Finding a Kost in Denpasar: Areas, Prices, and What to Know

Introduction

Denpasar is Bali's administrative and commercial hub — home to the provincial government offices, main markets, and the island's densest concentration of universities and office jobs, unlike Badung's more tourist-driven areas like Canggu or Kuta.
This guide is for students, office workers, and long-term residents who need a straight answer on which kecamatan in Denpasar fits their budget, commute, and lifestyle.

Denpasar Barat — commercial and dense, anchored by the Teuku Umar and Gatsu Barat corridors. Good fit for office workers who want to be close to the city center without paying Renon-level prices.
Denpasar Selatan — covers Sanur and Renon-adjacent areas. Prices run higher here, and the mix leans toward expats, government workers, and students near campuses like UNDIKNAS.
Denpasar Timur — quieter and more residential, with a concentration of government offices and a more local, family-friendly feel than the western districts.
Denpasar Utara — the most affordable of the four, developing steadily, with easy access to Pasar Badung and Terminal Ubung for anyone who travels in and out of the city often.

Denpasar Barat: kost typically start around Rp 750,000/month, with most mid-range options landing between Rp 750,000–1,500,000/month.
Denpasar Timur: starts around Rp 800,000/month, similar mid-range band up to roughly Rp 1,500,000/month.
Denpasar Utara: the most budget-friendly, starting around Rp 600,000–850,000/month for basic rooms.
Denpasar Selatan / Sanur: starts higher, often from Rp 800,000/month and climbing well above Rp 2,000,000–8,000,000/month for furnished, managed, or Sanur-adjacent kost.
Across Denpasar overall, budget rooms run roughly Rp 500,000–700,000/month, mid-range Rp 700,000–1,200,000/month, and premium furnished options Rp 1,200,000–2,500,000/month and up.
For current listings and live pricing by kecamatan, check Kost di Denpasar rather than relying on averages, since prices shift by area and season.

Commute time to workplace/campus — Denpasar traffic can turn a short map distance into a 30+ minute ride during peak hours, so check actual commute time, not just kilometers.
Whether electricity/water is included in rent — many budget kost quote a low base price that excludes electricity (often billed per kWh) or water, which can add a meaningful amount to your monthly cost.
24-hour access if working shifts — some kost lock gates at night or require advance notice for late entry, which matters if you work irregular hours or night shifts.

Which area in Denpasar is best for office workers? Denpasar Barat and the Renon area in Denpasar Selatan are the top picks — both put you close to the main business and government districts without a long commute.
Are there kost near universities in Denpasar? Yes. Denpasar Selatan has a strong concentration of kost near UNDIKNAS and nearby health/education campuses, and Denpasar Barat and Timur also have options within a few minutes of several colleges.
Cheapest area to rent a kost in Denpasar? Denpasar Utara is generally the most affordable, with basic rooms starting around Rp 600,000/month.

Browse current listings in Kost di Denpasar.
Read the full area guide to renting a kost in Denpasar, covering all four kecamatan in more detail.