I paid $45,000 upfront to rent this Bali home for 10 years. Here’s what it cost me to retire there.

Debbie Welsch, a 57-year-old American, retired to Bali seven years ago with her 82-year-old mother. The couple moved from Los Angeles seeking a simpler, more affordable life. Debbie's 1,100-square-foot house in Bali costs $4,500 annually, which breaks down to $375 monthly rent. A $45,000 upfront payment was required for a 10-year lease.

The couple's housing costs average $8,000 per year. While living in Bali, Debbie retired from her interior design career and now earns around $550,000 in retirement savings and investments. Her monthly expenses total roughly $1,300, primarily from savings, investments, and a modest income from hobbies like writing and YouTube. They live within walking distance of the beach and local amenities, with minimal transportation costs, primarily using a scooter.

Their daily grocery budget is around $310, and they eat out two to three times a week at an average cost of $7 per meal. Debbie feels financially secure and finds immense satisfaction in life, attributing the abundance in Bali to the culture, people, and environment.