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Bali, Indonesia

🌊 Coastal

Data updated Oct 8, 2026

Follows Indonesia Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

75
FIRE
64
Retiree
75
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 73)

Bali sits at sea level in Indonesia, with a tropical monsoon climate that stays warm and humid year-round, featuring a wet season from October to April. The island's population is 4.4 million. Expatriates tend to settle in neighborhoods like Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu, where a large and active expat community thrives. English is common in tourist areas, making daily life easier for newcomers.

Living costs in Bali are low relative to Western standards. A single adult's monthly expenses excluding rent come to $650, while a family of four spends about $2,000 excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages $199 per month, and outside the center it drops to $140. A three-bedroom in the center runs $447, and outside the center it is $279. Monthly utilities cost $84, internet is $29, a mobile phone plan is $3, and a gym membership is $24. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $1, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $11, and a cappuccino is $1. The average local monthly net salary is $237, and the cost of living index is 49 out of 100 (New York City = 100).

Safety in Bali is generally good, with a safety index of 65 out of 100 and a crime index of 35 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as good. The air quality index is 48, which is moderate.

For those looking to stay long-term, the Indonesia Retirement Visa (KITAS) requires a minimum monthly income of $2,000, and the Indonesia Remote Worker Visa (E33G) also requires $2,000 per month. The nearest airport is DPS, located 47 kilometers away. Bali suits digital nomads (score 75), FIRE seekers (score 75), and retirees (score 64), with an overall expat score of 73 out of 100.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$433/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Bali on a mid-range budget comes to about $433 a month for one adult, with $140 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $117 on groceries, $14.00 on dining out, $46.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $116 on utilities and connectivity.

Rent

$140/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$117/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$14.00/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$46.00/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$116/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$293/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $199.3/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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🛡️ Safety & Crime

65
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

35
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Bali is relatively safe for expats compared to many global destinations, with petty theft and scams being primary concerns rather than violent crime. Watch for bag snatching in crowded areas, ATM skimming, and tourist-targeted scams (fake taxis, inflated bills). Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. South Kuta and central tourist zones see more incidents; quieter areas like Ubud and Sanur are generally safer. Serious violent crime against expats is uncommon. The main risks are opportunistic theft and financial scams—manageable with standard precautions. A reasonable choice for remote workers and retirees seeking affordable, established expat communities.

🏥 Healthcare

Good
Public Hospitals
No
Private Clinics
No
English-Speaking Doctors
Available

See how Bali's healthcare compares with Chiang Mai

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
31°C
Winter Temp
23°C
Humidity
80%
Air Quality Index
48
Annual Rainfall
1900 mm

Best Months

MayJunJulAug

Climate Notes

Tropical monsoon climate; warm and humid with a wet season from October to April.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
50 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$29/mo
Coworking Availability
Abundant
Coworking Spaces Nearby
0
Digital Nomad Score
75/100

Community Notes

Thriving nomad community with excellent coworking spaces and cafes.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Dojo Bali CoworkingLocated in Canggu, Dojo Bali offers a vibrant community, fast internet, a pool, and regular events, making it a popular choice for digital nomads looking to connect and collaborate.
Outpost CangguOutpost Canggu provides a productive workspace with comfortable seating, private meeting rooms, and a cafe, situated in a convenient location with easy access to beaches and restaurants.
Biliq Bali SeminyakLocated in Seminyak, Biliq Bali offers a stylish and modern workspace with ergonomic chairs, high-speed internet, and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for focused work and networking.
Hub Bali LegianHub Bali in Legian provides a budget-friendly coworking option with essential amenities, a friendly community, and a central location close to shops, restaurants, and the beach.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

Planning to live in Bali long-term? Indonesia Remote Worker Visa (E33G) lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $2,000/month.

View full requirements →

Working remotely from Bali? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.

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See how Bali's digital nomad life compares with Chiang Mai

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu
Banks Nearby
0
ATMs Nearby
1

Expat Life Notes

One of the world top destinations for digital nomads and lifestyle expats. Infrastructure varies from rustic to ultra-luxury.

Pros

  • ✓ World-class social scene
  • ✓ Incredible nature
  • ✓ Very affordable luxury

Cons

  • ✗ Extreme traffic congestion
  • ✗ Digital nomad tax uncertainty
  • ✗ Overtourism in hotspots

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Bali

Areas of Bali that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Canggu

Trendy, surf, digital nomad hub

Canggu is Bali's digital nomad and surfing mecca. Expect a vibrant atmosphere with co-working spaces, cafes, beach clubs, and a lively nightlife. While walkable in some areas, a scooter is essential. Can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak season; prices are higher than other areas.

Ubud

Cultural heart, spiritual, serene

Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, known for its rice paddies, yoga studios, art galleries, and traditional dance performances. It attracts a mix of expats seeking a more relaxed and mindful lifestyle. While walkable in the center, transport is needed to explore surrounding areas. Can be touristy, but offers a strong sense of community.

Seminyak

Upscale, beach clubs, shopping

Seminyak is a more upscale area with stylish boutiques, high-end restaurants, and beach clubs. It's popular with tourists and expats who enjoy a more sophisticated atmosphere. Expect higher prices and more traffic. Walking is possible, but a scooter or taxi is often preferred.

Sanur

Relaxed, family-friendly, beachfront

Sanur offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere with a long, calm beach and a paved beachfront promenade. It's popular with retirees and families seeking a quieter lifestyle. It's relatively walkable and has a good selection of restaurants and shops. Offers a good balance of local culture and expat amenities.

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🛂 Visa Options for Indonesia

Indonesia Golden Visa· From $5,000/mo income requiredIndonesia Remote Worker Visa (E33G)· From $2,000/mo income requiredIndonesia Retirement Visa (KITAS)· From $2,000/mo income requiredIndonesia Second Home Visa

Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Bali

Click any question to expand the answer.

Bali has a population of approximately 4,433,300 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $498 per month in Bali, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $199/month.
The nearest airport to Bali is DPS, approximately 46.6km away.
Bali is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 65.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Bali has an average internet speed of 50 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Indonesia launched a Digital Nomad Visa (Second Home Visa) allowing stays up to 5 years, but it requires proof of $130,000 in assets or income. The standard tourist visa gives 60 days extendable to 60 more. Working for a foreign employer while on a tourist visa is a legal gray area that many expats navigate quietly, but it carries real risk of deportation. A KITAS work permit requires an Indonesian sponsor and takes months to process.
For routine care and minor emergencies, private hospitals like BIMC Kuta and Siloam Denpasar are competent and English-friendly. Costs are low by Western standards — a GP visit runs $30–60. For serious conditions, most expats fly to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. International health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is not optional here; it's a basic requirement for responsible long-term living.
Canggu is the digital nomad default: coworking spaces, fast internet, beach access, and a dense expat social scene — but traffic is bad and it's increasingly expensive. Seminyak skews older and more resort-oriented. Ubud is quieter, cooler, and culturally richer, with a wellness-focused expat crowd, but it's inland and 45–60 minutes from the airport. Your choice depends on whether you want a social scene or peace — they're genuinely different lifestyles.
Rental costs vary greatly. Expect to pay $800-$2500 USD per month for a comfortable villa with a pool in areas like Canggu or Seminyak, depending on size and proximity to the beach. Ubud offers slightly lower prices, starting around $600 for a similar villa.
Bali is generally safe, but petty theft can occur, especially in touristy areas. Violent crime is rare. It's wise to secure your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.
While learning some basic Indonesian phrases is helpful, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by service providers. Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are readily available and convenient for transportation.
For extended stays, consider a B211A Social Visa (requires sponsorship and allows for extensions up to 6 months) or a retirement visa (requires meeting age and financial criteria). Consulting with a visa agent is highly recommended to navigate the process.
Internet speeds in Bali can be variable. Canggu and Seminyak generally have reliable connections, with speeds of 25-50 Mbps readily available. Ubud can be slower. Consider a backup mobile data plan for important meetings.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes while living in Bali. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can help reduce your tax burden. Also, be aware of FBAR reporting requirements for foreign bank accounts.
Bali has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The dry season (May to September) is generally sunny and less humid. The wet season (October to April) brings higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall.
Yes, Bali has a large and active expat community, particularly in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud. There are numerous social groups and events catering to expats, making it easy to connect with others.
Groceries are generally cheaper in Bali, especially if you buy local produce and products. Imported items can be more expensive. Expect to save significantly on fresh fruits, vegetables, and rice.
Several international and local banks operate in Bali. Opening an account can be challenging and requires specific documentation. Consider using ATMs for cash withdrawals, but be mindful of fees. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a good option for international money transfers.
For retirees on a budget, consider areas like Sanur or Lovina. These areas offer a more relaxed pace of life, lower rental costs, and access to essential amenities. They are also generally quieter than Canggu or Seminyak.
Yes, Bali can be viable for early retirement on $2500 USD per month, especially if you live like a local and avoid excessive spending on imported goods and tourist activities. Careful budgeting and choosing a less touristy area are key.
Yes, you can find English-speaking doctors and dentists in Bali, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas. BIMC Hospital and Siloam Hospitals are popular choices among expats for quality care.

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