable three-star hotel, spending around IDR 400,000 to IDR 600,000 per night.
- What You Eat: This is where your lifestyle shines. Your mornings start with a flat white and an avocado toast at a trendy Canggu cafe (around IDR 100,000). For the evening, you’ll enjoy a sit-down dinner at a nice casual restaurant for about IDR 150,000.
- Getting Around: You might spring for a more comfortable, larger automatic scooter (like an NMAX) to cruise between work spots.
- The Extras: Your budget easily covers a post-work massage or a drop-in fee at a popular gym to break a sweat.
The Luxury Vacationer: Exclusive and Premium
You’re here to be pampered. For you, a vacation means private spaces, impeccable service, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
- Daily Spend: Starting from IDR 4,000,000 and going up (way up) from there.
- Where You Sleep: You’re checking into a private villa or a world-class luxury resort, with prices starting at IDR 2,500,000 per night and climbing quickly.
- What You Eat: Dining is an event. Your food cost in Bali per day skyrockets as you book tables at exclusive fine-dining restaurants. You might spend the afternoon lounging at a famous beach club, where securing a daybed comes with a minimum spend of IDR 1,000,000 to IDR 2,000,000 on food and drinks.
- Getting Around: You’re not driving; you’re being driven. You’ll hire a private car and driver for the full day, which typically costs around IDR 800,000.
- The Extras: Your itinerary is filled with luxurious spa treatments, private guides, and experiences money can buy.
Practical Tips to Manage Food Cost in Bali
- Master the “Mix and Match” Meal Strategy
Here’s a trap that’s easy to fall into: you’re in paradise, so you eat at beautiful cafes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Suddenly, your wallet is crying. The fix? Mix it up. Start your day with fresh tropical fruit or a simple breakfast you picked up from the supermarket.
For lunch, pull up a stool at a local warung and enjoy a plate of Nasi Campur for around IDR 20,000, it’s delicious, authentic, and fills you up. By saving on those two meals, you’ve freed up room in your budget to happily splurge on that chic dinner or sunset cocktail at a beach club. You get the best of both worlds. - Chase the Sun (and the Specials)
Bali runs on “happy hour” time. Many of the trendy restaurants and cafes in places like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak offer incredible “lunch specials” between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. You can often get a high-end meal for the price of a regular main course elsewhere.
Later, as the sun starts to dip, keep an eye out for happy hour deals (usually 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM). This is your moment to grab a buy-one-get-one-free cocktail or a discounted cold beer while you watch the sky turn gold. It’s a win-win for your Instagram feed and your wallet. - Decode the Menu: “Nett” vs. “Plus-Plus”
This is the golden rule of dining out in Bali. Before you even order, glance at the bottom of the menu. If you see the word “Nett,” what you see is what you pay, simple and sweet.
But if you spot those little plus signs (“++”) next to the price, it means taxes and a service charge will be added to your bill later. This can tack on an extra 15% to 21% at the cashier. By knowing the difference, you can choose spots that fit your budget and avoid that moment of panic when the bill arrives. - Think Like a Local at the Supermarket
Here’s a secret that saves everyone money: drinks are where restaurants make their profit. That bottle of water or cold Bintang you order can cost three to five times more than it does at the shop.
Do yourself a favor and swing by a local supermarket like Pepito, Coco Mart, or Indomaret. Stock up on big bottles of water, your favorite snacks, and some beers to keep cold at your accommodation. Better yet, bring a reusable water bottle (a tumbler).
More and more cafes and hotels in Bali are offering free or cheap water refills these days, which is great for your budget and the planet.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, navigating the food cost in Bali really comes down to choice. There’s no right or wrong way to eat here, only delicious ones. By mixing local warungs with the occasional fancy dinner, and keeping an eye out for those sneaky “++” signs, you can stretch your rupiah further than you’d think.
And if you’re ever in the Ubud or Seminyak area and need a reliable spot that balances quality with value, places like Seven Paintings are a great example of what makes the Bali food scene so accessible. With generous portions, friendly service, and prices that won’t make you wince, it’s proof that you don’t need a black credit card to eat well on this island. So go ahead, explore the flavors, and let your taste buds, not your wallet, do the talking.