19 August 2026
Ubud is more than just a popular holiday destination in Bali. Surrounded by rice fields, tropical forests, traditional villages, art, wellness centers, cafés, and local communities, Ubud has become a popular choice for people looking to stay in Bali for a month or longer.
Whether you are a digital nomad, remote worker, retiree, couple, family, or simply someone who wants to experience Bali at a slower pace, living in Ubud, Bali offers a unique lifestyle that combines nature, culture, and modern conveniences.
If you are considering a long-term stay in Ubud, this guide covers what you should know before choosing your new home.
One of the biggest attractions of Ubud is its lifestyle.
Compared with some of Bali's busier coastal destinations, Ubud offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing access to restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, wellness facilities, coworking spaces, and other everyday amenities.
Ubud is particularly appealing to people who enjoy:
Nature and tropical surroundings
Balinese culture and traditions
Yoga and wellness
Healthy food and cafés
Art and creative communities
A slower pace of life
Working remotely
Longer stays in Bali
For many people, Ubud provides a balance between having modern conveniences and being surrounded by nature.
Living in Ubud can feel very different from visiting Ubud for a few days.
As a tourist, you may spend your time visiting temples, exploring rice terraces, trying restaurants, and joining activities. When staying long-term, however, everyday factors such as location, transportation, internet connection, grocery shopping, and access to essential services become much more important.
Your experience can also vary significantly depending on where you live.
A villa in central Ubud may provide convenient access to restaurants and shops, while a property in the surrounding villages may offer more privacy, greenery, and quieter surroundings.
This is why choosing the right area to live in Ubud is an important part of planning a long-term stay.
Ubud is surrounded by several neighborhoods and villages, each offering a different lifestyle.
Living in central Ubud is convenient for people who want to be close to restaurants, cafés, shops, wellness centers, and cultural attractions.
The main advantage is convenience. You can easily access many things without traveling far.
However, central areas can be busier and more developed than the surrounding neighborhoods.
Sayan is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. It is located close to central Ubud while offering a more residential and green environment.
It can be a good option for people who want to stay near Ubud but prefer privacy and nature.
Kedewatan is another popular area for villas and resorts. The area offers a quieter atmosphere and is surrounded by greenery.
It can appeal to long-term residents who prefer a peaceful environment while remaining within reasonable reach of Ubud's main areas.
Located south of Ubud, Mas is known for its traditional arts and village atmosphere.
The area can be suitable for people looking for a more local environment while still being relatively close to Ubud.
Lodtunduh offers a combination of residential areas, rice fields, and tropical surroundings.
For long-term residents who value space and a quieter lifestyle, this area can be worth considering.
Tegallalang is famous for its rice terraces and natural scenery.
It is generally more rural than central Ubud, making it attractive to people who prioritize nature, views, and tranquility over being close to the center.
The cost of living in Ubud depends heavily on your lifestyle.
Accommodation will usually be one of the biggest expenses, particularly if you want a private villa with a swimming pool, multiple bedrooms, or a premium location.
Other common expenses include:
Accommodation
Food and groceries
Transportation
Electricity and water
Internet
Housekeeping
Entertainment
Wellness activities
Scooter or vehicle rental
For those planning to stay for a month or longer, renting a villa on a monthly basis can be a more comfortable and flexible option than staying in a hotel.
You can explore our monthly villa rentals in Ubud to find properties suitable for different budgets, locations, and lifestyles.
For many people, renting a villa is one of the most comfortable ways to experience long-term living in Ubud.
Monthly villa rentals are available in different sizes, locations, and price ranges.
Depending on your needs, you may find:
One-bedroom villas for couples or individuals
Two-bedroom villas for small families
Three-bedroom villas for families or groups
Villas with private swimming pools
Villas surrounded by rice fields
Villas close to Ubud Center
Quiet villas in residential areas
If you are looking for a private place to stay, our monthly villa rentals in Ubud include a variety of properties, from affordable one-bedroom villas to larger villas suitable for families and longer stays.
Before renting, consider more than just the monthly price.
Check what is included in the rental and ask about electricity, water, internet, cleaning, maintenance, security deposits, and other possible costs.
A villa that looks perfect for a holiday is not necessarily ideal for living for several months.
For a long-term stay, practical features become much more important.
If you work remotely, a stable internet connection should be one of your top priorities.
Ask about the internet provider, connection speed, and whether the property has a backup option.
Having a functional kitchen can make everyday life much easier and help reduce the need to eat out for every meal.
Remote workers and digital nomads may benefit from a dedicated desk or comfortable workspace.
Consider the road access, distance to shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and other places you visit regularly.
A beautiful villa that is difficult to reach may become inconvenient after several weeks.
If you are planning to stay for a month or longer, privacy can make a significant difference to your experience.
Ask who is responsible for pool cleaning, gardening, repairs, and general maintenance.
Understanding these responsibilities before moving in can prevent misunderstandings later.
Ubud has long attracted remote workers and digital nomads looking for a combination of work and lifestyle.
The area offers cafés, coworking spaces, wellness activities, restaurants, and a strong international community.
However, working remotely in Ubud also requires planning.
When choosing accommodation, consider:
Internet reliability
Quietness during working hours
Workspace
Electricity reliability
Distance from cafés or coworking spaces
Mobile network coverage
A villa that works well for a short holiday may not necessarily provide the environment you need for productive remote work.
Transportation is another important consideration when living in Ubud.
Many residents use scooters for everyday transportation, while cars, taxis, and ride-hailing services can be useful for longer journeys or when traveling with family.
Your preferred transportation method should influence where you choose to live.
If you want to walk to cafés and restaurants, central Ubud may be more convenient.
If you prefer a larger villa surrounded by nature, you may need to rely more on a scooter or car.
There is an important difference between visiting Ubud and actually living there.
A short holiday is usually focused on sightseeing and experiences.
A long-term stay is more about routine.
You may spend your mornings working from your villa or a café, shop for groceries, visit a local gym, have lunch nearby, and enjoy a quiet evening at home.
This slower routine is one of the reasons many visitors eventually choose to stay in Ubud for longer.
Ubud can also be an attractive option for families looking for a longer stay in Bali.
Families may prefer villas with:
Multiple bedrooms
Private kitchens
Larger living areas
Private pools
Outdoor space
Easy vehicle access
Quiet surroundings
When traveling with children, location and accessibility become particularly important.
It is worth checking the distance to schools, medical facilities, supermarkets, restaurants, and other services before choosing a villa.
Before signing a rental agreement, take the time to inspect the property and understand the terms.
Here are some useful questions to ask:
What is included in the monthly rental price?
Are electricity and water included?
Is Wi-Fi included?
How often is the villa cleaned?
Who handles maintenance?
Is there a security deposit?
What is the minimum rental period?
Is the villa suitable for remote work?
How accessible is the property?
What happens if something needs to be repaired?
Once you know your preferred area, budget, and requirements, comparing several monthly rental villas in Ubud can help you find an option that fits your lifestyle and length of stay.
There is no single ideal length of stay.
A few weeks may be enough to experience the area, while one to three months can give you a much better understanding of what it is actually like to live in Ubud.
A longer stay can also allow you to establish a routine, explore different neighborhoods, meet local communities, and experience Ubud beyond the main tourist attractions.
For people considering a future move or extended stay, renting a villa on a monthly basis can be a practical way to test the lifestyle before making a bigger commitment.
Living in Ubud, Bali can be an excellent choice for people who want a slower, more nature-focused lifestyle without giving up access to restaurants, cafés, wellness facilities, and everyday conveniences.
The key is choosing the right location and accommodation for your lifestyle.
If you plan to stay for a month or longer, a monthly villa rental in Ubud can provide more privacy, space, and flexibility than traditional short-term accommodation.
Take your time to compare different areas, understand the rental terms, and consider what you actually need from your home.
After all, living in Ubud is not just about finding a place to stay. It is about finding a place that fits the way you want to live.
Planning to stay in Ubud for a month, several months, or longer?
Explore our monthly and long-term villa rentals in Ubud and discover a selection of villas across different locations, budgets, and property styles.
Find your next home in Ubud and enjoy Bali at your own pace.