Where Digital Nomads Live in Indonesia: A Spotlight on Bali and Beyond
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Last updated February 27, 2026 · 6 min read · by Yongky Yulius

Digital nomad

Indonesia has emerged as a premier global destination for digital nomads.

With its stunning tropical landscapes, affordable cost of living, and thriving expat circles, the country offers a one-of-a-kind environment for remote work.

While Bali remains the undisputed heavyweight—famous for its surf breaks and world-class coworking scene—other regions are quickly gaining traction.

Remote workers are now branching out to Jakarta for its urban energy, Yogyakarta for its deep cultural roots, and Lombok for its untouched beaches.

Whether you’re after the hustle of a megacity, cultural immersion, or a serene island retreat, Indonesia has a perfect spot for every remote professional.

City	Best For	Monthly Budget	Internet Quality	Lifestyle
Bali	Creatives & Remote Workers	$800–2,000	Excellent	Beach & Wellness
Jakarta	Corporate Professionals	$1,200–2,500	Excellent	Urban
Yogyakarta	Artists & Academics	$600–1,200	Good	Cultural
Lombok	Nature Seekers	$700–1,500	Moderate	Outdoor
Bandung	Designers & Students	$700–1,400	Good	Creative

1. Bali: The Island of the Gods

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Photo by Cassie Gallegos on Unsplash

Bali is the ultimate icon for digital nomads.

Areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud serve as creative hubs where coworking spaces and trendy cafés are as common as rice fields.

It’s a place where you can easily balance a high-pressure meeting with a sunset surf session.

The Draw: Tropical weather, modern villas, world-class wellness retreats, and an instant international network.
Housing & Living Costs: Villas/Apartments: IDR 7–20M/month; Living expenses: IDR 5–10M/month.
Internet: Very reliable in major hubs; high-speed fiber is standard in coworking spaces.
Lifestyle: Surfing at Echo Beach, yoga in Ubud, and iconic beach clubs like Finns or Potato Head.

2. Jakarta: The Urban Powerhouse

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Photo by Muhammad Rizki on Unsplash

Indonesia’s capital is the go-to for professionals who crave urban convenience.

Centered in districts like SCBD and Kemang, Jakarta offers luxury high-rises and a fast-paced lifestyle.

While the traffic is legendary, the city compensates with an incredible dining and nightlife scene.

The Draw: Proximity to corporate networks, international schools, and premium urban amenities.
Housing & Living Costs: Serviced condos: IDR 15–40M/month; Living expenses: IDR 10–15M/month.
Internet: Fast and widely available across residential and commercial towers.
Lifestyle: Upscale dining, rooftop bars like Skye, and high-end shopping at Grand Indonesia.

3. Yogyakarta: The Cultural Heart

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Photo by Angga Kurniawan on Unsplash

“Jogja” offers a slower, more soulful pace of life.

It’s a magnet for creatives and academics who want an affordable lifestyle without sacrificing inspiration.

The community here is incredibly welcoming, making it easy for expats to feel at home.

The Draw: Deep cultural heritage, affordable housing, and a relaxed, creative atmosphere.
Housing & Living Costs: Houses/Apartments: IDR 3–10M/month; Living expenses: IDR 3–7M/month.
Internet: Reliable in the city center and specialized coworking spots.
Lifestyle: Exploring Borobudur and Prambanan, art gallery hopping, and a vibrant café culture.

4. Lombok: The Tranquil Alternative

Photo by Tom Bixler on Unsplash

Lombok is for those who find Bali too crowded. It’s nature-focused, quiet, and raw.

While the coworking scene is still developing, the island’s beauty—from the Gili Islands to Mount Rinjani—is unmatched for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Draw: Peace and quiet, pristine beaches, and a slower, nature-driven lifestyle.
Housing & Living Costs: Beachfront villas/small houses: IDR 5–15M/month; Living expenses: IDR 4–8M/month.
Internet: Decent in Kuta Lombok and Senggigi; can be spotty in remote areas.
Lifestyle: Surfing at Desert Point, trekking Rinjani, and island-hopping the Gilis.

5. Bandung: The Creative Highland

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Photo by Aditya Enggar Perdana on Unsplash

Known as the “Paris Van Java,” Bandung offers a refreshing, cooler climate. It’s a city of students and designers, blending a trendy urban vibe with easy access to lush green hills.

The Draw: Mild weather, a strong creative community, and a lower cost of living than Jakarta.
Housing & Living Costs: Apartments/Houses: IDR 5–15M/month; Living expenses: IDR 4–8M/month.
Internet: Reliable city-wide with many tech-friendly cafés.
Lifestyle: Boutique shopping, weekend trips to the Lembang highlands, and a legendary culinary scene.

Related article: Living in Bandung: A Complete Guide for Expats

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From Bali’s beaches to Jakarta’s skyscrapers, Indonesia offers a lifestyle for every type of remote worker. Each location has its own rhythm, but they all share the warmth and hospitality the country is known for.

Ready to make the move?

Whether you’re looking for apartments for rent in Jakarta or villas for rent in Bali, explore the latest trusted listings on Rumah123 to find your perfect home base.

Where Should You Live in Indonesia?

Decision Factor	If You Prefer…	Best City	Why It Fits
Work Priority	Corporate networking & business access	Jakarta	Indonesia’s business hub with proximity to multinational companies, embassies, and premium coworking spaces.
	Work–life balance & creative ecosystem	Bali	Established global nomad community with lifestyle-driven infrastructure.
Monthly Budget	Under USD 1,000	Yogyakarta	Lowest cost of living among major expat destinations, strong cultural environment.
	USD 1,000–1,800	Bandung	Affordable urban lifestyle with cooler climate and creative scene.
	USD 2,000+	Jakarta or Bali (premium areas)	Access to luxury condos, serviced apartments, and high-end villas.
Community Type	Large international expat circle	Bali	Highly international, easy social integration.
	Balanced local–expat mix	Jakarta	Cosmopolitan urban environment.
	Deep cultural immersion	Yogyakarta	Strong local identity and academic atmosphere.
	Quiet, low-density living	Lombok	Nature-focused lifestyle with less crowding.
Internet Reliability	Mission-critical remote work	Jakarta / Bali	Most stable fiber infrastructure in Indonesia.
Lifestyle Energy	Fast-paced & ambitious	Jakarta	High-energy metropolitan environment.
	Creative & wellness-oriented	Bali	Yoga, surf culture, coworking hubs.
	Slow living & reflection	Yogyakarta / Lombok	Relaxed rhythm and lower stress environment.
Stay Duration	Short-term (≤ 6 months)	Bali	Easiest transition for new digital nomads.
	Long-term (1+ year)	Jakarta	Better for career leverage and professional growth.

FAQ

Is Indonesia good for digital nomads?

Yes. Indonesia offers affordable living costs, reliable internet in major cities, strong expat communities, and diverse lifestyle options from beach towns to business districts.