8 Amazing Places to Live in Bali in 2025

Dreaming of calling Bali home? I’ve got you covered. After spending months exploring every corner of this island paradise, I’ve discovered the absolute best places to live in Bali for 2025. From the buzzing coworking hubs of Canggu to the serene jungle vibes of Ubud, this list breaks down the top spots for expats, digital nomads, and anyone craving a life filled with tropical beauty and adventure.

Whether you’re chasing ocean views, vibrant nightlife, or peaceful retreats, these places are the real deal. Trust me—this guide is based on firsthand experience, not some generic Google search. Ready to find your slice of paradise? Let’s dive in.

Best Places to Live in Bali

Bali is a patchwork of incredible destinations in Southeast Asia, each offering something special for different lifestyles. Whether you’re a beach lover, a culture seeker, or a digital nomad, Bali has a spot just for you. Here’s a quick guide to the island’s standout areas:

• Best Beaches: Sanur, with its golden sands and calm waves, is perfect for laid-back beach days.
• Digital Nomad Paradise: Canggu balances dynamic coworking spaces with laid-back beach bars.
• Cultural Heart: Ubud is the soul of Bali, famous for traditional crafts, dance, and serene rice terraces.
• Tranquil Escape: Amed offers peace, quiet, and breathtaking underwater beauty.
• Young & Social: Seminyak is the hub for trendy cafes, energetic clubs, and chic boutiques.
• Dramatic Landscapes: Uluwatu delivers jaw-dropping cliffs and world-class surf.
• Beachside Elegance: Nusa Dua combines stunning beaches with luxurious resorts and dining.
• Laid-Back Charm: Lovina’s gentle seas and dolphin spotting create a relaxing, off-the-beaten-path vibe.

Where will you call home in Bali?

1. Sanur

If you’re looking for a peaceful seaside escape without losing modern comforts, Sanur might be your perfect match. This charming coastal town on Bali’s east coast is known for its calm waves, golden beaches, and relaxed pace of life. Unlike Bali’s busier hubs, Sanur moves at a gentler rhythm, where sunrise walks along the beachfront promenade and coffee at laid-back cafés are part of the daily routine.

Life here is all about ease and community. You’ll find excellent healthcare, international schools, and welcoming expat-friendly cafés, making it a top pick for retirees, families, and long-term travelers. Despite its conveniences, Sanur still holds onto its Balinese charm, with frequent temple ceremonies and traditional fishing boats lining the shore.

For those craving a stress-free, beachside lifestyle with a touch of culture, Sanur delivers. It’s a place to slow down, savor life, and feel right at home in Bali.

2. Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart, surrounded by lush rice terraces, dense jungles, and sacred temples. Life here moves at a slower, more mindful pace, perfect for those seeking tranquility, creativity, and connection. Spend your mornings exploring Tegallalang’s breathtaking rice fields or sipping locally grown coffee at an artsy café. Afternoons are for yoga, wellness retreats, or co-working in bamboo-built spaces.

More than its natural beauty, Ubud thrives on art, tradition, and community. The town is filled with art galleries, craft markets, and dance performances, while its organic restaurants and vegan cafés make healthy living effortless. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Ubud is well-connected—Denpasar and Bali’s beaches are just an hour away.

For those looking to immerse themselves in Balinese culture, embrace a holistic lifestyle, or join a vibrant creative scene, Ubud is a dream come true.

3. Canggu

Canggu is Bali’s ultimate digital nomad hotspot, where trendy cafés, co-working spaces, and surf-friendly beaches create the perfect work-life balance. Mornings often start with a flat white at a hip café, followed by focused work sessions at Dojo or Tropical Nomad. When it’s time for a break, Echo Beach’s rolling waves and Batu Bolong’s lively beach bars are just minutes away.

This town thrives on creativity and community. Explore vibrant artisan markets, join a sunset yoga class, or dance the night away at The Lawn or Finns Beach Club. The food scene is top-notch, offering everything from acai bowls and smoothie bars to sizzling Indonesian street food. While Canggu is growing fast, it still holds onto its laid-back, bohemian charm.

For entrepreneurs, surfers, and adventure-seekers, Canggu delivers big-city energy in a tropical paradise—it’s no surprise so many expats call it home.

4. Uluwatu

Dramatic cliffs, world-class surf, and breathtaking sunsets make Uluwatu one of Bali’s most stunning places to live. Perched on the island’s rugged Bukit Peninsula, this coastal paradise is known for its secluded beaches, high-end resorts, and a laid-back, upscale vibe. Whether you’re chasing waves at Padang Padang or enjoying a clifftop seafood feast in Jimbaran, every day here feels like a postcard.

Life in Uluwatu moves at a slow, sun-soaked pace. Days are spent surfing at Uluwatu Beach, practicing yoga in open-air studios, or catching sunset views from Single Fin. The area offers luxury villas, boutique cafés, and a growing expat community, all while maintaining a peaceful, nature-driven atmosphere.

For those who crave endless ocean views, outdoor adventure, and a more refined island lifestyle, Uluwatu is a dream destination—a place where Bali’s natural beauty shines at its best.

5. Nusa Dua

If luxury, comfort, and pristine beaches are what you’re after, Nusa Dua is the place to be. This high-end enclave on Bali’s southeastern coast is known for its crystal-clear waters, world-class resorts, and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike the buzzing surf towns up north, Nusa Dua offers a quieter, more polished lifestyle, perfect for those who want relaxation without the chaos.

Mornings often start with a jog along the beachfront promenade, followed by fresh seafood at a seaside café. Golfers tee off at Bali National Golf Club, while wellness seekers indulge in luxurious spas with ocean views. Evenings are best spent dining by the water, with restaurants serving everything from authentic Balinese cuisine to international fine dining.

For those who love an upscale, stress-free lifestyle, Nusa Dua delivers. With immaculate beaches, top-tier amenities, and easy access to Bali’s cultural hubs, it’s tropical luxury at its finest.

6. Amed

Far from Bali’s crowded beaches and buzzing nightlife, Amed offers a peaceful, seaside escape where life moves at a slower pace. This string of charming fishing villages on Bali’s east coast is famous for its black sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving spots. Mornings begin with sunrise views over Mount Agung, while the calm sea invites snorkelers and divers to explore coral reefs and the legendary USS Liberty shipwreck.

Evenings in Amed are all about laid-back beachfront bars, live acoustic music, and sunset drinks overlooking the ocean. Expats and locals gather at spots like Wawa Wewe or Blue Earth Village to enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere. The cost of living is low, making it ideal for those seeking Bali’s beauty without the high price tag.

With its untouched landscapes and welcoming vibe, Amed is perfect for anyone looking to trade city noise for ocean waves.

7. Lovina

Looking for another peaceful coastal town away from Bali’s tourist crowds? Lovina is a hidden gem. Nestled along the island’s northern coast, this charming destination is known for its black sand beaches, calm waters, and early morning dolphin watching tours. Unlike the bustling south, Lovina offers a slower, more traditional Balinese lifestyle, where friendly locals and a tight-knit expat community make it easy to feel at home.

Days here are spent snorkeling in coral-rich waters, exploring nearby waterfalls, or soaking in Banjar’s natural hot springs. The evenings bring laid-back beach bars, live music, and seafood dinners by the ocean. While Lovina is more remote than Bali’s southern hubs, it has reliable amenities, affordable villas, and a lower cost of living.

For those seeking tranquility, affordability, and a true connection to nature, Lovina is a relaxing escape with an authentic Balinese charm.

8. Seminyak

Trendy, stylish, and always buzzing, Seminyak is Bali’s hub for beach clubs, luxury villas, and world-class dining. This vibrant coastal town blends laid-back beach life with an upscale urban feel, making it a favorite among expats, entrepreneurs, and social butterflies. Whether you’re lounging at Potato Head Beach Club, boutique shopping along Jalan Kayu Aya, or catching a sunset at La Plancha, Seminyak is all about living the good life.

Beyond the glitz, Seminyak offers modern conveniences, international schools, and co-working spaces, making it ideal for long-term living. Food lovers are spoiled for choice with trendy cafés, fusion restaurants, and authentic Balinese warungs. While traffic and crowds are part of the deal, the energy here is undeniably exciting.

If you’re all about stylish living, great food, and a social scene that never slows down, Seminyak is the kind of place that keeps life exciting every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Best Places to Live in Bali

Do you have further queries about where to live in Bali? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Bali’s best cities and areas.

Where do most foreigners live in Bali?

Foreigners often choose places in Bali that have beautiful nature, fun culture, and modern comforts. Many like Ubud for its quiet and artsy vibe. Canggu and Seminyak are favorites for younger people because of the cool beaches, cafes, and nightlife. Nusa Dua or Uluwatu are top picks for a fancy lifestyle with great beaches.

Can you live off $1,000 a month in Bali?

Living off $1,000 a month in Bali is feasible, though your lifestyle will need to be relatively modest. This budget should cover basic expenses such as local-style accommodation, food from local markets or warungs (small family-owned businesses), and limited local travel. However, for more comfort and leisure, including frequent dining at international restaurants, extensive travel, or renting in high-end neighborhoods, a higher budget would be necessary. If you’re seeking the cheapest places to go in Southeast Asia, Bali is a top choice. It’s a place that captures your heart without draining your wallet.

What are the disadvantages of living in Bali?

While Bali is often seen as a paradise for tourists and expats, living there comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some disadvantages of living in Bali:

• Infrastructure Issues: Bali’s infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with its rapid growth in tourism. This can lead to frequent power outages, internet connectivity issues, and poorly maintained roads.
• Traffic: Especially in areas like Seminyak, Kuta, and Denpasar, traffic can be chaotic. The narrow roads, combined with a high number of motorbikes and cars, can lead to frequent traffic jams.
• Environmental Concerns: Bali has faced challenges with waste management. The rapid growth in tourism has led to increased waste, and not all of it is managed properly. This has resulted in issues like the “garbage emergency” on Bali’s beaches in recent years.
• Rising Costs: While Bali is still more affordable than many Western countries, the cost of living has been rising, especially in expat-heavy areas. This includes rent, food, and other essentials.
• Visa Regulations: Indonesia has strict visa regulations. Most expats live in Bali on tourist visas, which require them to leave the country every 60 days. While there are other visa options, they come with their own set of challenges and requirements.
• Healthcare: While there are clinics and hospitals in Bali, they may not be up to Western standards. For serious medical issues, many expats choose to travel to Singapore or Australia.
• Humidity and Heat: Bali has a tropical climate, which means it’s hot and humid year-round. This can be a challenge for those not used to such conditions.

What is the safest part of Bali to live in?

Safety can feel different for everyone, but places like Ubud and Sanur are known for being calm and having friendly locals. No matter where you live, it’s good to get to know other expats and locals to help keep your area safe.

Is healthcare easily accessible in Bali?

You can find good healthcare in big areas of Bali. There are big hospitals in places like Denpasar, Ubud, and Kuta that speak English and offer different services. For larger health problems, people often go to Singapore or Australia. Having good health insurance is very important to help pay for any care you might need.

Do digital nomads in Bali need to pay taxes?

Yes, digital nomads have to follow Bali’s tax rules. If you live in Bali for more than half the year, you have to pay taxes on money you make in and out of Indonesia. But tax rules can be tricky, so it’s best to talk to a tax person who knows about Bali’s laws.

What are the positives of living in Bali?

Living in Bali offers numerous advantages, and many expats and digital nomads are drawn to the island for various reasons. Here are some of the positives of living in Bali:

• Natural Beauty: Bali boasts stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush rice terraces and majestic volcanoes. The island’s scenic beauty is undoubtedly one of its biggest draws.
• Affordable Cost of Living: While prices have risen over the years, Bali still offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many Western countries. This includes affordable housing, food, and transportation.
• Vibrant Expat Community: Bali has a thriving expat and digital nomad community, especially in areas like Ubud and Canggu. This provides opportunities for networking, socializing, and collaboration.
• Diverse Food Scene: From traditional Balinese dishes to international cuisine, Bali offers a wide variety of dining options. The island has seen a surge in health-conscious eateries, vegan restaurants, and cafes.
• Wellness and Health: Bali is a hub for wellness activities. From yoga retreats to meditation workshops and holistic healing centers, there are numerous options for those seeking physical and mental well-being.
• Flexible Accommodation Options: Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa, a cozy homestay, or a modern apartment, Bali offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
• Adventure and Activities: Beyond the beaches, Bali offers a plethora of activities, from trekking up Mount Batur to diving in the crystal-clear waters of Nusa Penida.
• Climate: Bali has a tropical climate, which means warm weather year-round. While it does have a rainy season, there are plenty of sunny days to enjoy.
• Accessibility: Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport connects the island to many major cities around the world, making it relatively easy for friends and family to visit or for expats to travel.

Recap: Bali’s Best Places to Live

Bali is a world of its own, offering something special for everyone. Ubud is perfect for those who love culture and wellness, while Uluwatu’s beaches are a haven for surfers. Canggu and Seminyak are full of life, great for people who love a fast-paced environment, though they’re quite busy and noisy at times.

If peace and quiet are what you’re after, Sanur, Amed, and Lovina are ideal. They’re calm and perfect for a laid-back lifestyle. For a touch of luxury, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu have it all, with stunning views to match.

Moving to Bali means embracing a whole new way of life. It’s not just about finding a place to stay; it’s about finding a place where you feel you truly belong. Each area has its unique vibe, so consider what’s important to you in a home. Whether it’s the buzz of the city, the quiet of a small village, or the rhythm of the ocean waves, Bali has a spot that’s just right for you. Here, you’re sure to find a place that captures your heart and feels just like home.