We are getting closer to the summer season, and I am here to remind you of one slightly alarming fact: there are only two months left.

And with many of us getting a bit more flexibility during that time — shifting from full office to hybrid or even fully remote — it feels like the right moment to start thinking: where could you escape for a month or two?

The requirements are fairly simple, but non-negotiable. First — somewhere you won’t melt the second you step outside. Second — somewhere your bank account doesn’t quietly disappear after a few weeks.

And this is exactly where Bali comes in. So, why does it work so well? And how much do you actually need to budget for it?

Before we get into the numbers, give me a moment to introduce you to the destination — just to make sure you are still here for the calculations.

We all love the idea of a “morning routine”. In theory. In reality? Very few of us are waking up at 5 am, feeling inspired and ready to journal, stretch, and become our best selves.

Bali, however, cheats the system a little.

With the time difference (being four hours ahead of the UAE), you suddenly get this quiet pocket of morning before the world wakes up. You can have a proper breakfast, move your body, maybe even go for a swim and still be back before your inbox starts demanding attention.

I will go deeper into this in a proper Bali guide, but even a short stay changes something.

After about a week, I realised I felt… better. Fitter, lighter, more energised — and not because I suddenly became a different person, but because movement just slips into your day without effort. There are gyms, surf spots, hikes, yoga, Pilates — all of it. But more importantly, it isn’t something you have to force. It is everywhere — and before you know it, it becomes your everyday norm.

I know this might not sound like the strongest selling point at first — but trust me, it matters more than you think.

Because once you have been somewhere where cafés don’t allow laptops or where connecting to Wi-Fi feels like a daily struggle, you realise how much it affects your whole day. Bali is the opposite of that.

Okay, here we go — my favourite part of all this: the numbers. How much will a month in Bali cost you?

A small note before we start: these are average figures — a comfortable middle ground. Your budget will, of course, depend on your lifestyle and choices.

For most countries (including many in the Middle East — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Oman, Turkey), the process is very simple. You can get an e-visa either just before your flight or on arrival. It costs around 35 $ for 30 days, plus an additional tourist tax of about 10 $.

You can then extend it for another 30 days for roughly the same amount.

Once people arrive in Bali, many start considering renting a villa — especially if they are travelling as a couple or in a group. And honestly, it makes a lot of sense: you get more space, more privacy, and often better value for money.

And one of the biggest life hacks you will hear from anyone who has spent time in Bali is this: don’t rely on Booking or Airbnb when renting a villa. What many people don’t realise is that these platforms often double the price you would get if you booked directly with the owner. You are paying for convenience and visibility (which is fair), but it also means that something listed for 6,000 AED per month could easily be closer to 4,000 AED if you go direct.

So if villas are the goal, the advice is simple: skip the aggregators.

Where to look instead:

If you are looking for a villa, basic options typically start from around 3,000 AED per month, while more aesthetic places range between 4,000 and 7,000 AED.

If you are travelling alone, a guesthouse or co-living space is often the easiest and most comfortable option. You will usually get a spacious room, a private bathroom, and shared extras like a pool or co-working areas.

A good mid-range option will cost around 1,800 to 2,600 AED per month — though it can definitely go higher, depending on the place.

A small but important note: while searching for options, you will come across charming wooden houses — peaceful, slightly rustic, and usually very affordable. Very tempting.

But here is the honest truth: be careful. During one stay, I realised mid-shower that a cockroach had joined me — and just as quickly disappeared into the ceiling. At that point, it became clear I wouldn’t be the only living creature there.

Overall, Bali — thanks to its lush greenery — comes with plenty of insects and other creatures. And the more “natural” the house looks, the more likely you are to encounter them.

The most common way to get around in Bali is by motorbike — it is basically part of the lifestyle. While short-term visitors often rely on car or bike taxis, anyone staying a bit longer usually ends up renting their own.

If you would rather not drive, here is a quick idea of taxi costs. A bike taxi is usually 10–20 AED per trip, which can easily add up to 60–80 AED a day — or around 1,800–2,400 AED a month.

Renting a bike, on the other hand, is far more economical. A basic model starts at around 500 AED per month, while a more comfortable option is closer to 800 AED. It is also worth negotiating — prices are rarely fixed.

Petrol is cheap, too — you will spend roughly 10 AED every few days, depending on how much you are riding.

You might not believe it now, but once you are in Bali, you somehow end up eating only twice a day — with fruit and small snacks in between. No one really knows why: maybe it is the heat, the time difference, or simply a more active lifestyle, but it does seem to be the case.

Another thing about Bali is that eating out quickly becomes the norm. Cafés are affordable, and honestly hard to resist. On average, a meal with a drink costs around 40–65 AED per person, and with fruit and small snacks throughout the day, this usually adds up to 100–150 AED per day.

That brings the monthly total to roughly 3,500–4,500 AED. If you are keeping things on the safer side, this can easily drop to around 2,000–3000 AED if you mix in some cooking at home.

This is probably the least fixed part of your budget/ But here is a general idea of what to expect for some of the most common activities.

Surfing is usually split into two parts: renting the board and taking lessons.

Board rental is around 15–30 AED per hour, but here is the catch — if you are a beginner, you are unlikely to get very far without an instructor.

Lessons vary quite a bit in price. I have personally seen everything from 250,000 to 700,000 IDR per session (roughly 55–160 AED). So the best advice here is simple: look around, compare, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

Gyms in Bali are generally spacious, well-designed, and relatively affordable. A one-time visit usually costs around 25–40 AED in a good-quality space.

If you are planning to go regularly, a monthly membership will typically range between 250–450 AED, depending on the gym.

I have to say it — this is a must. Balinese spas are everywhere, and most of them are really good. Prices are also very reasonable: around 65 AED for a one-hour full-body massage, and about 35 AED for a leg massage.

Overall, for hobbies and lifestyle extras, it is realistic to set aside around 1,500 AED per month — and be prepared to go slightly over. More often than not, on your way to a surf session or a workout, you will end up stopping at a perfectly curated concept store you hadn’t planned for.

Insurance in Bali is relatively affordable, usually costing around 200–310 AED per month. But skipping it can quickly turn into a very expensive mistake.

To give you a sense of it: a broken leg (which can easily happen if you are riding a bike) could cost around 55,000 AED in treatment. Even something like dengue fever may end up costing close to 29,000 AED. So if you are thinking of saving those 300 AED, it is probably not the place to cut corners.

I have tried to keep the numbers as realistic as possible — which is why you will see ranges and averages rather than fixed figures. But to make things clearer, here are two typical scenarios: a more budget-conscious version, and a more comfortable and fun, “living in Bali” setup.

If you are keeping things on the safe side:

Total: ~6,900 AED per month

If you are settling in and living comfortably:

Total: ~9,800 AED per month