Is Lombok expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
No, Lombok is cheap by Western standards and generally a little cheaper and quieter than Bali. A realistic budget day is about Rp 500,000 per person, mid-range about Rp 1,250,000, and the money goes mostly on rooms, drivers, boats and the Rinjani trek, while local warung food stays very cheap.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | Rp200,000 | Rp550,000 | Rp1,800,000 |
| Food & drink | Rp150,000 | Rp300,000 | Rp700,000 |
| Sights & tickets | Rp50,000 | Rp150,000 | Rp400,000 |
| Local transport | Rp100,000 | Rp250,000 | Rp500,000 |
| Per person, per day | Rp500,000 | Rp1,250,000 | Rp3,400,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Lombok day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Nasi campur in a warung | about Rp 15,000–35,000 |
| Ayam taliwang with rice and sides | about Rp 40,000–90,000 |
| Main course in a Kuta or Gili tourist restaurant | about Rp 70,000–180,000 |
| Scooter rental | about Rp 70,000–100,000 a day |
| Car with driver | about Rp 600,000–900,000 a day |
| Public boat Bangsal–Gilis | about Rp 20,000–40,000 one way |
| Beginner surf lesson at Selong Belanak | about Rp 300,000–500,000 |
| Mid-range room in Kuta or Gili Air | about Rp 700,000–1,600,000 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation and transport are the main costs. Rooms range from Rp 250,000–500,000 in homestays to Rp 2,500,000–6,000,000 in resorts at Tanjung Aan or Selong Belanak. Distances are long and roads slow, so a car with driver for the big days to Tetebatu and Senaru is a real expense, and fast boats to and from Bali cost far more than the public ferry. A Rinjani trek with a licensed operator is extra. Food in warungs is very cheap, but tourist restaurants add 10–21% tax and service (look for '++' on menus), and alcohol costs more than in Bali.
When it is cheaper
The wet season, roughly November to March, brings lower room prices, though Rinjani is usually closed and afternoons are rainy; July and August are the most expensive months, especially on the Gilis.
How to spend less
- Eat in Sasak warungs, where a full plate costs Rp 25,000–50,000.
- Share a car and driver for long days instead of booking separate tours.
- Take the public boat from Bangsal to the Gilis rather than a private fast boat.
- Check for '++' on menus, meaning tax and service will be added.
- Keep small notes for parking attendants and village donations.
- Stay in homestays in Tetebatu and Senaru, where meals are often cheap and good.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Lombok cost?
About Rp 500,000 per person on a budget, Rp 1,250,000 mid-range and about Rp 3,400,000 in comfort, sharing a double room.
Is Lombok cheaper than Bali?
Generally a little cheaper, especially for rooms and local food, though alcohol and some transport can cost more.
How much is a car with driver in Lombok?
About Rp 600,000–900,000 a day, usually including fuel.