How Much Does It Cost to Live in Bali While Volunteering?

Volunteering is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but many people are often put off of the idea by the cost. It’s not uncommon for volunteers to fundraise to cover the costs of making a meaningful contribution to an underserved community, which can make it appear more expensive than it actually is. 

With correct budgeting and a reputable organization, volunteering doesn’t have to be expensive. Today, we’ll explore how much it costs to live in Bali while volunteering, and how you can budget for your upcoming adventure. 

Is Bali Expensive? 

When choosing a country to volunteer in, consider areas known for their affordability and free activities. The good news is that Bali isn’t inherently expensive, and can often be as inexpensive or luxurious as you choose. 

For example, hardcore backpackers can live on as little as $10 to $20 a day. This includes staying in hostels, eating street food and making the most of free activities and tourist landmarks. 

Those on a medium budget may spend around $50 a day, while travellers aiming for a more luxurious vacation should budget accordingly. Many volunteers aim to stick to a budget of around $20-$30 a day. 

Generally speaking, the cost of living in Bali is quite low. However, with a recent surge in tourism, certain areas may now be more expensive to visit than they were in the past. It’s up to you to live within your budget while volunteering in this beautiful country. 

Typical Living Expenses When Volunteering in Bali

The cost of volunteering often depends on the program you choose and whether it includes other amenities such as accommodation and meals. Below, we’ll break down the average costs a volunteer might expect to see when volunteering in Bali: 

Volunteer Program Fees

Volunteering fees in Bali vary greatly, but generally can range between $250 and $500 per week. This is often the most expensive fee, but for good reason. Most reputable organizations, like Volunteering Solutions, will include all basic necessities within this fee. For example, our program fees cover: 

• Accommodation in shared housing or with a host family
• Meals, with a focus on local cuisine, to help immerse you in Bali’s culture
• Orientation and basic training
• Airport transfer
• Pre-departure and 24/7 in-country support

With these amenities being included within your initial fee, you won’t have to worry about budgeting for them in your daily allowance. 

At Volunteering Solutions, our aim is to make volunteering as accessible as possible to everyone. Our programs in Bali include: 

• Volunteer Marine Conservation:
• 1 week: $475 ($68/day)
• 2 weeks: $745 ($54/day)
• 3 weeks: $1050 ($50/day)
• 4 weeks: $1340 ($48/day)
• Turtle Conservation Project: 
• 1 week: $897 ($129/day)
• 2 weeks: $1050 ($75/day)
• 3 weeks: $1195 ($57/day)
• 4 weeks: $1310 ($47/day)
• Volunteer Teaching Program:
• 1 week: $470 ($68/day)
• 2 weeks: $575 ($42/day)
• 3 weeks: $750 ($36/day)
• 4 weeks: $895 ($32/day)
• North Bali Coral Reef Restoration and Scuba Diving: 
• 1 week: $1059 ($152/day)
• 2 weeks: $1250 ($90/day)
• 3 weeks: $1575 ($75/day)
• 4 weeks: $1845 ($66/day)
• Kindergarten Volunteer Program:
• 1 week: $470 ($68/day)
• 2 weeks: $575 ($42/day)
• 3 weeks: $750 ($36/day)
• 4 weeks: $895 ($32/day)

Food and Drink

While most meals should be included in your volunteering program fee, you should still budget for extra in case you see a street food stall calling your name or need to get a drink while away from home. 

Bali’s local food stalls can cost as little as $1-$3 per meal, while mid-range restaurants can cost $5-$10+ per meal. 

Volunteers are recommended to avoid drinking Bali’s tap water, as it isn’t purified and can contain harmful bacteria. We suggest budgeting a few extra dollars a day for bottled water. 

Transportation

You’ll need to budget for transportation to and from your volunteering location, as well as for any other destinations you may want to visit during your downtime. Transportation is generally affordable, with short rides costing a few dollars online and scooter hire averaging $5-$10 a day. 

Hiring a car is slightly more expensive, ranging from $35 to $80 for a full day or $25 to $35 for an airport transfer. 

Visas and Travel Insurance

When travelling to Bali, you’ll often need a visa and travel insurance to ensure your safety and validity during your stay. The costs of these can vary depending on your circumstances, but generally speaking, you can expect to pay $35-$95 for a visa, depending on how long you’re staying. 

Travel insurance typically costs 4-6% of your total trip cost, but can range from $5 per day in Bali for basic medical coverage to $70+ per week, depending heavily on your age, trip duration, and activities. 

Personal Spending Money

Spending money will cover everything that we haven’t already considered, such as small mementoes found in markets and special treats that look too good to pass up. 

While volunteering, you’ll often only have a few hours of downtime per day, along with weekends, so you shouldn’t need too much spending money. Many volunteers find $10-$50 is enough personal money per week. 

Activities During Downtime

To make the most of your trip to Bali, we recommend planning your activities during your downtime. Most programs operate a schedule in which you’ll work for five days with two days off, giving you plenty of free time to explore the divine island. 

Bali offers a range of amazing activities, including white-water rafting, surfing, and volcano hikes. You should research what you want to do and find the prices for each activity to factor into your budget. 

If you’re trying to stick to a small budget, Bali also has plenty of amazing free activities to enjoy. These include: 

• Walk the Campuhan Ridge
• Explore stunning beaches, like Nusa Dua or Sanur
• Visit the rice paddies 
• Peruse the local Sindhu and Samadi markets
• Discover hidden waterfalls, such as The Devil’s Tears
• Attend temple ceremonies

How Much Money Should I Budget When Volunteering in Bali? 

When volunteering with Volunteering Solutions, we recommend budgeting around $100-$250 per week for living expenses that aren’t covered by our program fees. 

Some may be able to live on less through vigorous budgeting, but this is the figure we recommend for living comfortably during your trip to Bali. 

Tips for Fundraising for a Volunteering Adventure in Bali

Fundraising is a popular method of earning money to cover volunteer expenses. If you’re concerned about covering your expenses or simply want to top up your living budget, there are several ways to fundraise: 

• Crowdfunding platforms: Tell your story on a dedicated page on JustGiving, GoFundMe or GoGetFunding and ask for voluntary contributions. 
• Local events: Host bake sales, coffee mornings, BBQ sausage sizzles, and even gigs to earn money for a good cause. 
• Raffles and sales: If you have a lot of high-quality belongings to sell, consider setting up a raffle or garage sale to raise funds.
• Local grants: Certain grant-making bodies in your area may support international projects or your specific cause. 

Ready to Volunteer in Bali? 

Volunteering in Bali is a wonderful way to give back to the community and make a meaningful difference. Thanks to affordable fees and amenities included within them, it’s easier than ever to volunteer with Volunteering Solutions. 

Check out our volunteering opportunities in Bali to find one that genuinely excites you, and click ‘Apply Now’ today!