Living in Bali on Investment Income
How a couple structured their investment portfolio to cover a full year in Bali — and what they learned.
The idea of living in Bali on passive income sounds like a fantasy, but the math is more achievable than most people think. A couple we interviewed structured a modest investment portfolio to cover their entire year on the island.
The Setup
Their portfolio generates roughly $2,500/month through a combination of dividend stocks, REITs, and a small rental property back home. In Bali, that covers a villa in Ubud, daily meals, a scooter, coworking access, and regular excursions — with room to spare.
Choosing Ubud Over Canggu
While Canggu gets the Instagram attention, Ubud offered what they were looking for: quieter pace, lower costs, and proximity to rice terraces and cultural experiences. Monthly accommodation runs 30-40% less than the beach areas.
The Investment Strategy
The portfolio wasn't built overnight. Over five years of consistent investing — primarily in index funds and REITs — they accumulated enough to generate their target monthly income. The key decision was choosing yield over growth, prioritizing investments that produce regular cash flow.
Practical Realities
Bali's visa situation requires attention — most remote workers use a series of social visas or the newer B211A visa. Healthcare is affordable but limited for serious issues, so international health insurance is essential. And while the cost of living is low, lifestyle inflation is real — it's easy to spend more than planned when everything feels affordable.
The Bigger Lesson
You don't need millions invested to live well in a place like Bali. A focused portfolio generating $2,000-3,000/month puts a remarkable lifestyle within reach.