Bali vs Wellington
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bali is ~69% 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
Wellington
New Zealand
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
32
Groceries
72.8
Restaurant
56.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bali | Wellington | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $299 | $1,478 | $1,179 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $202 | $1,179 | $977 |
| Groceries | $170 | $404 | $234 |
| Restaurant Meal | $3 | $18 | $15 |
| Transit Pass | $10 | $111 | $101 |
| Utilities | $39 | $141 | $102 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bali | Wellington |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $382/mo | $1,786/mo |
| Typical | $563/mo | $2,404/mo |
| Comfortable | $687/mo | $2,977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bali | ≈ in Wellington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $4,772/mo | +$3,272 |
| $2,000/mo | $6,363/mo | +$4,363 |
| $3,000/mo | $9,544/mo | +$6,544 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bali vs Wellington for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bali is approximately 69% more affordable than Wellington when combining rent and daily living costs. Bali's COL+Rent Index of 16 vs Wellington's 50.9 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Bali costs $299/month versus $1,478/month in Wellington — giving Bali a $1,179/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $14,148 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bali ($170/mo) vs Wellington ($404/mo) reflect Bali's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $3 vs $18 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.