About Living in Bali

The cost of living in Bali tends to be higher than in other parts of Indonesia. That said, living in Bali is far less expensive than in the United States, Europe or other parts of Asia. Utilities like electricity and telephone service can be pricey, though. International schools---such as Bali International School and Canggu Community School---are costly, too. On the other hand, toiletries, dining and household expenses like garbage removal cost less than one would expect.

Real estate is booming in Bali, particularly in touristy areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Oberoi and Legian, where homes can hover in the $1 million range. However, more affordable properties can be found in north Bali. Surrounding neighborhoods, such as Singaraja and Buleleng, are a good place to hunt.

The most commonly spoken languages are Balinese and Indonesian. Although English tends to be the third-most-spoken language, not everyone in Bali is fluent in English.

Bali provides many cultural opportunities, offering up an arts scene full of musicians, painters, sculptors and actors who perform Hindu epics. Festivals are commonplace, and an array of ritual performances frequently take place.

Most people who reside in Bali adhere to Balinese Hinduism, an Indian Hinduism-meets-Buddhism form of worship that blends practices of mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia.

Although it once was largely agricultural, tourism now provides the majority of jobs in Bali. Tourism slumped, however, after terrorist bombings in 2002 and 2005.