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Best Place to Retire In Bali:Cost of Living & Retirement Visa Guide for Aussies

Updated: 12 hours ago


Best place to retire in bali-Cost of Living for Aussies
Best place to retire in bali-Cost of Living for Aussies
Thinking about retiring in Bali? Discover the best places, retirement visa requirements for Indonesia, and the true cost of living in Bali. 

For many Aussies, the idea of retiring in Bali is quite picturesque—serene beaches, vibrant culture, and a relaxed, comfortable lifestyle. But beyond all of this allure, a pressing question arises: is it really worth it to retire in Bali visa?

Curious to know everything about this, including the best place to retire in Bali, the cost of retirement visas in Indonesia, etc.? Read on to find out.

 

Is It REALLY Cheap To Live In Bali?

Let’s be real— is it actually affordable to live in Bali? The answer’s a big yes. Compared to most places back home in Australia, Bali won’t burn a hole in your pocket. That’s why so many Aussies are swapping the busy city life of Sydney or Melbourne for the laid-back vibes of Ubud or the beachy charm of Sanur.


You could easily rent a nice little one-bedroom house or villa in Lovina or Sanur for somewhere between 400 and 700 Aussie bucks a month, depending on how close you want to be to the beach or the local spots. And when it comes to daily stuff, you might spend as little as 3 bucks on a meal, with utilities around 150 a month. Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet deal compared to what you’d pay back home.



How Can You Retire in Bali?

For the retire in Bali visa, Australians need a retirement visa as per Bali requirements, most commonly called a Retirement KITAS. This, in its basic sense, is a temporary stay permit that is designed for foreign senior citizens between the ages of 55 and above.


What Are the Retirement Visa Bali Requirements?

According to the retirement visa Bali requirements, Australians have to:

  • Be at least 55 years old.

  • Hold financial proof of a minimum monthly income of 2,300 AUD. This can either be through investments or pensions. 

  • Hold a property lease agreement in Indonesia with a USD 500 minimal rental cost per month.

  • Obtain valid health insurance that covers their entire duration of stay in Indonesia.

  • Not permitted to work in Indonesia. Sure, you can’t take up a job while you're on a retirement visa—but that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved. A lot of expats volunteer or take part in community work. It’s a great way to stay active and feel connected.


Also, a quick heads-up: the retirement visa in Bali is valid for a year, and you’ll need to renew it annually. But here’s the good news—after five straight years of living there, you can apply for a permanent stay permit (locals call it KITAP). So yep, you can make Bali your forever home if you want to.


What's the Hype of Retiring in Bali?

Retiring in Bali might be an affordable option. But what else makes it an ideal place for senior citizens to retire? Well, beyond affordability, Bali has a close proximity to Australia. In fact, with access to many international flights to and from Australia, people can visit their loved ones back home conveniently.


And honestly, the weather? It’s a total game-changer. Warm, sunny days pretty much all year round. If you're over shivering through Aussie winters, Bali's tropical vibe is a dream.

 Oh, and the culture? It’s everywhere—in the ceremonies, the art, and the way of life. You don’t just live here; you feel it. It’s the kind of place that quietly gets under your skin—in the best way.


What to Think About Before Retiring in Bali? 

Like a coin has two sides, retiring in Bali has its own set of pros and cons. While the city is an attractive retirement destination, the healthcare is quite limited. For generic treatments, the city has the capacity. However, for more specialised treatments, it might be best to shift to larger cities in Australia.

Moreover, shifting to Bali requires its people to be adjusted to its lifestyle. In other words, people will face a new pace of life and have to be flexible and open to the cultural shock.


The Way Forward

Overall, retiring in Bali is an enriching and cost-effective experience, particularly for the Aussies. With the right preparation and understanding of its visa requirements, people can find Bali the perfect place to enjoy their golden years.

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