Last update: Oct 2026

Cost of Living Comparison Between Ubud, Bali and Modesto, CA

For one person, living is cheaper in Ubud, Bali: $1,349 a month against $2,708 in Modesto, CA, rent and utilities included – about $16,300 less a year. Rent and utilities account for most of the difference.

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Modesto, CA, United States
Ubud, Bali
🇮🇩 Indonesia
$1,349
/mo nomad
Modesto, CA
🇺🇸 United States
$2,708
/mo nomad
Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Ubud, Bali and in Modesto, CA

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Ubud, Bali and in Modesto, CA actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends $1,349 per month in Ubud, Bali vs $2,708 in Modesto, CA, rent included.

  • Ubud, Bali $1,349
  • Modesto, CA $2,708

A couple spends around $2,305 per month in Ubud, Bali vs $3,910 in Modesto, CA, rent included.

  • Ubud, Bali $2,305
  • Modesto, CA $3,910

A family of three spends $3,261 per month in Ubud, Bali vs $5,112 in Modesto, CA, rent included.

  • Ubud, Bali $3,261
  • Modesto, CA $5,112

Ubud, Bali is about 50% cheaper than Modesto, CA, and outside of rent the biggest gap is in eating out.

Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Ubud, Bali
Modesto, CA
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.32 Rp 60.3K
$15.19 $15.19
-78.14%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$35.64 Rp 646.7K
$79.2 $79.2
-55.01%
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$5.53 Rp 100.4K
$8.88 $8.88
-37.73%
Cappuccino
$2.72 Rp 49.3K
$5.39 $5.39
-49.54%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.70 Rp 30.9K
$2.61 $2.61
-34.87%
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.76 Rp 13.8K
$1.58 $1.58
-51.90%
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.65 Rp 48.2K
$5.07 $5.07
-47.73%
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.38 Rp 79.5K
$7.12 $7.12
-38.48%
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Ubud, Bali
Modesto, CA
Difference
Milk (1 liter)
$1.49 Rp 27.1K
$1.05 $1.05
41.90%
White Bread (500g)
$2.28 Rp 41.3K
$3.65 $3.65
-37.53%
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.19 Rp 21.6K
$4.09 $4.09
-70.90%
Eggs
$2.04 Rp 36.9K
$5.54 $5.54
-63.18%
Local Cheese (1kg)
$17.70 Rp 321.2K
$12.89 $12.89
37.32%
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.96 Rp 71.9K
$13.35 $13.35
-70.34%
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.19 Rp 221.2K
$19.65 $19.65
-37.96%
Apples (1kg)
$3.66 Rp 66.3K
$5.38 $5.38
-31.97%
Banana (1kg)
$1.52 Rp 27.5K
$2.01 $2.01
-24.38%
Oranges (1kg)
$2.23 Rp 40.4K
$5.54 $5.54
-59.75%
Tomato (1kg)
$1.97 Rp 35.8K
$5.46 $5.46
-63.92%
Potato (1kg)
$1.85 Rp 33.5K
$3.53 $3.53
-47.59%
Onion (1kg)
$2.42 Rp 44.0K
$2.93 $2.93
-17.41%
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.99 Rp 18.0K
$2.43 $2.43
-59.26%
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.51 Rp 9,316
$2.55 $2.55
-80.00%
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.22 Rp 40.3K
$11.56 $11.56
-80.80%
Wine (Bottle)
$22.24 Rp 403.6K
$15.25 $15.25
45.84%
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.26 Rp 41.0K
$1.88 $1.88
20.21%
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.97 Rp 53.9K
$3.33 $3.33
-10.81%
🚌 Getting Around
Ubud, Bali
Modesto, CA
Difference
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.25 Rp 4,555
$1.96 $1.96
-87.24%
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$7.82 Rp 142.0K
$40.49 $40.49
-80.69%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.44 Rp 7,975
$3.43 $3.43
-87.17%
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.43 Rp 7,804
$3.05 $3.05
-85.90%
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.41 Rp 98.2K
$30.56 $30.56
-82.30%
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.82 Rp 15.0K
$1.43 $1.43
-42.66%
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23.8K Rp 432.6M
$36.9K $36.9K
-35.43%
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$31.7K Rp 576.1M
$26.7K $26.7K
19.08%
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Ubud, Bali
Modesto, CA
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$79.1 Rp 1.4M
$257 $257
-69.24%
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$6.45 Rp 117.0K
$48.45 $48.45
-86.69%
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$18.58 Rp 337.1K
$68.6 $68.6
-72.93%
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Ubud, Bali
Modesto, CA
Difference
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$49.48 Rp 897.9K
$37.85 $37.85
30.73%
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$17.65 Rp 320.2K
$14.77 $14.77
19.50%
Cinema Ticket
$4.27 Rp 77.6K
$11.21 $11.21
-61.91%
🧸 Childcare & Education
Ubud, Bali
Modesto, CA
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$491 Rp 8.9M
$1,836 $1,836
-73.28%
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$5,674 Rp 103.0M
$40.6K $40.6K
-86.01%
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Ubud, Bali
Modesto, CA
Difference
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$44.64 Rp 810.0K
$47.86 $47.86
-6.73%
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$34.95 Rp 634.2K
$39.21 $39.21
-10.86%
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$79.9 Rp 1.4M
$95.1 $95.1
-15.99%
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$79.4 Rp 1.4M
$121 $121
-34.37%
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Ubud, Bali
Modesto, CA
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,125 Rp 20.4M
$1,302 $1,302
-13.58%
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$671 Rp 12.2M
$1,359 $1,359
-50.60%
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$3,565 Rp 64.7M
$1,824 $1,824
95.45%
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,723 Rp 31.3M
$2,155 $2,155
-20.02%
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,732 Rp 49.6M
$3,619 $3,619
-24.51%
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,284 Rp 41.4M
$2,962 $2,962
-22.88%
💵 Salaries & Financials
Ubud, Bali
Modesto, CA
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$164 Rp 3.0M
$4,071 $4,071
-95.98%
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
13.78
6.1
125.90%

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Ubud, Bali: October 25, 2026

Last update for Modesto, CA: October 25, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Accommodation & Living
Ubud, Bali
$672
Modesto, CA
$1.4K 102% $688
Groceries & Markets
Ubud, Bali
$288
Modesto, CA
$442 53.1% $153
Eating Out
Ubud, Bali
$108
Modesto, CA
$269 150% $162
Clothing & Footwear
Ubud, Bali
$108
Modesto, CA
$136 26.9% $29
Monthly Utilities & Internet
Ubud, Bali
$104
Modesto, CA
$374 259% $270
Sport & Entertainment
Ubud, Bali
$58
Modesto, CA
$60 3.9% $2.2
Getting Around
Ubud, Bali
$11
Modesto, CA
$67 487% $56

Cost Breakdown

A central one-bedroom costs $1,125 in Ubud, Bali versus $1,302 in Modesto, CA. Rent is usually the largest line item in a monthly budget, so the gap here sets the tone for the overall comparison.

Salaries in Modesto, CA are about 25 times higher. Purchasing power depends on which expenses matter most to you.

A mid-range dinner for two costs $36 in Ubud, Bali versus $79 in Modesto, CA. Monthly groceries follow the same trend: $288 vs $442 – making Ubud, Bali the more affordable choice for daily food spending.

Good to know
🇮🇩 Ubud, Bali
🇺🇸 Modesto, CA
🕒 Local time
21:50 9:50 PM
05:50 5:50 AM
16 h behind Ubud, Bali
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
74,800
211,266
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to IDR – Indonesian Rupiah Converter

Indonesian Rupiah exchange rates as of November 2, 2026: 1 USD = 18,145 IDR (100,000 IDR = 5.51 USD). 1 EUR = 20,249 IDR (100,000 IDR = 4.94 EUR).

United States Dollar exchange rates as of November 2, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.896 EUR).

On the map
Between locations
  • Ubud, Bali Modesto, CA 13,530 km ≈ 17 h nonstop flight
From you
  • Ubud, Bali
  • Modesto, CA

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Ubud, Bali vs Modesto, CA: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Ubud, Bali or Modesto, CA?
Modesto, CA costs about 101% more than Ubud, Bali, and outside of rent the gap comes mainly from eating out. That’s enough to noticeably affect everyday spending and lifestyle for anyone choosing between the two.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Ubud, Bali and in Modesto, CA?
For a comfortable life, plan on about $2,023 per month in Ubud, Bali and $4,062 in Modesto, CA. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.
Where is rent cheaper, Ubud, Bali or Modesto, CA?
Rent is clearly cheaper in Ubud, Bali, especially for central apartments: a one-bedroom in the center costs $1,125 there versus $1,302 in Modesto, CA.
How much does it cost to live in Ubud, Bali compared to Modesto, CA?
Monthly expenses with rent come to $1,349 in Ubud, Bali and $2,708 in Modesto, CA. That makes Ubud, Bali about 50% cheaper.
How expensive is transport in Ubud, Bali compared to Modesto, CA?
Public transport costs about 81% less in Ubud, Bali. For daily commuters, that gap adds up to noticeable savings over a year.
Can you live on $1,000/month in Ubud, Bali or in Modesto, CA?
$1,000 is a stretch for both – monthly costs hit $1,349 in Ubud, Bali and $2,708 in Modesto, CA. You’ll need shared housing and careful budgeting no matter which city you pick.
Which city is better for families?
Families tend to lean toward Ubud, Bali – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.
Should I move to Ubud, Bali or to Modesto, CA?
If budget matters most, go with Ubud, Bali. If higher salaries or specific career opportunities are the priority, Modesto, CA makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.

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