Living in Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Indonesian culture, rice terraces, and spiritual retreats.
Photo by Max Kukurudziak
92
Score

Ubud is Bali's cultural and spiritual centre, a top spot for nomads who want a quieter, more reflective setting. You can start your day with a yoga session or a meditation class at one of the many wellness centres, then settle into a cozy cafe or a small coworking space surrounded by rice fields and traditional Balinese houses.

The vibe here is different from the coastal areas. Ubud has a deep sense of community and art, with local craft markets, galleries, and temples scattered throughout the town. This makes it a great base if you're looking to immerse yourself in Balinese culture while keeping a clear head for work.

That said, the relaxed pace means that the social and food scene is bit more low-key compared to places like Seminyak or Canggu. You'll find lots of healthy, organic food places and a few spots to unwind in the evenings, but it won't offer the same crazy energy. Internet is generally reliable in the main part, though it might take a bit more effort to find consistently fast connections outside the popular areas.

If you value a focused work environment combined with artistic inspiration and a genuine local flavour, Ubud could be the ideal spot for you.

The Good

  • ๐Ÿ˜‹ Decent food options
  • ๐Ÿœ Streetfood
  • โ˜• Coffee
  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Plenty of places to work
  • ๐Ÿฆ„ Strong nomad community
  • ๐Ÿ‘ด Strong ex-pat community
  • โ˜€๏ธ Fantastic weather
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฎ Safe
  • โ›ฐ๏ธ Stunning scenery
  • ๐Ÿฅฐ Beautiful

The Bad

  • ๐Ÿ˜๏ธ Limited accomodation options
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Unreliable wifi
  • ๐ŸšŒ Limited public transport
  • ๐Ÿšถ Not walkable
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Very Touristy

Living costs

Estimated Monthly Living Cost
Ubud
Cheapest () Costliest ()
Indonesia
0%
cheaper than Indonesia median
109th
Cheapest out of 291 RoamRank places
  • Ubud is the 5th cheapest place (out of 12) to live in Indonesia
  • It's about 25% cheaper to live in Ubud than it is Athens
  • You can expect to spend around $1,297.91 per month living here

Work

Internet
60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data
PAYG Sim Card
30 Day / Unlimited Data
Airalo eSim
Global eSims for Instant Connectivity
Buy
Coffee
Regular (8-10oz)
Co-Working Space
Per Month

Living

Apartment (1 bed)
Median Rent Per Month
Apartment (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
Airbnb (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
Utilities
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage Collection Per Month
Water
0.33 liter bottle

Leisure

Meal
Cheap Restaurant
Meal for 2
Mid Range Restaurant
Local Beer
330ml Bottle
Cocktail
Standard Measure
Bottle of Wine
Mid range
Gym Membership
Per Month
Cigarettes
20 pack
Cinema
Admission Per Person
  • Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
  • Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 11th Jul 2026

Safety

safe

Generally safe with low crime rates; however, petty theft can occur, so remain vigilant.

Where to stay

1. Ubud Center

Staying in the heart of Ubud town allows you to enjoy its lively arts and cultural scene. This area offers lots of accommodation, ranging from cheap guesthouses to boutique hotels. Ubud Center is known for its traditional markets, art galleries, and iconic landmarks like the Ubud Palace. It also provides easy access to yoga studios, holistic healing centers, and loads of food options.

2. Monkey Forest Road

Near the famous Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Monkey Forest Road is a busy street filled with shops, cafes, and art galleries. It offers a choice of accommodation, from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Staying in this area puts you close to the Monkey Forest and allows you to explore the streets of Ubud with ease.

3. Penestanan

Slightly outside the main center of Ubud, Penestanan offers a quieter atmosphere. It's known for its green rice fields and tranquil surroundings. Penestanan is popular among digital nomads and those seeking a peaceful retreat. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including cheap guesthouses and homestays.

4. Nyuh Kuning

Just south of Ubud Center, Nyuh Kuning is a residential area with a chilled and village-like atmosphere. It offers a mix of accommodation, including guesthouses and small hotels. Nyuh Kuning is known for its quiet environment, yoga and wellness centers, and easy access to nearby attractions like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Internet speed

Poor

Download
21.5Mbps
Upload
11.8Mbps
Latency
38.7ms
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Time difference

Ubud

When to visit

Current weather
The weather in July is really warm with temperatures around 28ยฐ

Average temperatures

29ยฐ
29ยฐ
29ยฐ
29ยฐ
29ยฐ
28ยฐ
27ยฐ
27ยฐ
28ยฐ
29ยฐ
30ยฐ
29ยฐ
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Who it suits

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