Detailed comparison
| Side-by-side comparison of taxation, cost of living and scores between the two countries. |  France | |
|---|---|---|
| Taxation | ||
| Dividend tax | 31.4% | 10%, Edge to this country |
| Capital gains tax | 31.4% | 30%, Edge to this country |
| Corporate tax | 25% | 22%, Edge to this country |
| Wealth tax | Yes, IFI (real estate only) | None |
| Direct inheritance | 45%Scale5-45% | 0%, Edge to this country |
| Cost and real estate | ||
| Monthly FIRE budget | €2,700 | €1,300, Edge to this country |
| Cost-of-living score | 38.5 | 93.9, Edge to this country |
| Reference city | Paris | Bali (Canggu/Uluwatu) |
| City-center 2-bed rent | €2,450 | €950, Edge to this country |
| Safety and FIRE score | ||
| Insecurity | 2.0 | 1.8, Edge to this country |
| FIRE Ultimate V3 score | 60.8 | 90.3, Edge to this country |
Verdict
- Bali wins on cost of living and the FIRE number: a semi-local lifestyle at €1,300/month brings the capital needed down to around €390,000, against nearly €900,000 for equivalent comfort in France, not to mention the climate and the nomad culture.
- France keeps the edge on capital taxation for a resident (the Indonesian bracket on worldwide income can exceed the French flat tax), the depth of the healthcare system for serious cases, freehold property ownership, and membership of the European Union.
- Verdict: Bali for FIRE planners and nomads who want to stretch their capital in a tropical setting, comfortable with a lease and aware of worldwide taxation beyond 183 days; France for those who prioritize capped capital taxation, ownership of land, and a comprehensive healthcare system.
Frequently asked questions about this duel
Is Bali taxed less than France for an investor?
Not necessarily. Contrary to popular belief, Indonesia taxes its residents on worldwide income on a progressive scale up to 35%, which can exceed the French flat tax of 31.4%. Bali's advantage is the cost of living, which reduces the FIRE capital required, not gentler capital taxation. Sources: PwC 2026 and the 2026 Social Security Financing Act.
Can you buy a villa in Bali the way you would in France?
No. A foreigner cannot hold land in freehold in Indonesia: they use a lease (often 25 to 30 years renewable) or a right of use. This is a major difference from France, where freehold ownership is the norm. Nominee arrangements are illegal. Source: Indonesian agrarian law, 2025.
How much do you need to live in Bali rather than France?
A couple can live from €1,300/month in Ubud or Sanur, against around €3,000/month for equivalent comfort in a French city. This gap brings the FIRE number down from around €900,000 to €390,000 under the 4% rule, more than €500,000 less capital to build. Source: Let's Go FIRE analysis.