Ubud, Indonesia
📊 Scores
Tourism dominates Ubud's economy entirely—3 million annual visitors fuel yoga studios, resorts, galleries, and craft shops. A growing sustainable retail sector (eco-friendly Bali brands) employs locals and attracts remote workers seeking purpose-aligned businesses. Most expats here don't have traditional jobs; they run online businesses, teach yoga/English, or live off savings. The local agricultural sector (rice, agroforestry) exists but isn't accessible to foreigners. Income reality: you need external money or a digital income stream.
Rent runs $429/month for a 1BR city center, but tourism inflation pushes restaurant meals and imported goods 2–3x higher than elsewhere in Bali. Taxis are brutal—fares are negotiated through local cooperatives and run 10x the metered rates in Denpasar, making transport expensive and frustrating. Healthcare is adequate for routine care; serious issues require Denpasar or Bali's private clinics. Language barrier is real; English works in tourist zones but fails in bureaucracy and local life. Visa runs and residency paperwork require patience and local fixers.
Tropical humidity, heavy rainfall, and lush rice paddies create a genuinely beautiful setting for hiking and farming tourism. The expat community is large, visible, and often insular—yoga retreats, coworking spaces, and Western cafés dominate the social scene. Weekends mean temple visits, rice terrace walks, or day trips to waterfalls. This city suits remote workers, yoga teachers, and people seeking a creative community—not those needing affordable local wages or authentic Indonesian life outside the tourism bubble.
🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Real Spend Reports
🛡️ Safety & Crime
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
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.
🏥 Healthcare
🌤️ Climate
Best Months
Climate Notes
Tropical rainforest climate, warm and humid year-round with a monsoon season.
💻 Digital Nomad
Community Notes
| Name | Price/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hubud | $180 | 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 | $220 | 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 | $150 | 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 | $160 | 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. |
🧳 Expat Life
Could living/working in Ubud cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $172/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.