Living in Bali is a dream for many people, and I totally get it, who wouldn’t want to wake up to lush green views or be close to some of the best beaches in the world? But let’s talk about finding a place to live here. The rental market in Bali is unique, and understanding it can make a huge difference in your search for the perfect spot.
Types of Places You Can Rent
First off, you’ll find a variety of places to rent here, from traditional guesthouses to modern villas. If you’re on a budget, guesthouses (or “kosts” as they’re known here) can be a great option. They’re usually basic, but affordable and comfortable. If you’re looking for a bit more space and privacy, apartments or villas are the way to go. Bali’s villa culture is huge, you can find cozy one-bedroom villas or large ones with private pools. Apartments are less common but do exist, especially in the more urban areas.
Monthly Rentals Price Range
Monthly rental prices vary a lot depending on where you want to live. Canggu, for example, is super popular with digital nomads and surfers, so you’ll find a lot of mid-to-high-end rentals there. In contrast, places like Denpasar are more affordable, catering to a mix of locals and expats. You could find a simple room for about $400 a month or splurge on a beachfront villa for over $1,000. Generally, areas like Ubud and Sanur offer a middle ground with decent prices and laid-back vibes.
My Top 3 Monthly Rental Property
T Love Co-Living
Staying at T Love Co-Living Bali has been such a refreshing experience. This co-living space has 3 types of bedrooms; Basic studio, studio, and loft. I took the loft type for a month in the loft, and let me tell you, it’s everything I hoped for and more. The loft feels like a cozy hideaway, flooded with natural light during the day. The mix of rattan and wooden furniture gives it that perfect Bali vibe, and the little touches, like the cool concrete walls and unique shibori patterns, make it feel chic yet down-to-earth.
Living here comes with some nice perks. For one, the loft gets you full access to the coworking space, which is super convenient when you need to get things done without distractions. I didn’t have to worry about electricity bills, and the WiFi’s solid, which is a win for anyone working remotely. Plus, having a water dispenser right in the room is a small but appreciated detail.
If you’re curious about the complete prices, here’s the list:
Room Options & Pricing
- Basic Studio: 500k IDR per night, 3 million IDR per week, or 6 million IDR per month.
- Studio: 600k IDR per night, 3.5 million IDR per week, or 8.5 million IDR per month.
- Loft: 750k IDR per night, 4.5 million IDR weekly, or 15 million IDR monthly.
Vasudha Apartemen Renon
In November, last year, I spent a month at Vasudha Apartment, and it’s honestly a great value for 9 million IDR. The location is a big selling point. It’s close enough to the main road to make getting around super easy. The road leading up to the apartment is well-paved, which is a relief, and it’s just nice knowing you’re close to everything without the noise.
The atmosphere here is really calm. I didn’t hear much of the hustle and bustle outside, so it was easy to relax and even get some work done. The parking area is spacious and gated, so if you’re renting a car or scooter, you won’t have any trouble finding a spot and keeping it secure.
Inside the apartment, everything’s set up to make your stay comfortable. There’s reliable WiFi, which I used a lot, and it was fast enough for video calls and streaming. The room comes with a water heater, AC, and a TV. I didn’t have any issues with any of the facilities, which was great because I didn’t want to deal with maintenance stuff while I was here.
Bangli 01
Staying at Bangli 01 Villa was a dream! We booked it on Airbnb for around 10 million IDR and stayed in Villa 1. We lucked out because this place is often fully booked, so getting it for a whole month felt like a win. The villa itself was amazing, there was only 1 spacious private room, a cozy bed, and two bathrooms, which made everything extra comfortable. Just us, with no one else around, so we had total privacy. It was incredibly peaceful, to the point where we rarely felt like leaving.
The view from the villa is stunning. Imagine waking up every day to see the jungle right outside, with palm trees swaying, it felt like our own little piece of paradise. Bangli has such a local, authentic vibe, and it was refreshing to be away from the busier tourist spots. We really got to soak in the Bali that locals know and love.
This lovely villa came fully equipped, which made our stay super comfortable. There’s a stove, a fridge stocked with essentials, and even thoughtful touches like a guitar and Bluetooth speakers. They even provided fresh fruits, which was such a nice surprise.
One tip: you definitely need a scooter out here. The area is pretty remote, and services like Grab or Gojek don’t operate in this part of Bangli. Luckily, Dede, our host, set us up with a scooter for the month, which made getting around so much easier. Oh, and one more thing, if you’re looking for a villa with a private pool this one might be not for you.
Tips for Renting Property in Bali
If you’re planning a long-term stay in Bali, here are some insider tips to make the rental process smoother and more affordable:
- Start with a Short-Term Rental
Even if you’ve been to Bali before, start with a short-term rental. This gives you the flexibility to explore neighborhoods and see properties in person. Online listings don’t always show the whole picture, sometimes places have poor road access, are too close to animal farms, or come with unexpected noise. Seeing the property and area firsthand is essential. - Expect Higher Rates and Bargain When You Can
Rental prices have gone up because of the high demand, especially in popular areas. Many expats and newcomers have rented out villas, sometimes tripling the usual rates. If you’re looking for better deals, try connecting with locals or long-term expats, they often know the best options and might lead you to more reasonable rates. - Make Personal Connections with Property Owners
You’ll likely get a better deal if you connect directly with the property owner rather than through a middleman. If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hotel at first, use that time to network and find local contacts. Once you’ve built some trust, you might be able to negotiate a more affordable, direct lease. - Pay a Deposit to Secure the Property
It’s common practice to pay a 10% deposit to secure a rental. This shows you’re serious and helps avoid losing the place to another renter. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the terms before handing over any money. - Consider Local-Style Housing for Affordability
If you’re looking to save on rent, go for a more traditional, local-style house. You can still enjoy Bali’s pools and beaches at hotels or nearby resorts for swimming, so you don’t have to miss out on that. - Use Trusted Sites and Agencies
For online searching, check out local real estate sites like Rumah123 or trusted agencies like Ray White and Sanur Property Group. Facebook community groups are also helpful for finding rentals in specific areas; groups like Uluwatu Housing or Canggu Community often post local rental listings and can give you a feel for prices and availability. - Explore the Area in Person
If you know where you want to live, hop on a scooter and drive around the neighborhood. Look for “For Rent” signs, which you might miss online. Avoid tourist-focused websites, as they tend to list more expensive options. Riding around lets you see the area’s vibe and might lead you to hidden gems. - Avoid Renting During High Season (October – December)
If you’re looking to save, try to avoid renting during Bali’s high season, which typically spans October to January. Prices can spike during these months due to the influx of tourists, making it harder to find good deals. Renting during the off-season means more availability, less competition, and often, better prices.
Key Summary: Monthly Rental in Bali
To find affordable monthly rentals in Bali, choose to start with a short-term rental so you can explore neighborhoods and see properties firsthand. Bali offers a variety of options, from guesthouses to villas, with prices varying by area. Connect with locals or property owners directly for better rates, and avoid high-demand tourist websites. Riding around and looking for “For Rent” signs is a great way to spot hidden gems.