Before settling in Bali, try to imagine the kind of life you want to lead there. Bali has almost everything to suit your budget. Being clear on how much money you could spend on your apartment, food, daily expenses, and hobbies is essential to maintain a degree of order in your life. Some people may not think about this and use their intuition after their first few weeks on the island.

The main urbanized areas in the south of Bali are Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud, but of those Canggu and Ubud are, without a doubt, the most popular among digital nomads, and for good reason. They are well known for their nightlife and have many western restaurants and stores. These parts of Bali are densely populated and there is always something going on. Villas in this area tend to be smaller with less outdoor space although there is a decent selection of guest houses. Kuta and Legian beach are usually quite crowded but decent for surfing. You’ll find several coworking spaces in this area which can be beneficial for digital nomads.

 

• • • Best Neighbourhoods

The majority of the population of Bali lives in the south of the island close to the city of Denpasar. Many tourists choose to stay in Kuta, Legian or Seminyak which are well known for their nightlife and have many western restaurants and stores. These parts of Bali are densely populated and there is always something going on. Villas in this area tend to be smaller with less outdoor space although there is a decent selection of guest houses. Kuta and Legian beach are usually quite crowded but decent for surfing. You’ll find several coworking spaces in this area which can be beneficial for digital nomads.

• • • Canggu

Arguably the best area to live in Bali as a digital nomad is Canggu. This area has been up and coming for the last few years and is a hub for digital nomads and remote workers. If you’re working as an influencer or content creator this is the place to be. Canggu has an incredible selection of villas, although prices can be high if a central location is important to you. If you want to enjoy the many benefits of staying in Canggu but are looking for something more affordable you should consider the neighbouring areas of Perrerenan, Berawa, Umalas or Kerobokan. They lie only a short scooter ride away from the heart of Canggu and are becoming more and more popular. Canggu can be quite crowded while its neighbours are still largely spared by tourist crowds. You definitely won’t have any trouble finding cafes, restaurants or coworking spaces to do your work in this area. Canggu also has decent nightlife with a focus on backpacker culture. 

• • • Ubud

If Kuta and Canggu are too busy and crowded for your taste you should consider living in the Ubud area. It is a quieter neighbourhood with yoga and meditation retreats as well as a focus on the local culture. Many digital nomads choose to escape to Ubud at some point to get work done and truly be productive. Ubud gives you the opportunity to reconnect with nature and truly embrace the Balinese lifestyle while still being able to work comfortably.

• • • Sanur, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua

The areas of Sanur, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua on the southern tip of the island are less attractive for digital nomads as they tend to be more expensive. They are popular amongst tourists and you won’t find much going on. However, you might find some affordable villas around Jimbaran which is also located in this area and could be a good alternative if you’re on a budget. The northern and eastern parts of Bali consist mainly of small towns with limited tourism. While you can find some great options for a getaway here keep in mind that the internet speed might be questionable which could impact your work. As a digital nomad, you should focus on finding a place to stay close to Canggu when you first come to Bali. This will give you lots of opportunities to network and integrate yourself into the local community of expats. Once you’re settled in, you can try out one of the neighbourhoods mentioned above. 

• • • Find an Apartment in Bali

In Bali, most people live in villas which can be either shared or private. There is an incredibly large selection of villas of varying sizes on the market and most landlords are keen to rent them out for longer periods of time. You will be saving a considerable amount of money if you rent a villa for a whole year or even 6 months and not on a monthly or weekly basis.

Prices for a double room with a private bathroom in a shared villa can be as low as 200$ per month and go all the way up to 800$ or more. The price depends a lot on where the villa is located and what amenities it has. If you’re looking for a modern villa with a pool in Canggu you’ll have to pay at least 450$ per month per room. However, a basic villa a little further away with no pool could be a lot more affordable. 

Most villas have at least two bedrooms going up all the way to 5 or 6 bedrooms. You might enjoy living in a shared villa with other digital nomads which could bring down the price. One-bedroom villas tend to be slightly more expensive. Finding potential roommates is best done over Facebook using local groups or on arrival through word of mouth or coworking spaces.

Before renting a villa always make sure to clarify what’s included in the price. Most villas include a regular cleaning service (3-4 times per week) as well as pool maintenance. Some also include electricity and wifi costs although this may be separate in other cases.

• • • Coliving Spaces

If you’re trying to network and meet like minded individuals in Bali then you should consider joining a coliving space. These are usually connected to coworking spaces and can be a great way to network. However, coliving spaces are usually quite expensive and lack the privacy and space you might have in a private villa. It can be really helpful to stay at a coliving space when you first arrive in Bali where you’ll most likely meet others looking for long term accommodation.

If you’re planning to move to Bali as a digital nomad you shouldn’t worry about booking accommodation before you go. You will find the best deals on arrival when you get a chance to get to know the area and decide what you want. Bali is oversaturated with accommodation options so you’ll rarely have to worry about having nowhere to stay.

Book an Airbnb or hotel for the first few days and then start looking for something more permanent when you arrive. Use Facebook groups like Bali cheap House & Room Rental or Bali Housing and Accommodation to help you find the best villas and consider working with a real estate agent to get the best deal. Airbnb can also be a helpful tool to find places to stay. Coworking spaces and hostels usually have contacts for villa owners or people looking for a shared living situation.

• • • Apartment

The safest place to find a decent apartment in Bali is its urban areas. One can reach these places easily as they are within an hour’s drive of the local international airport. In the South of Bali, you can choose among the five urban areas: Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud. Kuta is where there are lots of clubs and cheap drinks. This place is where budget travelers go. To have a more laidback experience, considering going to Ubud, a haven with lots of nature and rice terraces. Ubud is the place for the yoga and bohemian crowd. If you are into surfing, you should go to Canggu. Meanwhile, Seminyak is the place where rich people stay with its luxurious hotels and high-end shops. These are a few generalizations. However, it goes to say that you should be keen on where you stay in Bali as a digital nomad. Your environment dictates your lifestyle, experiences, and budget in your entire stay. Your area is also a key determinant of the kind of people you will interact and network with.

• • • How much do you need?

Looking for a decent place to stay in Bali is pretty easy. The island has accommodations ranging from budget rooms to comfortable, airy villas. Excellent apartments in Bali, more or less, start at $1,000 per month. Yes, you can still find places below $1,000. However, these places may be smaller and may not have a nice kitchen, dining room, or a refreshing ocean view. The lovely villas you can see on advertisements cost around $2,000 plus a month! If you dream of staying in those places, be prepared for a hefty sum of money in exchange for the kingly life you asked for. How to find a place to rent? The easiest way is to check the options in Airbnb. You can also check out Facebook groups that talk about Housing and Accommodations in Bali. For people looking for long-term rentals, these Facebook groups often provide smart suggestions. Some groups also talk about short-term rentals and house shares. If you want to spare yourself from the inconvenience and the long wait, you can always go to letting agencies. These agencies employ staff members with decent English and thus, can transact with locals easily.