Moving to Bali with children has become increasingly popular among expat families, entrepreneurs, remote workers, investors and retirees. The island offers a unique combination of tropical climate, international education, outdoor living and a growing community of foreign residents.
However, relocating with children involves much more than finding a beautiful villa near the beach. Families need to consider schools, healthcare, safety, visas, transportation and the overall cost of living before making the move.
This guide explains what family life in Bali looks like in 2026, how much it costs, which areas are best for families and what parents should know before relocating.
Thousands of expat families now call Bali home.
The island attracts parents who are looking for:
Many families report that children spend significantly more time outdoors and participate in more physical activities compared to life in large cities.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Bali offers the same experience for all families. In reality, needs change significantly depending on a child's age.
Bali with Toddlers (0–5 years)
Families with young children often prioritize:
Sanur and Jimbaran are particularly popular among parents with toddlers due to their calmer environment and healthcare infrastructure.
Bali with School-Age Children (6–12 years)
For families with school-age children, education becomes the main factor.
Key considerations include:
Areas such as Canggu, Sanur and Ubud are frequently chosen because of their access to well-established international schools.
Bali with Teenagers (13–18 years)
Teenagers often benefit from Bali's international environment, sports programs and multicultural communities.
Popular activities include:
Many international schools also provide pathways to universities abroad.
Education remains one of the primary reasons families choose specific areas of the island. Bali offers numerous international schools following globally recognized curricula.
Popular schools include:
Most schools offer:
International School Costs
School fees vary significantly depending on curriculum, facilities and grade level.
| Education Level | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Preschool | $3,000–10,000 |
| Primary School | $8,000–20,000 |
| Secondary School | $12,000–30,000+ |
For many families, tuition becomes the second-largest expense after housing.
School location often influences where families choose to live.
| Area | Popular International Schools |
|---|---|
| Sanur | Bali Island School |
| Canggu | Canggu Community School |
| Ubud | Green School |
| Jimbaran | Australian Independent School |
| Denpasar | Dyatmika School |
For many relocating families, choosing a school comes first and selecting a neighborhood comes second.
Healthcare is one of the strongest concerns among parents relocating abroad.
Private healthcare in Bali provides:
The strongest healthcare infrastructure is generally found in:
For routine healthcare needs, Bali's private medical system serves most families well.
Read more about medicine in Bali here.
An increasing number of expatriate families choose Bali for pregnancy and childbirth.
Private hospitals provide:
Families with high-risk pregnancies often seek additional specialist consultations outside Bali, particularly in Singapore or Bangkok.
However, for routine maternity care, Bali's private hospitals remain a popular option.
Bali is generally considered a safe destination for families. However, parents should pay particular attention to road safety.
Road Traffic
Traffic remains the biggest day-to-day safety concern for many families.
Key considerations include:
Families often choose neighborhoods where schools, healthcare and daily services are located nearby to reduce commuting time.
Other common concerns include:
One of the most common questions among relocating families concerns visas. Several options are commonly used by expat families.
Dependent Visas
Spouses and children can often obtain dependent status linked to the primary visa holder.
Investor Visas
Entrepreneurs and business owners frequently relocate using investor visa programs.
Employment-Based Visas
Families relocating for work typically receive visas sponsored by employers.
Retirement Visas
Some older family members choose retirement visa programs when spending extended periods in Bali.
The most suitable option depends on family structure, income source and long-term plans.
Living costs vary considerably depending on lifestyle, location and schooling choices. The table below illustrates a typical monthly budget for a family of three.
| Category | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | $1,200–4,000+ |
| International School | $700–2,500+ |
| Groceries | $400–800 |
| Transportation | $150–500 |
| Healthcare Insurance | $200–600 |
| Activities and Entertainment | $200–800 |
| Utilities and Internet | $100–300 |
A comfortable family lifestyle in Bali often ranges between $3,000 and $8,000+ per month depending on housing and education choices.
Each family-friendly area offers a slightly different lifestyle.
| Area | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sanur | Families, healthcare, schools |
| Jimbaran | Families seeking balance and convenience |
| Nusa Dua | Safety and resort-style living |
| Canggu | Young families, entrepreneurs, expat community |
| Ubud | Nature, alternative education, wellness |
The best area ultimately depends on priorities such as school location, healthcare access and lifestyle preferences.
Families usually prioritize infrastructure over tourist hotspots.
The most popular options include:
When choosing a property, families typically focus on:
This is one reason why Sanur, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua continue to attract long-term family residents.
Read also: “How much does it cost to live in Bali?”, “The process of buying property in Bali”, “Family Visa for Indonesia: Ways and Conditions for Obtaining”.
Is Bali safe for young children?
Yes. Bali is generally considered safe for families, although road safety requires particular attention.
Can children attend international schools without speaking English?
Many schools provide language support programs, and children often adapt surprisingly quickly to English-speaking environments.
How much does a family need per month to live comfortably in Bali?
A typical family budget ranges from approximately $3,000 to $8,000+ per month depending on housing, education and lifestyle choices.
What is the best area in Bali for families?
Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and selected parts of Canggu are among the most popular family-friendly areas.
Is healthcare in Bali suitable for children?
For routine pediatric care and family healthcare needs, Bali's private healthcare system is generally well-developed.
Can families live in Bali year-round?
Yes. Many expatriate families live on the island permanently and build their lives around schools, healthcare and community networks.
For families relocating to Bali, choosing the right home means more than finding a beautiful property. It means selecting a location with access to schools, healthcare, safety and everyday convenience.
DDA Real Estate helps families find villas, apartments and residential communities in Bali's most family-friendly neighborhoods. We consider not only budget and investment potential but also school proximity, healthcare access and long-term lifestyle goals.
Contact DDA Real Estate for a personalized property selection tailored to your family's relocation plans and future needs.
