Bali, Indonesia
Asia · Tropical
Bali, a tropical paradise in Indonesia, has become a magnet for digital nomads seeking a relaxed lifestyle, rich culture, and modern infrastructure. With its affordable cost of living, fast internet, and coworking spaces, Bali provides an ideal environment for remote workers to thrive. The island's stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals make it an excellent choice for those looking to escape the monotony of city life.
At a Glance — Bali
City Personality
Bali offers a relaxed, tropical lifestyle with a strong emphasis on culture and community.
Best For
- digital nomads
- remote workers
- entrepreneurs
Less Suitable For
- those seeking a fast-paced city lifestyle
- families with young children
Internet Speed in Bali
Bali's internet infrastructure supports remote work with fast fixed and mobile speeds. Fixed download speeds reach up to 50 Mbps, while mobile download speeds are around 25 Mbps. Although data on latency is unavailable, these speeds comfortably support video conferencing, cloud development, and transferring large files, making Bali suitable for most remote professions.
Fixed Broadband
Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment
Mobile Data
4G/5G cellular network
Remote Work Readiness
Cost of Living in Bali
Bali offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Monthly expenses excluding rent are around $450, which is supplemented by housing costs. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $979 per month, while outside the center, it's around $630. Everyday items are affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing $2.80 and a mid-range meal for two being $32.19.
Cost Comparison: Cities in Indonesia
Visa Options for Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia offers a Digital Nomad Visa, making it easy to stay long-term.
Bali offers a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to stay in Indonesia for up to 1 year, renewable for another year. The visa requires an annual income of $60,000 and comes with a $150 fee. This visa option provides a convenient and straightforward process for digital nomads to live and work in Bali.
- eVisa
See what visa you need for Bali based on your passport
Is Bali Safe?
Bali's safety index is around 49, indicating moderate safety. While the island has a relatively low crime rate, petty crime and corruption can occur. Remote workers should exercise caution, especially at night, and be aware of their surroundings. The crime level is moderate, with a 50.51% crime rate, and corruption is a concern, with a 78.27% problem corruption rate.
What Residents Worry About
Crime Severity
Safety Tips for Bali
- Keep valuables out of sight in crowded areas and avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Choose accommodation with secure building access, and consider portable door alarms.
- Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public spaces and use lockers for laptops and cameras.
- Research which districts have higher crime rates and plan your route accordingly, especially at night.
Bali Climate & Weather
Bali has a tropical climate with a short rainy season. The island experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 24°C. The best months to visit are during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is comfortable and rainfall is low.
Bali has a Tropical climate.Warm all year with a short rainy season.
Average Daily Temperature
Daylight Hours
Real Estate Market in Bali
Bali's property market is challenging, with a severely unaffordable price-to-income ratio of 49.59. The mortgage percentage of income is around 669.1%, making it difficult for buyers. However, rental prices are relatively affordable, with a 1-bedroom apartment costing around $979 per month in the city center.
Overview
Buy vs Rent
Rental Yields & Returns
Apartment Prices
City Centre
Outside Centre
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Buying property requires 49.6 years of salary — renting is more practical for nomads.
- Rental yields in the city centre are strong (11.8%) — potential for passive income.
- Mortgage costs take up 669.1% of income — renting offers more flexibility.
- Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Healthcare Quality in Bali
Bali's healthcare quality is moderate, with a healthcare index of 54.66. While the island has some good-quality medical facilities, equipment, and staff, there may be limitations in specialized care. Remote workers may want to consider additional insurance to ensure access to quality healthcare.
Quality Scores
Satisfaction Scores
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Research English-speaking doctors or clinics with international accreditation before your trip.
- Health insurance with international coverage is recommended as out-of-pocket costs can be high.
Power Grid in Indonesia
Bali's electricity grid is relatively reliable, with a grid access rate of 99.4%. The island consumes around 1445.2146 kWh of electricity per capita, with a fossil fuel share of 0%. The grid loss rate is around 6.4534%, indicating some energy waste.
Energy Mix
· 84% fossil fuelsTraffic & Commute in Bali
Bali's traffic congestion is moderate, with a traffic index of 105.03. The average commute time is around 22.36 minutes, with a CO2 emission index of 4662.73. Remote workers can use various transportation modes, including motorcycles, cars, and buses.
Overview
Traffic Indexes
Commute Mode Split
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Traffic congestion is significant — consider accommodation close to co-working spaces or use public transit.
- Car dependency is high — factor in parking costs and traffic when choosing where to live.
- Commute times are relatively predictable — you can plan your schedule with confidence.
Pollution & Environment in Bali
Bali's air quality is a concern, with a pollution index of 79.04. The island experiences high levels of air pollution, with a 67.5% air pollution rate. Remote workers may want to take precautions, such as wearing masks, to minimize exposure to poor air quality.
Overview
Pollution Levels — Lower is better
Quality Metrics — Higher is better
Livability
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Consider an air purifier for your apartment, especially during high-pollution months.
- Stick to bottled or filtered water — tap water quality is a concern.
- Look for accommodation on quiet streets or higher floors to escape noise and light pollution.
- Green spaces are limited — plan weekend trips outside the city for nature.
- Avoid swimming in local rivers or lakes — water pollution levels are elevated.
- Some areas may be less tidy — research neighborhoods before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bali
- What is the cost of living in Bali?
- The cost of living in Bali is relatively low, with monthly expenses excluding rent around $450 and housing costs around $979 for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center.
- How fast is the internet in Bali?
- Bali's internet speeds are fast, with fixed download speeds up to 50 Mbps and mobile download speeds around 25 Mbps.
- What type of visa do I need to live and work in Bali?
- Bali offers a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to stay for up to 1 year, renewable for another year, with an annual income requirement of $60,000.
- Is Bali safe for tourists and remote workers?
- Bali's safety is moderate, with a safety index of 49, and remote workers should take precautions to minimize risks.
- What is the climate like in Bali?
- Bali has a tropical climate with a short rainy season, warm temperatures year-round, and a dry season from May to October.
- Can I afford to buy property in Bali?
- Bali's property market is challenging, with a severely unaffordable price-to-income ratio, making it difficult for buyers.
- What is the quality of healthcare in Bali?
- Bali's healthcare quality is moderate, with good-quality medical facilities and staff, but potential limitations in specialized care.
- How reliable is the electricity grid in Bali?
- Bali's electricity grid is relatively reliable, with a high access rate and low fossil fuel share.
- What are the transportation options in Bali?
- Bali offers various transportation modes, including motorcycles, cars, and buses, with moderate traffic congestion.
- What are the nearby destinations to explore from Bali?
- Bali is close to other destinations in Indonesia, such as Denpasar, offering opportunities for cultural exploration.
- Is Bali suitable for remote work?
- Bali is a popular destination for remote workers, offering a relaxed lifestyle, rich culture, and modern infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Bali's internet speeds support most remote work activities.
Bali's coworking scene is developing, but remote workers can still find suitable workspaces.
Bali's cost of living is relatively low, making it suitable for remote workers.
Bali's digital nomad visa provides a convenient option for remote workers.
Bali's safety is moderate, and remote workers should take precautions.
Bali's tropical climate has seasonal variations, with a dry season from May to October.
Bali's property market is challenging for buyers, but rental prices are relatively affordable.
Bali's healthcare quality is moderate, and remote workers may want to consider additional insurance.
Bali's electricity grid is relatively reliable, with a high access rate and low fossil fuel share.
Bali's traffic congestion is moderate, with a relatively short average commute time.
Bali's air quality is a concern, and remote workers should take precautions.
Bali's proximity to other destinations offers opportunities for exploration.