Bali vs Hanoi
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bali is ~11% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Bali
Indonesia
COL+Rent
16
Rent Index
8
Groceries
30.9
Restaurant
13.9
Hanoi
Vietnam
COL+Rent
18
Rent Index
9.1
Groceries
32.4
Restaurant
15.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bali | Hanoi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $299 | $336 | $37 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $202 | $207 | $5 |
| Groceries | $170 | $179 | $9 |
| Restaurant Meal | $3 | $3 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $10 | $6 | +$4 |
| Utilities | $39 | $48 | $9 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bali | Hanoi |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $382/mo | $398/mo |
| Typical | $563/mo | $614/mo |
| Comfortable | $687/mo | $745/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bali | ≈ in Hanoi | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,688/mo | +$188 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,250/mo | +$250 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,375/mo | +$375 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bali vs Hanoi for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bali is approximately 11% more affordable than Hanoi when combining rent and daily living costs. Bali's COL+Rent Index of 16 vs Hanoi's 18 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Bali costs $299/month versus $336/month in Hanoi — giving Bali a $37/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bali ($170/mo) vs Hanoi ($179/mo) reflect Bali's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $3 vs $3 show Bali is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Bali offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $563 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.