Indonesia is one of the most popular long-haul destinations in the world, but it is also one of the hardest countries to budget correctly. Prices vary massively depending on whether you stay mostly in Bali or travel between multiple islands.
Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands. Traveling between them is what makes the country exciting, but it is also what changes your trip cost the most.
Many travelers expect Indonesia to be extremely cheap everywhere. That is only partly true. Food and accommodation can be incredibly affordable, but flights, island hopping and nightlife can quickly increase your budget.
If you already read our how much does a trip to Southeast Asia cost guide, this article breaks down Indonesia specifically so you can plan a realistic budget.
Indonesia remains one of the best value destinations for long trips and digital nomad style travel.
Quick answer: daily travel budget in Indonesia
| Travel style | Daily budget per person |
|---|---|
| Backpacker | $30–$45 |
| Budget traveler | $45–$70 |
| Mid-range traveler | $70–$120 |
| Luxury traveler | $180+ |
Indonesia can be very cheap day-to-day. The biggest cost drivers are flights and island hopping.
Flight cost to Indonesia
Flights are the largest expense for most travelers.
| Departure region | Typical round-trip price |
|---|---|
| Europe | $650–$1100 |
| UK | $650–$1000 |
| USA West Coast | $700–$1200 |
| USA East Coast | $900–$1400 |
| Australia | $350–$700 |
Bali (Denpasar airport) is usually the cheapest international gateway.
Booking flights 3–5 months in advance can save hundreds of dollars.
Visa and travel insurance costs
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival | ~$35 |
| Travel insurance (2 weeks) | $30–$60 |
The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once.
Accommodation cost breakdown
Accommodation is one of Indonesia’s biggest strengths.
| Accommodation type | Average price per night |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | $8–$15 |
| Guesthouse | $18–$30 |
| Budget hotel | $25–$45 |
| Mid-range hotel | $45–$90 |
| Private villa with pool | $90–$200 |
Indonesia offers some of the best villa value in the world, especially in Bali and Lombok.
Food cost breakdown
Indonesian food is delicious and very affordable.
| Food type | Average price |
|---|---|
| Street food meal | $2–$3 |
| Local restaurant | $3–$6 |
| Western restaurant | $6–$12 |
| Coffee | $2–$4 |
| Fresh juice | $2 |
Eating local is the easiest way to keep your daily budget low.
Alcohol and nightlife costs (important budget tip)
Indonesia has extremely high import taxes on alcohol. This surprises many travelers.
| Drink | Average price |
|---|---|
| Local Bintang beer | $2–$3 |
| Cocktail | $10–$15 |
| Glass of wine | $10–$15 |
Nightlife in Bali can feel expensive compared with Thailand or Vietnam. Even backpackers often spend $20–$40 per night out.
This is one of the biggest hidden budget killers in Indonesia.
Transport cost breakdown
Transport costs depend heavily on how much island hopping you do.
| Transport type | Price |
|---|---|
| Scooter rental per day | $6–$9 |
| Grab/Gojek rides | $2–$5 |
| Domestic flight | $40–$90 |
| Fast boat between islands | $25–$45 |
Bluebird vs Grab vs local taxis
Indonesia has a famous “taxi price war”.
Always use:
• Grab
• Gojek
• Bluebird Taxi app
Bluebird is the only widely trusted metered taxi company. Independent drivers often quote prices 3–5x higher than the real fare.
This tip alone can save a surprising amount of money during your trip.
Cash, ATMs and hidden banking costs
Indonesia is still a cash-heavy country.
Most ATMs have withdrawal limits of:
• 1,250,000 IDR (~$80)
• 2,500,000 IDR (~$160)
This means travelers often pay their home bank withdrawal fee multiple times to get enough cash.
Plan for ATM fees when budgeting.
Attraction and activity prices
| Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| Temples in Bali | $2–$5 |
| Mount Batur sunrise hike | $25–$45 |
| Snorkeling trip | $20–$35 |
| Komodo National Park tour | $120–$250 |
Indonesia offers excellent value experiences.
1-week Indonesia trip cost breakdown
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $850 |
| Accommodation | $350 |
| Food | $140 |
| Transport | $120 |
| Activities | $150 |
| Total | $1610 |
2-week Indonesia trip cost breakdown
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $850 |
| Accommodation | $700 |
| Food | $280 |
| Transport | $250 |
| Activities | $250 |
| Total | $2330 |
Cost of popular destinations in Indonesia
| Destination | Daily budget |
|---|---|
| Bali | $45–$90 |
| Lombok | $40–$80 |
| Gili Islands | $50–$100 |
| Yogyakarta | $35–$70 |
| Komodo / Flores | $70–$140 |
Bali is no longer the cheapest part of Indonesia, but it still offers great value.
Backpacking vs mid-range vs luxury budgets
| Style | 2 weeks total |
|---|---|
| Backpacker | $1200–$1500 |
| Budget | $1500–$1900 |
| Mid-range | $2300–$3000 |
| Luxury | $4000+ |
Indonesia is ideal for longer trips.
Sample 10-day itinerary budget
Bali → Gili Islands → Lombok
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $850 |
| Hotels | $550 |
| Food | $200 |
| Transport | $200 |
| Activities | $180 |
| Total | $1980 |
Sample 2-week backpacker itinerary budget
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $700 |
| Hostels | $210 |
| Food | $210 |
| Transport | $180 |
| Activities | $150 |
| Total | $1450 |
Best time to visit for cheap travel
Cheapest months
February–May
October–November
Peak season
July–August
Christmas/New Year
Avoid peak season for cheaper flights and hotels.
Indonesia vs nearby countries cost comparison
| Country | Daily budget |
|---|---|
| Indonesia | $45–$90 |
| Thailand | $55–$95 |
| Vietnam | $40–$75 |
| Malaysia | $50–$90 |
Indonesia sits in the middle of Southeast Asia pricing. For a more detailed breakdown, see our best places to visit in Southeast Asia guide.
Decision table
| Traveler type | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Backpackers | Excellent value |
| Couples | Great villa prices |
| Families | Affordable long trip |
| Luxury travelers | High value luxury |
Expanded money-saving tips
Travel slowly between islands.
Book domestic flights early.
Use Grab, Gojek and Bluebird only.
Avoid peak season.
Eat local food daily.
Stay in guesthouses or villas.
Limit nightlife spending.
FAQ
Is Indonesia cheap to visit?
Yes, especially for food and accommodation.
Is Bali expensive?
Bali is more expensive than the rest of Indonesia but still affordable.
How much spending money per day?
Most travelers spend $45–$90 per day.
Is Indonesia cheaper than Thailand?
Usually slightly cheaper overall.
Do you need cash in Indonesia?
Yes. Cash is widely used and ATM limits are low.
