Living in Sanur

Sanur tends to attract expats who value ease, walkability, and a more settled community feel. It’s one of the few places in Bali where the beach walk, school run, cafés, and daily errands can often fit into a fairly compact area.

For many families, especially those with younger children, Sanur offers a softer, more predictable rhythm of life compared to the busier southwest.

What many expats love about Sanur:

• Walkable beachfront promenade
• Generally calmer traffic than Canggu
• Established expat and retiree community
• Close to International hospitals and essential services
• Close to the International airport
• Family-friendly beach conditions
• Not far from a surf beach (via a speed boat)

What to consider before choosing Sanur:

• Fewer international school options nearby
• Quieter social and nightlife scene
• Less of the trendy Bali café culture
• Some pockets feel older or more traditional
• Need to be in a busy entrepreneurial community

Sanur sits on Bali’s southeast coast, around 30 minutes from the airport depending on traffic. Unlike Canggu’s spread-out patchwork of areas, Sanur is more linear along the coastline, which makes it easier to learn and navigate when you first arrive.

Within greater Sanur and its immediate surroundings, these are the key areas most expat families consider:

East & West Sanur

East Sanur hugs the beachfront promenade and is the most walkable part of town. You’ll find easy access to cafés, family villas, and calm, kid-friendly beaches. For families who want to be close to the seaside path and daily amenities, this area is often the first place they look.

West Sanur, edging toward Renon, feels more local and residential. It offers practical access to supermarkets, schools, clinics, and the main bypass road. Many long-term residents choose this side for its convenience and slightly quieter neighbourhood feel.

Mertasari Area

The Mertasari area is a favourite pocket for families seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle. The southern beach here is known for being ideal for paddleboarding, bike rides, and relaxed family picnics.

Despite its growing popularity, the area still holds onto a distinctly Balinese feel, with kite festivals, local warungs, and a slower pace that many expats find appealing.

Nearby Renon

Technically part of Denpasar, Renon is increasingly popular with long-term residents and families who want a balance between convenience and community.

The area is known for its leafy residential streets, government precinct, and more local day-to-day atmosphere. You’ll typically find larger villas, less traffic than coastal Sanur, and straightforward access to international schools and central Sanur amenities — making it an attractive option for families planning to stay longer term.

Beyond Sanur
Further southeast, you’ll find the quiet yet gradually developing area of Saba and Saba Beach. With its authentic local charm, it sits approximately 30 minutes from both Sanur and Ubud. The striking black sand beach and dramatic coastline offer stunning sunrises, a peaceful atmosphere, and it’s especially popular for horse riding along the shore. 

Area Snapshot

Traffic + Travel

• Airport: ~30–35 minutes
• Ubud: ~50–60 minutes
• Canggu: ~60–90 minutes
  (Travel times vary in peak hours)

Sanur offers a mix of older established villas, renovated homes, and some newer developments. Compared to Canggu, properties often sit on more mature streets with established gardens — though ultra-modern inventory is more limited.

Typical rent ranges (approx):

• Apartment / Studio: IDR 12–18M/month
• 2-bedroom villa: IDR 20–35M/month
• 3-bedroom villa: IDR 30–45M/month
• Larger family homes: IDR 40–60M/month

Housing tips for expats:

• Walkability to the beach varies a lot by street (or otherwise within a 10 mins drive is a lot more affordable)
• Many homes are older — condition checks matter
• Good family villas move quickly in peak season
• Flood checks are important in some pockets – rainy season can be very difficult

Ready to Find a Home You’ll Truly Love?

Finding the right home in Sanur is easier with the right people on your side. Through our Silver Membership, you’ll gain access to our trusted network of Sanur real estate agents and villa management companies.

We start by understanding your housing wishlist — from location and budget to lifestyle preferences — then connect you with partners who can match you with the most suitable options available, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Explore our Silver Membership and take the next step toward securing a Sanur home that truly fits your needs.

Sanur can be slightly more affordable than Canggu for similar family housing, although this varies widely depending on the property and proximity to the beach. Below is the estimated monthly costs for a family of four in Sanur area:

Want help understanding what these costs really look like for your family?

Our Bronze Membership includes a detailed Bali Cost of Living Guide, designed to help families budget realistically and avoid common surprises when relocating.

One of Sanur’s biggest lifestyle advantages is its generally lighter traffic compared to the southwest.

Transport insights:

• Scooters are still the fastest option
• Many families comfortably use cars here
• Go Jek and Grab are widely available and super popular
• The town layout is relatively easy to learn

That said, school hours and the main bypass road can still get busy.

Pros

• Calm, established coastal town
• Walkable beachfront path
• Generally lighter traffic
• Close to hospitals and services
• Strong retiree and family community
• Easy to navigate 
• Close to the airport

Cons

• Fewer international schools nearby
• Quieter social scene
• Less trendy café culture
• Some older housing stock

Life in Sanur tends to feel steady, practical, and quietly social.

Mornings often start with a beachfront walk or bike ride along the paved seaside path. Days revolve around school runs, errands, work, and beach time, while evenings are usually relaxed dinners rather than late nights out.

Community vibe:
You’ll find a mix of long-term expats, retirees, young families, and local Balinese families who have lived here for generations. The social scene is definitely there — but it’s more coffee catch-ups and seaside strolls than big events or party energy.

Many residents choose Sanur specifically because life feels more settled and less transient than in some other parts of Bali. However, future retirees may be coming to Sanur for a 3-month trial for example before returning in the future.

Every move to Sanur is unique. Some people arrive with young children, others as couples, retirees, or solo professionals seeking a slower pace of life by the sea. Many balance remote work, lifestyle changes, or important decisions like schooling and long-term living. While guides and planning tools are helpful, many people tell us that hearing from those who have already made the move makes the experience feel much more real.

Our Expat Stories feature people who are Our Year in Bali clients now living in Sanur. These are individuals and families we’ve supported through the relocation process — from early planning and practical decisions to settling into daily life in this relaxed seaside community.

Inside these stories, you’ll find honest insights into daily routines, work-life balance, community connections, schooling for those with children, and the realities of long-term life in Sanur. They go beyond the highlights to show what day-to-day life is really like once you arrive.

If you’re thinking about relocating to Sanur, these stories can help you picture what life could look like and feel more confident about the journey ahead.

Families work with us at many different stages of their journey — from early research through to settling into everyday family life in Bali.

Each year, we support hundreds of families as they navigate the practical realities of relocating, including visas, housing, schooling, healthcare, and household support. Every family’s situation is different, which is why we offer three tailored Relocation Memberships, starting from $375 USD, designed to support you at every stage of your move.

While it’s ideal to begin planning 12 months in advance, it’s never too late to start — even if timelines have shifted or decisions need to be made quickly. Our memberships provide clarity, structure, and trusted guidance so your family can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.