If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like living in Sanur, Bali, imagine sunrise strolls along calm beaches, children biking safely on palm-lined paths, and a tight-knit expat community that greets you by name. Long favoured by families, retirees, and professionals, Sanur Bali offers a slower, steadier rhythm compared to the buzz of Canggu or Seminyak.
For anyone moving to Sanur, this seaside town on the island’s southeast coast is a crossroad between local culture and modern comfort, an authentic, easygoing lifestyle that still keeps you connected to schools, shops, and healthcare.
Neighbourhood Overview
Sanur is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods, each offering its own slice of coastal life. Knowing where to live in Sanur can make all the difference depending on your lifestyle.
East & West Sanur
- East Sanur hugs the beachfront promenade, offering walkable access to cafes, family villas, and kid-friendly beaches.
- West Sanur, edging toward Renon, feels more local and residential, with easy access to supermarkets, schools, and clinics.
Mertasari Area
- A favourite Sanur neighbourhood for families, thanks to its quiet atmosphere and beach ideal for paddleboarding and picnics.
- Kite festivals and local warungs keep their charm delightfully Balinese.
Nearby Renon
- Technically part of Denpasar, Renon appeals to long-term residents and families seeking a balance between convenience and community.
- Known for its blend of local charm, government institutions, and peaceful residential streets
- Larger villas, less traffic, and easy access to international schools in Sanur make it an attractive choice.
Tip: The best area to live in Sanur often depends on proximity to the beach path or schools. Both are key parts of daily life here.
Lifestyle & Community
The Sanur community life is calm, kind, and connected. Many families say Sanur feels like the “old Bali”; warm, welcoming, and still deeply local. Unlike Canggu’s rush or Ubud’s lush seclusion, Sanur offers the best of both worlds, it’s a tranquil coastal setting with plenty to do.
- Pace of Life: Easy-going and walkable, with gentle sunrises instead of wild nightlife.
- Dining & Cafes: A thriving beach lifestyle scene, local warungs, cafes and smoothie bars to oceanfront dining and five star hotel restaurants.
- Wellness: Yoga studios, beach fitness sessions, and quiet spas make relaxation part of the routine.
- Community: Families, retirees, and expats mingle naturally here; Sanur’s expat community is one of the most established on the island.
- Coworking: Close to the beach, Livit Hub it is a co-working space and wonderful community with inspirational events & more.
- Safety: Very family-oriented and considered one of the safest areas in Bali.
Housing & Accommodation
Sanur’s housing rentals cater beautifully to long-term residents, prioritising more comfort and calm.
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent* |
| 2-bedroom villa | IDR 20 – 30 million |
| 3-bedroom villa | IDR 30 – 45 million |
| Apartment | IDR 12 – 18 million |
| Family compound | IDR 40 – 60 million |
Note: Many homes are leased on a yearly basis (12+ months) rather than strictly monthly; some listings show “per year” rates that divide to similar monthly equivalents. It is common for homes to be 2-3 year leases with sometimes an option to sub-lease.
Types of Properties
- Villas: Often Balinese-modern homes with gardens and private pools.
- Apartments: Smaller, often closer to the centre or the beach, lower rental cost.
- Family compounds: Larger properties, 3+ bedrooms, aimed at families relocating.
Lease Options & Supply
- Many properties are listed for long-term rental (12 months+), especially villas in Sanur.
- Apartments and smaller homes may offer shorter-term stays (6-12 months), but are less common for family-sized villas.
- Because Sanur is popular with established expat families and retirees, villa supply can sometimes be harder to find.
Ease of Finding Housing
- Use reputable local real-estate agents that Our Year in Bali recommends.
- Sanur has a mix of short-term holiday rentals that get booked up very quickly and long-term leases.
- West Sanur and Renon areas are often more spacious and better value compared to beach-front hotspots. For example, 2-bedroom villas are listed in West Sanur for IDR ~245 million/year (~IDR 20.4 million/month) in the 2025 listings.
Notes & Practical Considerations
- Noise & traffic: Compared to Canggu or Umalas, Sanur generally has lower noise levels, fewer late-night beach club crowds, and more family-friendly, walkable streets.
- Flooding/Weather: While Sanur is coastal, many homes are set back from main beach roads, but some areas still might face some flooding inthe wet season.
- Parking/Access: Many villas include parking space for scooter + car; apartments may have more limited parking.
- Maintenance: Long-term rentals for families often include garden/pool maintenance. Make sure to check if these are included in the rental or additional costs.
- Proximity to amenities: Homes in West Sanur and Renon may offer better value but often require a little more commute to the beach, cafés, international schools, and major supermarkets.
Value Tip: If you’re looking for a good rental budget for a family, consider looking in West Sanur or Renon. Larger homes, more land, and lower monthly rates are possible compared to prime beach-front sectors. The trade-off: a slightly longer drive to the beach or to some cafés, but many families prefer that for quieter living and more space.
Schools & Family Life
Sanur is widely considered one of the most convenient areas in Bali for families with school-aged children. Most international and early learning schools are located within a 10-15 minute drive, and traffic is typically lighter than in Canggu or Ubud, a key advantage for morning commutes.
Nearby schools include:
- Bali Island School (BIS) – Located in West Sanur, this is one of Bali’s longest-established international schools offering the full IB curriculum from preschool to Grade 12 (ages 3-18).
- The Garden Early Learning Centre – Caters to infants and preschoolers (6 months-5 years) with flexible part-time and full-day options.
- Cheeky Monkeys Early Learning Centre Sanur – Provides play-based programs for children aged 1-10 years, popular among working parents.
- Stella Mundi School – Located on the Sanur Bypass, offering a values-led education for kindergarten and primary years.
Families based in Sanur also have access to schools such as Dyatmika and ACS Bali, both within 15-25 minutes by car.
Family life in Sanur naturally centres around its calm beachfront promenade, leafy parks, and café spots with playgrounds for little ones. After school, children often join swimming, yoga, or art classes, while weekends are spent cycling along the beach path, or playing at Mertasari Beach.
For a change of pace, ICON Bali Mall also offers air-conditioned comforts, family-friendly shopping, and dining, while indoor play zones like AeroXSpace Adventure and Clip ‘n Climb Bali keep kids active and entertained.
Traffic & Transport
Sanur’s flat layout makes getting around easy. It’s one of its biggest perks.
- To Airport: ~25 minutes
- To Canggu: 45-60 minutes (expect more during rush hour)
- To Ubud: ~50 minutes
- Getting Around: Most locals and expats rely on scooters or bicycles, though cars work fine too thanks to its wider roads.
Note: Compared to Canggu or Uluwatu, the traffic here is significantly lighter and more predictable.
Cost of Living Snapshot
Curious about how much it costs to live in Sanur? Here’s a general guide:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (Family of 4) |
| Rent (2-3 BR villa) | IDR 25 – 45 million |
| International school | IDR 15 – 25 million |
| Scooter rental | IDR 1 – 1.5 million |
| Groceries | IDR 7 – 10 million |
| Eating out | IDR 5 – 8 million |
| House staff | IDR 3 – 5 million |
Note: The cost of living in Sanur is often 10-20% lower than in Canggu or Seminyak, especially for rentals and food.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Family-friendly, walkable, and safe
- Great schools and healthcare access
- Quieter traffic, calmer pace
- Strong Sanur expat community and local integration
- Beautiful sunrises and beach walks
Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Smaller range of luxury shopping
- May feel too quiet for younger crowds
Who Sanur Is Best For
- Families with school-aged children: Easy access to international and early learning schools, safe neighbourhoods, and family-friendly amenities.
- Professionals and remote workers: Reliable Wi-Fi, good coworking cafés, and proximity to Denpasar for business or embassy errands.
- Retirees: Quiet surroundings, walkable streets, and strong healthcare access — including 24-hour clinics and the nearby Bali Mandara Hospital.
- Digital nomads seeking balance: A slower, steadier pace than Canggu, with plenty of modern conveniences.
- Expats who value community: Tight-knit networks, regular meet-ups, and a sense of belonging that’s harder to find in busier hubs.
- Anyone seeking calm coastal living: Gentle waves, sunrise beaches, and a lifestyle built around connection, not chaos.
Relocation Tip from Our Year in Bali
Before making the leap, take the time to explore each pocket from Mertasari to West Sanur, and understand how schooling, housing, community and daily life align with your family or retirement needs. With so many choices, the key to a smooth transition is reliable, up-to-date information and the right local insights.
That’s where Our Year in Bali comes in. Founded by Bali relocation expert Simone Collins, you can get access to personalised guidance for families and retirees, whether you’re already in Bali or just starting to prepare the move.
Book a Free Consultation to get tailored advice and insights on living in Sanur, from choosing schools and setting up your family life on the island to retirement and finding a long term home.
