Lifestyle & Living · 2026
Cost of Living in South Lombok
What it really costs to live here — rent, food, staff, transport and a realistic monthly budget for expats and remote workers.
What it really costs to live here — rent, food, staff, transport and a realistic monthly budget for expats and remote workers.
South Lombok offers a Bali-quality lifestyle at noticeably lower cost. Rent and dining typically run 20–40% below Bali's expat hubs, while the pace is slower and the beaches less crowded.
Your monthly spend depends heavily on lifestyle: a local-style life can be very cheap, while imported goods, international schooling and frequent fine dining push costs up. Below are realistic mid-range figures for 2026.
| Category | Monthly cost (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Villa rental (long-term 1–2BR) | €500 – €1,000 | Owning eliminates this |
| Food & groceries | €250 – €450 | Local + some imported |
| Dining out / cafés | €150 – €350 | €3–5 local, €10–20 western |
| Transport (scooter or driver) | €60 – €400 | Scooter to private driver |
| Utilities & internet | €80 – €150 | Electricity, water, fibre |
| Household staff (optional) | €150 – €300 | Cleaner / part-time helper |
| Health insurance | €80 – €200 | International cover advised |
| Total (couple) | €1,200 – €2,200 | Comfortable mid-range |
Indicative 2026 estimates. Owning your villa removes the largest line item — rent — and can flip the property into income when you are away.
Local clinics handle routine care; for serious matters many expats travel to Bali or Singapore. International health insurance is strongly recommended.
Fibre internet is available in the Kuta Lombok area and improving steadily — workable for remote work, though a backup mobile connection is wise.
Options range from social/tourist visas to the longer-stay second-home and investor (KITAS) routes. Owning property via a PT PMA can support certain visa pathways — see our PT PMA guide.
How much do I need per month to live comfortably?
Around €1,200–2,200 for a couple living a comfortable mid-range lifestyle, including villa rent. Owning your home removes the rent line and lowers this substantially.
Is South Lombok cheaper than Bali?
Generally yes — rent and dining run 20–40% lower than Bali's expat hubs. Imported goods cost similar amounts because of shared supply chains.
Can I offset living costs by renting my villa?
Yes. Many owners live in the villa part of the year and place it on short-term rental when away, where gross yields of 8–12% can cover or exceed their living costs. See our rental yields guide.
Samudra Villas — 2-bedroom villas with private infinity pool and ocean views. Live in it, rent it, or both.
From €255,000 · Only 2 villas remaining
Cost estimates are indicative and vary by lifestyle, season and exchange rate. This page is informational only and does not constitute financial advice.