Retire in Colombia vs Indonesia (Bali): The 2026 Freedom Comparison

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.

The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.

It allows remote workers to stay for up to 2 years. You must earn 3x the minimum wage, roughly $1,100 USD/month.

Medellin is very popular, but safety has declined in some areas. Expats should stick to 'Estrato 5 or 6' neighborhoods for better security.

Residents (183+ days) are taxed on worldwide income, but the nomad visa allows you to work for foreign firms without local tax for a period.

In 2026, a high-end 1-bedroom in El Poblado or Laureles ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 USD per month.

Colombia has some of the best-ranked hospitals in Latin America. Private 'Medicina Prepagada' is affordable and high quality.

A Colombian ID card for residents. You need it for cell phone plans, gym memberships, and local bank accounts.

Yes, fiber optic is common in major cities, though stability can vary in more rural or mountainous regions.

Foreigners can drive for the duration of their tourist stay, but residents must obtain a Colombian license.

Medellin is the 'City of Eternal Spring' with year-round mild weather; Bogota is cooler, and the coast is hot and humid.

You can apply for renewal online through the Cancilleria portal before your current visa expires.

Introduced for digital nomads, it allows a 1-year stay (renewable) provided you earn at least $60,000 USD per year from outside Indonesia.

No, but they can own property via a 'Hak Pakai' (Right to Use) or 'HGB' title through a PT PMA company.

A modern 2-bedroom villa with a pool in Canggu or Ubud typically costs $2,000–$3,500 per month.

Bali is very safe, though scooter accidents and petty 'bag snatching' in crowded areas are the most common risks.

Major hubs like Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud have excellent fiber-optic internet and world-class coworking spaces.

Under the E33G visa, foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed in Indonesia if it isn't derived from Indonesian entities.

A 5-to-10 year residency for wealthy individuals requiring a deposit of roughly $130,000 in a local bank.

Private clinics (BIMC, Siloam) are good for minor issues; for major surgeries, many expats fly to nearby Singapore or Bangkok.

A Limited Stay Permit. There are various types including work, investment, marriage, and retirement KITAS.

Yes, but you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid motorcycle license from your home country.