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So, you’re dreaming about the Bali life—morning surf, smoothie bowls, and sunset cocktails. But then you hit a big question: should you rent a villa monthly or commit to a full year?
This is one of the first choices you’ll need to make. Renting monthly gives you freedom to move around and try different areas.
Renting yearly, on the other hand, gives you stability and a place to truly call home.
We’ve guided many people through this decision, and both paths can work well. Let’s look at each option so you can find out which one feels right for your Bali journey.
Key Takeaways
- Monthly rentals offer flexibility, lower upfront costs, and the chance to try different areas, but they are more expensive per month, less stable, and prices can spike in high season.
- Yearly rentals provide significant savings (15–30%), price stability, and a true sense of home, but require a large upfront payment, less flexibility, and often exclude utilities.
- Choosing the right option depends on your budget, lifestyle, visa needs, and long-term plans.
- Monthly suits newcomers and digital nomads, while yearly works best for long-term residents or those seeking stability.
Exclusive Deals: Best Bali Villa For Rent -Yearly and Monthly
Monthly Villa Rentals in Bali: Pros and Cons
Source: Bali Villa Realty – Modern Apartment Complex Villa Leasehold in Sanur
Renting month-to-month is the ultimate “try before you buy” experience. It’s perfect for newcomers or digital nomads who aren’t ready to settle down.
Think of it as “dating Bali”—you can explore different areas and villa styles without being tied down.
Pros of Monthly Rentals
- Ultimate flexibility: If you don’t like the area or find a better villa, you can move after the month ends without penalty.
- Lower upfront cost: No need for a big deposit. You keep more cash for experiences or investments.
- Test-drive locations: Spend a month in Ubud, then try Uluwatu, then Canggu—great for exploring.
- Often all-inclusive: Many monthly rentals cover Wi-Fi, pool cleaning, and garden care, simplifying your budget.
Cons of Monthly Rentals
- Higher cost: You’ll pay more per month than with a yearly lease.
- Lack of stability: Monthly contracts can end quickly, forcing frequent moves. Finding good places during the high season can be stressful.
- Price volatility: Rates can double during peak tourist months.
- Harder to feel settled: Constant moving makes it tough to create a sense of home or community.
Read More: Bali Villa Rental: How to Rent Monthly or Yearly Without Overpaying
Yearly Villa Rentals in Bali: Pros and Cons
Signing a yearly contract is a bigger commitment, but it’s also where Bali starts to feel like home. It’s best for those who know they want to stay for work, family, or a long-term lifestyle.
Pros of Yearly Rentals
- Significant savings: Paying upfront for a year often brings 15–30% discounts compared to paying monthly.
- Price stability: Rent stays fixed, so no surprise seasonal hikes.
- True sense of home: You can decorate, settle in, and build community.
- Visa benefits: A 12-month lease supports long-term visa applications like a KITAS.
Cons of Yearly Rentals
- Large upfront cost: One year’s rent is usually paid in advance, which can be a big hurdle.
- Less flexibility: If you dislike the villa or area, you’re stuck. Breaking leases often means losing your money.
- Maintenance issues: Some landlords delay repairs, leaving you to manage problems.
- Extra costs: Utilities, Banjar fees, and maintenance are often excluded.
Read More: What Happens After Your Villa Lease Expires?
Cost of Renting a Villa in Bali: Yearly vs. Monthly Breakdown
To understand the financial difference, here’s an example using a villa in various location:
| Location | Average Monthly Price (USD) | Average Yearly Price (USD) | Potential Yearly Savings |
| Canggu | $700 – $5,000 | $350,000 – $1,000,000+ | $290,000 – $991,600 |
| Ubud | $1,000 – $5,000 | $200,000 – $600,000+ | $140,000 – $588,000 |
| Uluwatu | $1,000 – $5,000 | $277,000 – $770,000 | $217,000 – $758,000 |
This means booking a villa yearly instead of paying month by month can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars (though depending on the area and villa size).
Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Villa in Bali?
Things You MUST Know Before Signing a Lease
Before you transfer any money, there are a few critical details to sort out. Getting these right will save you headaches down the road.
1. Visa Considerations
Your visa status and rental duration are closely linked.
- Tourist Visa (Visa on Arrival): Good for 30-60 days. Perfect for a one-month rental to test the waters.
- B211A Social/Business Visa: This is the go-to for stays up to 6 months. It aligns well with a 3-6 month rental term if you can find one.
- KITAS (Temporary Residency Permit): If you plan to live and possibly work in Bali for a year or more, you’ll need a KITAS. Immigration authorities often prefer to see a 12-month rental agreement as proof of your commitment to residing here.
2. The Rental Agreement (Surat Perjanjian Sewa Menyewa)
This is your most important document. Never, ever rent a villa, especially long-term, without a formal contract.
- What to Check: Ensure the agreement clearly states the rental period, price, payment terms, and what is included (e.g., furniture, pool maintenance). It should also outline the responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord regarding repairs and utilities.
- Use a Notary: For a yearly rental, we strongly advise having the contract drafted or reviewed by a local Bali notary (Notaris). This adds a layer of legal protection and ensures the person renting the villa to you is the legal owner or has the right to do so.
Conclusion: Deciding Yearly or Monthly Villa Rental
After weighing the pros and cons of yearly vs. monthly villa rental in Bali, the best choice is the one that matches your personal journey.
- Choose Monthly Rental if: You’re new to Bali, prefer flexibility, or don’t want a big upfront cost.
- Choose Yearly Rental if: You know where you want to live, are relocating long-term, and want to save money with stability.
By knowing your priorities and checking contracts and visas carefully, you’ll make a confident choice for your Bali adventure.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Bali’s rental market can be tricky.
Our team is here to help you find the perfect villa that fits your budget and timeline. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
FAQ
1. How much to rent a villa in Bali per month?
The cost depends on the type of property. A simple guesthouse room may be around USD 250–400 per month, while private villas usually start from USD 800 and can go well beyond USD 3,000 monthly.
2. Are villas in Bali a good investment?
Yes, for many investors, villas in Bali can be very rewarding. They often deliver strong rental returns, potential value growth over time, and also serve as lifestyle assets in one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
3. How much rental income can be generated from a villa in Bali?
Villas located in prime areas can bring in solid income, with some investors earning annual yields in the range of 15–18%.
4. Is it safe to rent a villa in Bali?
Generally, Bali is safe, but renters should still be cautious. Look for properties with proper security features such as gated entrances, CCTV, and in-room safes to keep belongings secure.
You can read more about Bali’s safety in our guide: Is Bali a Safe Place to Live? 5 Tips for Risk-Free Villa Purchase
5. What does leasehold mean in Bali?
Leasehold in Bali gives you the right to use and live in a property for a fixed term, typically 25–30 years. Once the lease expires, the ownership reverts back to the landowner.
