Write down three priorities
Choose the experiences that matter most: food and neighbourhoods, time at the beach, cultural visits, surfing or walking. Then identify a realistic base for those activities. Comparing specific places is more useful than comparing two island-wide stereotypes.
Count travel days honestly
An arrival, a transfer and a hotel change can absorb much of a day. If you only have a short visit, one island with two carefully chosen bases may work better than a rushed island combination.
Understand the crossing
Indonesia Tourism describes air and sea connections between Bali and Lombok. Check the current route, departure point, luggage rules and arrival arrangements with the carrier. A quoted crossing time is not the same as the complete journey from one hotel to the next.
Compare complete stays
Use the same number of nights, room standard and planned activities for both budgets. Include airport or port transfers and the cost of reaching the places you want to explore. A low nightly rate far from your priorities may not produce a cheaper trip.
Keep the choice reversible
Build a plan with fewer prepaid activities at the start. Once you understand the pace of your base, you can use free time for local suggestions instead of being committed to a distant stop every day.
Sources & further reading
Official sources support the factual background. Comparisons, route outlines and budgeting methods are editorial suggestions. Check changing details before travelling.