Mery Freshh spent two years in Bali and found she could live better for the same money as in Spain. Her story shows why more young professionals are choosing the island for its mix of low costs and comfort.
Mery Freshh didn’t move to Bali just for the beaches. She wanted a life she couldn’t afford in Spain. After two years on the island, she laid out the numbers. The difference was clear.
Freshh, a content creator from Galicia, compared her old life in Pontevedra to her new one in Bali. In Spain, she paid 650 euros a month for a city apartment. In Bali, that same amount got her a villa with a private pool. Utilities, fast wifi, cleaning, laundry, and pool and garden care were all included. It wasn’t just about more space. Daily life felt completely different.
According to Spain's Ministry of Housing, the average appraised price of housing in Spain reached 2,355 euros per square meter in the second quarter of 2026, up 12.5% from the previous year.
Eating out was another surprise. In Spain, dinner for two often cost 40 to 50 euros. In Bali, she rarely paid more than 15 euros. Getting around was cheaper too. Instead of paying for a car, fuel, and parking in Spain, she rented a good scooter in Bali for 50 to 60 euros a month. Filling the tank cost about 4 euros. She said this freedom to move around was a big part of what made life feel easier.
“Here for exactly the same prices you can afford a much higher standard of living,” she said in one of her videos. She explained why Bali draws young Spaniards with remote jobs and euro incomes. It’s not just the scenery or weather. It’s the chance to live better for less. In Spain, many young people feel stuck. Wages haven’t kept up with rising housing costs, and moving out on your own is harder than ever.
But even Bali has its limits. At the start of this year, Freshh said she was leaving the island, at least for now. She called her time there a breath of “fresh air” and a chance to grow. But she also said the excitement faded. “I was very happy, but I also got stuck. After two years, I no longer feel I want to be there most of the time.” Now back in Galicia, she shares tips on how to go nomad and work from anywhere.
In August 2026, the average rental price in Spain reached 14.36 euros per square meter, according to Fotocasa, while in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, rents exceeded 23 euros per square meter. This growing gap between housing costs and incomes is a key factor driving young professionals to seek more affordable alternatives abroad.
Bali’s popularity with digital nomads isn’t by chance. The island has the right setup, low costs, and a big international crowd. For Spanish professionals, the difference with life at home stands out. As long as Spain’s economy keeps squeezing young people, stories like Freshh’s will keep coming up. For many, Bali is more than a holiday—it’s a real option for a better life.
