Retire in India 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.

Long-term capital gains on listed equities are taxed at 12.5% for gains exceeding ₹1.25 lakh per year.

Generally, no, but OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders can buy residential and commercial property, excluding agricultural land.

Safety varies significantly; major tech hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad are generally safer than some northern urban centers.

World-class private care in India is exceptionally affordable, typically costing 10-20% of US prices for major procedures.

A life-long visa for people of Indian origin, allowing them to live and work in India indefinitely with most rights of a citizen.

In Tier-1 cities, high-speed fiber (up to 1Gbps) is very affordable and widely available.

Major cities like Delhi face severe pollution in winter; southern and coastal cities generally have much better air quality.

Yes, in many cities, $1,000 provides a very comfortable middle-class lifestyle including rent and domestic help.

If you spend 182 days or more in India during a financial year, you are considered a tax resident.

Yes, English is the primary language for business, law, and higher education, and is widely understood in urban areas.

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.