The air in Bali carries a stillness that settles deep, a stark contrast to the relentless buzz of America. It’s not just the palm-lined streets or the endless stretches of rice paddies that have captivated me; it’s the way life is lived here, with an ease that feels almost foreign to someone conditioned to the grind of Western capitalism. In Bali, the prices for food, housing, and daily necessities are a gentle compared to the loud roar of living expenses back home. It’s shocking and humbling all at once, a revelation that makes me question the ways in which America prioritizes profits over people.
Bali offers a more affordable cost of living, especially concerning groceries. For instance, a shopping trip to a local supermarket in Ubud with a budget of $100 can yield a substantial amount of groceries, reflecting the lower prices of food items compared to the U.S. This video is a great breakdown in cost of living, check it out!
I want to show an example of why I’m so flabbergasted!
Now, this may look like a lot but in American USD, this amount is only $4.96!
This is one smoothie and one cappuccino y’all!
Now, Cappuccino (Tall): $3.75 - $4.00/ This is Starbucks. Smoothies at Starbucks typically cost between $4.25 and $5.95, depending on the size and any extras. I saved so much money in food alone here in Bali and I am no longer buying coffee at a Starbucks when I return home. This journey has changed my relationship with money. Back in the States, I often indulged in conveniences like my daily Starbucks fix, rarely stopping to consider the value of what I was spending. But Bali’s humble economy has shifted my perspective. I’ve come to understand the true worth of a dollar and how far it can go when spent thoughtfully. That humbling realization has inspired me to be more frugal, to cut back on unnecessary expenses, and to invest my money in experiences that enrich my soul rather than fleeting luxuries. My days of casually swiping for overpriced lattes are behind me, a small but significant step in living with intention.
For me, an Aquarius with an insatiable wanderer’s spirit, this realization is both liberating and bittersweet. I’ve discovered that by working in America for three months, I can save enough to spend the following months immersed in countries where my dollar stretches far, a privilege not lost on me. This duality of existence; one foot in America, one foot out has allowed me to craft a life where I can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Yet, the decision to live this way is not without its challenges. To leave behind a supportive husband and grown children, even temporarily, is a balancing act of love and self-fulfillment. But I remind myself that this is my one life to live, and my heart beats with a relentless yearning to see the world through my visionary eyes. It’s a blessing, really, to have a family that understands my need to wander, to grow, and to evolve within the arms of different cultures.
Bali has been a teacher in so many ways. It’s shown me the importance of simplicity, the power of community, and the beauty of living in harmony with nature. I’ve learned to embrace a slower pace, to appreciate the value of connection, and to find joy in the small, meaningful moments. It’s a lesson I hope to carry with me wherever I go.
A reminder that the world is our greatest teacher if we’re willing to listen.
I feel the best version of myself when I’m learning, growing, and experiencing life through the lens of another culture. It’s a gift I’ll forever cherish, and it’s one I’m eager to share. To those curious about my journey and the lessons I’ve learned, I invite you to follow my stories and reflections on Yellow Vibes.
The world is vast, beautiful, and brimming with wisdom. All we have to do is step out and embrace it.
Check out these videos as they breakdown their day and the life of in costs with groceries and bills.
Bali Living from a male perspective
Thailand Living from a woman’s perspective
Thailand Living costs breakdown