Bali · Indonesia · What it costs, in plain terms
What a week in Bali costs a family of four
A week in Bali for a family of four costs about a third of a comparable week in the Maldives. Flights from the US East Coast are close to three-fifths of the total, a mid-range Ubud villa with a pool about a fifth, food under a tenth and a private driver under a tenth. Once you land, Bali is one of the cheapest places to travel in comfort.
Where the money goes
- 1
Flights from the US East Coast
Flights are the dominant cost, close to three-fifths of the total, because Bali is a long way from North America. Routes usually connect through Asia, often Hong Kong or Tokyo, and the trip takes more than a day door to door. Fares swing with season, with July, August and the Christmas period the most expensive. Book several months ahead, compare departure airports, and allow a day or two to recover from jet lag before you plan any busy sightseeing.
- 2
Six nights in a mid-range villa with a pool
A private villa with a pool, in the Ubud area and with breakfast included, comes to about a fifth of the total. Private pools that cost a fortune in Europe are standard in Bali at this level. Ubud is cooler and greener than the coast, and children can swim every afternoon. Rates rise at peak times, so book ahead for July, August and December. Check the distance from the main road, since some villas sit down narrow lanes.
- 3
Food, three meals a day
Food is under a tenth of the total, even eating all three meals out. Warungs, the small family-run Indonesian restaurants, serve nasi goreng, satay and noodle dishes at very low prices, and children usually enjoy them. Sit-down restaurants and cafes cost more but are still moderate. Drink bottled or filtered water, and ask for food less spicy for young children. Fresh fruit, smoothies and rice-based breakfasts keep the daily food spend low.
- 4
A driver and car for the week
A private driver is also under a tenth of the total and is the best-value item in the budget. Traffic in Bali is slow and the roads are narrow, so a driver means you can relax, nap in the back and visit several places each day without parking or navigation. Most drivers charge by the day and know the best order for the sights. Agree the route, hours and any extra costs in advance, and avoid renting scooters with children.
- 5
The total, compared with the Maldives
A comparable week at a Maldives resort costs roughly three times as much, and flights are no cheaper. The difference is in how the money is spent: in Bali you pay for flights and then very little for everything else, while in the Maldives the resort captures every meal, drink and transfer. Add a small margin for activities, entrance fees and Bali's one-off tourist levy, which foreign visitors pay on arrival, and you have a realistic budget.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to October is the dry season, with sunny days and lower humidity. November to March is wetter and more humid, with cheaper rooms.
- How long
- A week is the minimum given the long flight. Ten days lets you add a beach stay on the coast after Ubud.
- Getting around
- A private driver is the easiest option for families, and ride-hailing apps work in busy areas. Ubud's centre is walkable but the pavements are narrow.
Good to know
- Compare flight routes through Asia, since a longer connection can be noticeably cheaper.
- Pack insect repellent and a simple first-aid kit, and drink only bottled or filtered water.
- Ask your villa host to arrange a driver, since they usually know a reliable one.
Frequently asked
Is Bali cheap for a family? +
Yes, once you arrive. Villas, food and drivers cost far less than in Europe or North America. Flights are the main expense and take close to three-fifths of the budget.
What is the biggest cost of a Bali trip? +
Flights, by a wide margin, at close to three-fifths of the budget. Accommodation comes next, with a mid-range villa with a pool, and food and a driver are each a small part of the total.
Is Bali cheaper than the Maldives? +
Yes, by about two-thirds for a comparable week. Both need long flights, but the Maldives resort costs far more for lodging, meals and transfers, while Bali stays inexpensive on the ground.
Do you need a driver in Bali? +
It is the easiest choice for families. Traffic is heavy, roads are narrow, and a driver handles parking and navigation. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work in towns, but day trips are simpler with one driver.
