Retiring In Bali: Practical Guide To Costs And Best Places

Many people consider retiring in Bali, and for good reason. The island seems to have everything you need for a satisfying retirement: a warm climate, affordable housing, and accessible healthcare. In addition, long-stay options such as the Bali retirement visa make it possible to remain on the island legally with proper planning. At the same time, Bali is known for substantial regional differences that make life easier in some places and more challenging in others.

That said, while Bali is comfortable, it rewards preparation rather than impulse. Read our guide to find out what retiring in Bali actually involves, covering the cost of living in Bali and exploring different areas of the island that suit different lifestyles.

Cost of Living in Bali

In Bali, everyday expenses are paid in Indonesian rupiah (IDR). At the time of writing, USD 1 equals roughly IDR 15,500–16,000. Before we go any further, please note that costs differ depending on location. Areas popular with expats tend to be more expensive, while less tourist-oriented towns offer lower prices.

Housing

Housing is usually the largest expense for retirees in Bali. Foreigners typically end up renting, as Indonesian property laws restrict buying property in Bali by limiting direct land ownership for non-citizens.

Long-term rentals are mostly offered on a yearly basis, with the full amount usually paid upfront. While monthly rentals do exist, they are usually priced higher and aimed at short-term visitors. 

The cost of renting property in Bali varies based on location and property type. A one-bedroom house or apartment in a quieter area starts at around $400–$600 per month. At the same time, expect to pay $800-$1,200/month for similar accommodation in a popular expat hub. Villas with two or three bedrooms, private pools, and enclosed living spaces often range from $1,500 to over $2,500 per month, especially in high-demand neighborhoods.

Utilities are usually not included in rent. Electricity is the biggest factor, with costs largely depending on air-conditioning use, while water is inexpensive. Combined utility bills (electricity and water) for a typical apartment or small house generally fall in the $50–$150/month range. 

Basic home internet plans typically run around $20–50 per month, but connection quality still varies by area. 

Food

Food expenses in Bali depend on your eating habits. You can keep costs low by buying groceries at the local market and cooking meals at home. On the other hand, relying on imported goods and eating in restaurants is more expensive. Below are some recent price examples to give you a general idea of what basic items cost when you buy them locally:

• Milk (1 l): $1.80–$2.50
• Fresh white bread (1 loaf): $2–$3.20
• Eggs (12): $1.80–$3.50
• Rice (1 kg): $0.70–$1.90
• Potatoes (1 kg): $0.60–$1.00
• Tomatoes (1 kg): $0.60–$1.30
• Apples (1 kg): $1.80–$3.20
• Bananas (1 kg): $0.60–$1.30

As you can see, basic staples are inexpensive, especially compared to Western countries. However, imported products usually cost more, up to several times the local price.

In terms of eating out, Bali’s culinary scene ranges from street stalls to mid-range restaurants. Street snacks typically cost $1–$2 per serving. Small eateries called warungs offer nasi goreng (fried rice with fish and pickles) and mie goreng (fried noodles) for around $1.50–$3.50 per dish.

At the same time, a sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant offering international fare usually costs between $6 and $14 per person.

Overall, a food budget of around $150–$250 per month is realistic for one person who shops at local markets and cooks at home.

Transportation

People in Bali don’t rely on public transportation as their primary option. Instead, scooters are the default means of transport for many long-term residents. Cars are less common for everyday use. Monthly scooter and car rentals usually cost $50–$100 and $300–$500 per month, respectively.

Fuel in Bali is relatively affordable: a liter of regular gasoline typically costs about $0.60–$0.75, while mid-grade gasoline and diesel are usually closer to $0.75–$0.90 per liter. For scooter owners, fuel makes up a modest part of the overall transport budget. That said, riding a scooter requires confidence and a tolerance for Bali’s traffic conditions, which can feel chaotic to newcomers.

If you prefer not to drive, ride-hailing apps and hired drivers are widely available. Short trips within town often cost only a few dollars, making this a practical alternative to renting a scooter or car unless you rely on these services daily.

Healthcare

While Indonesia’s public healthcare system offers lower prices, Bali’s public hospitals are aimed at local residents and may involve language barriers. Foreigners prefer private clinics due to convenience and quality of care. 

The cost of healthcare in Bali heavily depends on whether you have insurance. Without insurance, even relatively simple treatments can be expensive, and prices rise rapidly for serious conditions. 

For example, a general doctor consultation at a private clinic or hospital often ranges from about $45 to $80. Basic blood tests or health check-ups typically cost around $100–$200, and imaging tests like ultrasounds can run $65–$130. More advanced diagnostics and treatments cost more, for instance, an MRI scan may cost around $260–$400. A hospital stay can be in the ballpark of $130–$320 per day, depending on the level of care and amenities. 

Emergency care is similarly variable. Simple urgent visits might end up in the $65–$200 range, while complex cases requiring significant treatment or hospitalization can quickly cost more without insurance. 

Insurance plans vary widely, but basic insurance options, such as travel or local expat plans, can start around $60 per month and go up to $200+ per month for more comprehensive coverage that includes private hospital access and specialist care. 

Speaking of dental services, they’re generally much cheaper than in the U.S. or Western Europe, although prices vary widely depending on the clinic:

• A standard dental check-up and cleaning: $20–$50
• A simple X-ray: $10–$30
• Tooth extraction: $30–$70
• A filling: $30–$80
• Root canal treatment: $120–$300 per tooth
• Dental crowns: $200–$600
• A denture set: $300–$500+

Bali retirement visa

Last but not least, visa expenses are a recurring part of living in Bali as an expat and should be factored into any long-term budget. 

Most retirees rely on long-stay visas. Fees vary based on the visa type, length of stay, and whether you handle the process yourself or use an agent. While it’s possible to apply independently, many foreigners choose visa agents to avoid paperwork errors and changing requirements.

As a rough guide, long-term or retirement-style visas often involve:

• an initial visa fee: $700–$1,200 per year
• extra costs for extensions, renewals, or mandatory reporting
• agent fees: $200–$500 per year, depending on the service level

It’s also a good idea to budget for incidental immigration expenses, such as document translations, local registration fees, and occasional trips related to visa status. So, in practical terms, be ready to set aside $1,000–$1,500 per year for visa and immigration expenses.

Best Places to Retire in Bali

When it comes to choosing the best place to retire in Bali, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some areas suit people craving an active social scene, while others appeal to those who prefer quiet streets or proximity to hospitals. Let’s explore the most popular retirement areas in Bali, along with their key benefits and trade-offs.

Ubud

Ubud is located inland among lush valleys, attracting people who value atmosphere over convenience. Home to one of the most long-established Bali retirement communities, the town is particularly popular with expats keen on arts and wellness. Yoga studios, meditation centers, galleries, and cultural venues are part of daily life.

Even though Ubud attracts visitors year-round, many neighborhoods maintain a residential feel once you move a short distance from the center. Ubud has clinics and private practices, but more advanced medical care means traveling.

The town makes sense for retirees who relish cultural depth and a quieter rhythm, and who don’t mind trading beach access for greenery and calm.

Sanur

Home to roughly 20,000 residents, Sanur is rightfully considered to be one of the most practical places to retire in Bali, as it combines coastal living with a noticeably calmer pace.

One of Sanur’s biggest advantages is its proximity to healthcare facilities. Several private hospitals are within easy reach, making the town a common choice for retirees who prefer having access to reliable medical services. Traffic is generally manageable, and the airport is close enough for convenience without dominating daily life.

Housing costs in Sanur tend to sit in the mid-range for Bali. For retirees looking for coastal living without crowds and comfort without excess, Sanur remains a consistently popular option.

Canggu

Canggu is a coastal village on the south-west coast of Bali. It’s often the first place newcomers look at and the last place retirees decide to stay. It’s lively, international, and constantly changing, teeming with cafés, co-working spaces, and a younger crowd that gives the area its energy. For retirees who enjoy being out and about, Canggu can be the perfect choice.

The area doesn’t function like a traditional town. It’s a patchwork of neighborhoods that blend into one another, with traffic-heavy main roads and quieter residential pockets just a few turns away. 

Due to strong demand, housing costs in Canggu are among the highest on the island. Clinics are available, but major hospitals are located elsewhere, which means planning ahead for anything beyond routine care. Noise, traffic, and ongoing construction are also part of daily life, and tolerance for these factors matters.

Canggu suits active, socially engaged retirees who enjoy a fast-moving environment and don’t mind higher costs or congestion.

Lovina

Unlike busy Canggu, Lovina in the north offers a completely different retirement experience. The area is made up of several small villages stretched along the coast. With a relatively small local population and fewer visitors, Lovina feels settled and low-key. Many retirees who choose this part of Bali are attracted by the lower cost of living and the absence of crowds. Housing is more affordable than in the southern part of the island. 

That said, this peace and quiet comes with fewer shopping options and limited healthcare access. While Lovina has basic clinics that suffice for routine care, serious medical treatment requires traveling, often several hours by car. Needless to say, this can be a decisive factor for people with ongoing health conditions.

Lovina is a good fit for retirees who prefer quiet and affordability over the abundance of services.

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is a fishing village and tourist resort located just south of the airport, where life tends to stay local. Outside the beachfront restaurants, Jimbaran is made up of neighborhoods where people run errands, meet neighbors, and stick to familiar places. While Jimbaran doesn’t have a dense café scene or a strong nightlife presence, many retirees see that as a benefit rather than a drawback.

Another notable benefit is that several private hospitals and medical facilities are within easy reach. Being close to Bali’s main airport is useful for occasional travel, without feeling like you’re living next to it.

Jimbaran is the best choice for retirees who want a residential, grounded lifestyle, with coastal access and everyday convenience, but without the noise and constant movement found elsewhere on the island.

Conclusion

All in all, retiring in Bali can be a rewarding choice, but it works best when expectations are realistic. Daily life varies depending on where you settle, and living costs can be kept under control with the right choices.

Your decision should depend on whether you prioritize calm or convenience. Some retirees appreciate areas like Ubud or Sanur, which offer a balance of community and access to services. Others may feel more at home in quieter places such as Jimbaran or Lovina. Before committing, it’s worth spending time in different parts of Bali to make a more informed decision.

We hope this guide helps you set clear expectations and choose the best place to retire in Bali.