Los Angeles vs Bali
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bali is ~77% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Bali
Indonesia
COL+Rent
16
Rent Index
8
Groceries
30.9
Restaurant
13.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Bali | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,627 | $299 | +$2,328 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,059 | $202 | +$1,857 |
| Groceries | $484 | $170 | +$314 |
| Restaurant Meal | $26 | $3 | +$23 |
| Transit Pass | $85 | $10 | +$75 |
| Utilities | $196 | $39 | +$157 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Los Angeles | Bali |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,783/mo | $382/mo |
| Typical | $3,782/mo | $563/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,663/mo | $687/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Los Angeles | ≈ in Bali | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $345/mo | -$1,155 |
| $2,000/mo | $460/mo | -$1,540 |
| $3,000/mo | $691/mo | -$2,309 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Los Angeles vs Bali for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bali is approximately 77% more affordable than Los Angeles when combining rent and daily living costs. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index of 69.5 vs Bali's 16 (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 Los Angeles costs $2,627/month versus $299/month in Bali — giving Bali a $2,328/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $27,936 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Los Angeles ($484/mo) vs Bali ($170/mo) reflect Bali's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $26 vs $3 show Bali offers cheaper dining. 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.