Moving to Ubud? Bali’s cultural heart blends jungle calm, yoga vibes, and artisan life. A slower pace, with rice fields instead of rush hours.
Ubud isn’t a beach town. It’s Bali’s inland soul — a lush, spiritual, and vibrant place where rice terraces meet yoga studios, temples, and co-working cafés. Over the past decade, it’s become a global hub for digital nomads, artists, healers, and those seeking a slower pace of life. But what’s it really like to live in Ubud long-term?
Let’s break it down — from housing and visas to lifestyle, healthcare, and work.
Key Facts About Ubud (Bali, Indonesia)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~75,000 (including surrounding villages) |
| Language | Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), English widely spoken |
| Currency | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) |
| Average Rent | $300–800 USD/month (1-bedroom villa or bungalow) |
| Average Income (remote) | From $1,000 USD and up — mostly freelancers, remote workers |
| Health Insurance | Private; international insurance strongly recommended |
| Safety Level | High. Low crime, though petty theft can happen |
| Transport | No public transport — mainly scooters and local taxis |
| Climate | Tropical. Rainy season: Nov–Mar. Dry season: Apr–Oct |
| Residence Permit / Long Stay | Tourist visa (up to 60 days), then social/family/freelancer visa options |
| Education | International schools in Canggu or Denpasar (1–1.5h away) |
| Grocery Prices | Cheaper than Western countries. Many organic cafés and local markets |
| Access to Nature | Surrounded by jungle, rice terraces, waterfalls, and yoga retreats |
| Atmosphere | Meditative, artsy, slow-paced, spiritual, vegan-friendly |
Housing in Ubud: From Jungle Villas to Ricefield Rooms
Ubud’s housing scene is as diverse as its residents. You’ll find everything from bamboo huts with outdoor showers to luxury villas with infinity pools and staff. The most common rental options are monthly or yearly contracts, typically furnished, and often including internet and cleaning services.
Prices vary depending on size, amenities, and location:
- Basic one-bedroom bungalow: $300–500/month
- Modern private villa with pool: $700–1,200/month
- Shared coliving spaces: $200–400/month per room
If you’re looking to settle in and skip the chaos, browse long-term rental listings in Ubud here — sorted by price, amenities, and layout.
Visa and Residency: What You Need to Stay Legally
Indonesia doesn’t offer a traditional “residency permit” for casual expats. Most foreigners stay on a social-cultural visa (B211A) or business visa, which can be extended for up to 6 months. After that, you’ll need to leave and re-enter, or apply through an agent for a new visa.
In 2023, Indonesia introduced a Second Home Visa for those with substantial income or savings — valid for 5 to 10 years — but it’s mostly aimed at retirees or high-net-worth individuals.
You’ll need:
- A visa sponsor (often provided by agencies)
- Health insurance
- Proof of income or support
- Regular check-ins with immigration if you extend long-term
Bali’s immigration rules can shift quickly, so always double-check with a local agency before making long-term plans.
Language and Culture: Bahasa and Respect Go a Long Way
You can get by in Ubud with English — especially in tourist zones and co-working spaces. But if you’re staying long-term, learning basic Bahasa Indonesia is essential for building local relationships and handling practical tasks (like the bank, hospital, or mechanics).
Culturally, respect is key. Ubud is built on Balinese Hindu tradition, and daily offerings, temple ceremonies, and quiet spiritual practices are part of life. Dress modestly at local events, don’t step over offerings, and learn the rhythm of “jam karet” — the famously flexible sense of time.
Where to Live in Ubud
- Penestanan – trendy, walkable, full of cafes and creatives
- Sayan – riverside, lush, and peaceful — perfect for families or wellness seekers
- Nyuh Kuning – quiet village feel with easy access to Monkey Forest
- Tegallalang – further out, surrounded by rice fields, great for nature lovers
- Central Ubud – busy, convenient, but noisy and crowded in high season
Traffic is getting worse in the center, so many long-termers prefer the edges for peace and views.
Top 5 Best Areas in Ubud for Long-Term Living
| Area | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 1. Penestanan | Artistic village near the center. Jungle villas, yoga, cafés, and creative expats. |
| 2. Nyuh Kuning | Quiet and green, next to the Monkey Forest. Ideal for peaceful, healthy living. |
| 3. Sayan | Stunning views of the Ayung River. Secluded villas, popular with families and nomads. |
| 4. Tegallalang | Famous for rice terraces. Calm, nature-rich setting a bit outside of central Ubud. |
| 5. Central Ubud | Close to everything: markets, coworking spaces, culture. Busier but very convenient. |
Cost of Living in Ubud
- Rent: $300–1,200/month
- Scooter rental: $60/month
- Coworking space: $100–150/month
- Local food (warung): $2–4/meal
- Western food or brunch: $6–10
- Massage/spa: $10–15/hour
- Utilities: Often included, but electricity can be $30–50/month
You can live very well on $800–1,200/month, especially if you earn in USD or EUR.
Work and Income: Remote-First or Local Hustle
Legally working for an Indonesian company requires a work permit (KITAS), which is expensive and hard to obtain. Most expats work remotely for overseas employers or freelance online — developers, designers, writers, coaches, etc.
Ubud has a thriving digital nomad ecosystem, with coworking spaces like Outpost, Hubud, and Biliq, plus regular networking events and meetups.
If you’re earning internationally, Ubud offers a high quality of life at low cost.
Healthcare: Basic but Functional
There are several international-standard clinics in Ubud (e.g., Ubud Care, Dharma), and more advanced hospitals are in Denpasar (1.5 hours away). For serious issues, many expats fly to Singapore or Bangkok.
You’ll need travel or international health insurance — costs are low, and care is generally good for common issues. A doctor’s visit in a clinic costs $20–40.
Final Thoughts: Is Ubud Right for You?
Ubud is not for everyone. It’s humid, full of ceremony days, motorbike traffic, and erratic Wi-Fi. But it’s also magical, inspiring, and deeply human. It attracts people in transition — artists, seekers, remote workers — and it’s easy to fall into its gentle rhythm.
If you’re looking for balance, creative freedom, community, and daily beauty — and you’re okay with the occasional power outage — Ubud might feel more like home than anywhere else.
Also check out our article on Moving to Buenos Aires