Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 55)
Ubud sits at 515 m above sea level on the Indonesian island of Bali, in the Asia/Makassar timezone, and it holds a tropical rainforest climate that stays warm and humid all year with a monsoon season. The town is home to about 30 thousand people, and its nearest airport is DPS, 29 km away. English is common in tourist areas, which makes daily errands easier for newcomers. Expats who settle here tend to choose between the city center and areas outside the center, and that single choice shapes both rent and the rhythm of daily life.
Rent tells the story of that split. A 1-bedroom in the city center runs $544/mo, while the same apartment outside the center drops to $407/mo. Three-bedroom units follow the same pattern: $1,936/mo in the center against $1,396/mo outside it. Utilities average $82/mo, internet $19/mo, and a mobile phone plan $5/mo, with a gym membership at $52/mo. Food is inexpensive by most standards, with a cappuccino at $2 and an inexpensive restaurant meal at $3 per person, while a mid-range restaurant meal for two with three courses comes to $20. Against those costs, the average monthly net salary locally is $168/mo, so a single adult can live on a budget tier of $468/mo, a mid-range tier of $720/mo, or a comfortable tier of $899/mo, all with rent included.
Safety is one of Ubud's quieter strengths. The safety index is 70/100 and the crime index is 28/100, where a lower number means safer conditions. Air quality is also favorable, with an index of 35, lower being better. Healthcare quality is rated fair, which means routine care is manageable but serious or specialized treatment may require travel. Average internet speed is 20 Mbps, enough for everyday browsing, calls, and most remote work, though heavy data users will notice the ceiling.
For longer stays, Indonesia offers the Retirement Visa (KITAS) and the Remote Worker Visa (E33G), each requiring a minimum monthly income of $2,000/mo. Arrival is through DPS, 29 km from town. Ubud scores 60/100 overall for expats, 62/100 for retirees, and 57/100 for digital nomads, so it suits budget-conscious singles, slow travelers, and remote workers who value low costs, warm weather, and a calm base over big-city convenience.
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Ubud at the budget tier comes to about $628 a month for one adult, with $407 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $85.00 on groceries, $11.00 on dining out, $20.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $105 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$407/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$85.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$11.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$20.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$105/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Ubud at the mid-range tier comes to about $736 a month for one adult, with $407 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $113 on groceries, $28.00 on dining out, $83.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $105 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$407/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$113/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$28.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$83.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$105/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Ubud at the comfortable tier comes to about $988 a month for one adult, with $544 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $158 on groceries, $75.00 on dining out, $106 on entertainment and lifestyle and $105 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$544/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$158/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$75.00/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$106/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$105/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $544.43/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Ubud's cost of living compares with Nganjuk
(Higher is safer)
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Ubud is genuinely safe for expats, with low violent crime and a tight-knit community that actively discourages theft. Main concerns are petty theft (motorbike snatching, bag theft in crowded markets), scams targeting tourists (overpriced tours, fake tickets), and occasional drink-spiking in nightlife areas. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, use registered taxis/Grab, and stick to established neighborhoods like central Ubud and Penestanan. The biggest risk is complacency—locals are friendly but opportunistic theft happens. For a 30-65 American seeking a calm, culturally rich base with manageable precautions, Ubud is a solid choice.
See how Ubud's healthcare compares with Nganjuk
Tropical rainforest climate, warm and humid year-round with a monsoon season.
Ubud is popular with digital nomads due to its coworking spaces and cultural atmosphere.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hubud | A pioneer in Bali's coworking scene, Hubud offers a bamboo-structured space with a strong community vibe, regular events, and a cafe. Located in the heart of Ubud, it's ideal for those seeking a collaborative and eco-conscious work environment. |
| Outpost Ubud | Outpost Ubud provides a modern and comfortable workspace with ergonomic chairs, fast internet, and a pool. Situated a bit outside the central Ubud area, it offers a quieter atmosphere with rice field views, perfect for focused work. |
| Biliq Bali | Biliq Bali offers a relaxed and affordable coworking space with a focus on community and collaboration. Located near central Ubud, it features a pool, garden, and various membership options suitable for different needs. |
| Kinship Studio | Kinship Studio is a boutique coworking space designed for creatives and entrepreneurs. Located in Penestanan, Ubud, it offers a stylish and inspiring environment with a focus on wellness and community events. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Ubud long-term? Indonesia Remote Worker Visa (E33G) lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $2,000/month.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Ubud? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
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See how Ubud's digital nomad life compares with Nganjuk
Areas of Ubud that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Bustling heart of Ubud
The main hub for tourists and expats, offering easy access to restaurants, shops, yoga studios, and cultural performances. Expect higher prices and constant activity. Walkable, but traffic can be intense; scooters are essential for exploring further afield.
Bohemian, artistic, relaxed vibe
Just west of Ubud Central, Penestanan is known for its art studios, rice paddy views, and laid-back atmosphere. Popular with artists, yogis, and long-term expats. Walkable to Ubud center, but quieter and more residential.
Quiet village, close to Monkey Forest
Located south of Ubud, near the Monkey Forest, Nyuh Kuning offers a more traditional Balinese village experience. Quieter than Ubud Central, but still has restaurants and guesthouses catering to tourists. Good for those seeking a more authentic experience.
Scenic ridge, tranquil, nature-focused
Known for the Campuhan Ridge Walk, this area offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. A bit further from the main action, but easily accessible by scooter. Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $544/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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