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Bali vs Australia: Which is Better for Lifestyle, Investment, and Retirement?

Bali and Australia may be close on the map, but they offer two very different worlds. This in-depth comparison covers lifestyle, cost of living, ROI potential, visas, and healthcare so you can decide where to invest, retire, or relocate in 2025.
  • International Property Alerts
  • August 14, 2025

Bali and Australia might be neighbors on the map, but when it comes to lifestyle, property investment, and retirement, they offer two very different worlds.

I’ve spent years exploring both markets and talking to expats who’ve made the move — so here’s the reality based on real-world experience and the latest data.

🏖 Lifestyle

BALI
  • Tropical island living with a slower pace of life.
  • A thriving café culture, especially in Uluwatu and Canggu.
  • Affordable luxuries — pool villas, daily massages, and fresh organic food for a fraction of Western prices.
  • Year-round warm weather, though you’ll need to get used to wet and dry seasons.
AUSTRALIA
  • Modern, Western lifestyle with top-tier infrastructure.
  • Endless outdoor activities: surfing, hiking, wine country weekends.
  • Excellent public services, healthcare, and safety.
  • More expensive day-to-day — from groceries to dining out.
💬 Elly’s take: If you want a laid-back, low-cost tropical escape, Bali wins. For a high-standard, cosmopolitan lifestyle, Australia takes it.

💰 Cost of Living

Bali
  • You can live comfortably on $1,500–$2,000 USD/month (around £1,200–£1,600) including rent, food, and transport.
  • A Sydney couple recently halved their living costs after moving to Bali, paying about $3,000 AUD/month for a three-bedroom villa with a pool and a nanny (Adelaide Now).
  • On average, Bali’s cost of living is 50% lower than major Australian cities.
Australia
  • A comfortable lifestyle typically costs £2,500–£3,500+/month (AUD $4,800–$6,500+), especially in Sydney and Melbourne.

 

🏡 Property Investment

Bali
  • Foreigners can’t buy freehold land outright but can purchase via long-term leasehold or company structures.
  • Strong ROI in Uluwatu and Canggu from short-term rentals — often 8–12% gross.
  • Massive tourism market keeps occupancy rates high.
Australia
  • Foreign buyers must get FIRB approval and can usually only buy new builds.
  • Long-term capital growth is strong, but yields are typically 3–5%.
  • High entry prices in major cities — median house price in Melbourne is ~AUD $898,000.

🌍 Retirement & Visas

Bali / Indonesia
  • Retirement (KITAS) visa available from age 55.
  • Requirements: ~$3,000 USD/month income OR $50,000 USD deposit, health insurance, local lease, and hiring staff.
  • Issued for 1 year, renewable up to 5 times — after which you may apply for permanent residency (KITAP).
Australia
  • No dedicated retirement visa since 2018.
  • Residency typically via investment visas or family sponsorship, which are expensive and competitive.

 

🏥 Healthcare

Bali
  • Affordable private healthcare and insurance.
  • Quality is good in major areas but more limited in rural locations — expats often use hospitals in Denpasar or even fly to Singapore for specialist care.
Australia
  • Excellent public (Medicare) and private healthcare.
  • World-class hospitals and medical research facilities.

📊 Quick Comparison

💬 Final Thoughts from Elly

If your goal is maximising ROI and minimising expenses, Bali is hard to beat — especially in hotspots like Uluwatu, where luxury villas can deliver double-digit returns.

If you value long-term stability, infrastructure, and Western comforts, Australia is a safe bet — though you’ll need a bigger budget to match.

Whichever you choose, the right property can give you both a home you love and an investment that works for you.

 

📩 Thinking about moving to Bali or Australia?

I can connect you with trusted agents, explain visa options, and help you understand the true costs before you commit.

📱 WhatsApp: +447796174253

📧Mail:  elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com

🌐 Website: www.internationalpropertyalerts.com

 

About International Property Alerts


International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.

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