Some of the favorite destinations for digital nomads are the cheapest places where you can actually save money while living in some of the world’s most beautiful locations.
For more than five years, I have been residing and working remotely overseas, successfully minimizing my expenses compared to if I had chosen to remain in Canada.
Remote work not only provides you with the flexibility to reside anywhere you desire, but it also offers the opportunity to live a superior lifestyle compared to your home country, and even save money while exploring different parts of the world.
Indonesia
Digital nomads have also claimed their stake in Southeast Asia, which has traditionally been a popular destination for travelers.
The whole country of Indonesia is attractive, not just Bali, due to its endless sights and affordable cost of living. This has been evident in the year-long surge of popularity, largely driven by digital nomads.
Bali is obviously the main attraction for digital nomads who gather there due to the availability of numerous co-working spaces and the presence of fellow like-minded travelers.
Digital nomads love having the extra disposable income in Indonesia, which offers a great bang for their buck, allowing them to invest in amazing travel experiences.
North Macedonia
North Macedonia offers the best value in terms of being an off-path European country, which may surprise travelers who have seen Albania booming with digital nomads.
Known more commonly as Macedonia, this destination is favored by digital nomads seeking a relaxed and affordable vacation.
Living in the capital city of Skopje allows one to comfortably manage a budget of less than $2000 per month, while some individuals might prefer a tranquil lakeside town that possesses awe-inspiring beauty.
According to Flamingo, Macedonia holds the best value in all of Europe for digital nomads.
Colombia
In terms of Flamingo’s rankings, Macedonia and Colombia were tied, but we will proceed in alphabetical order and give the advantage to Colombia.
Medellin, the beautiful city, has been a pioneer in the trend of digital nomadism. People have been visiting this place for a more affordable lifestyle even before it became popular.
You don’t have to worry about standing out or being unwelcome as there is a sizable expat community to easily blend in with.
With the rise in popularity of digital nomadism, there has been an increase in the number of co-working spaces opening up, not just in Medellin but also in other cool cities like Santa Marta.
Thailand
One can find Thailand to be one of the most cost-effective countries for digital nomads.
Chiang May offers one of the world’s top digital nomad communities, excellent coliving and coworking spaces, charming cafes for work, and ample outdoor activities and day trips for weekend entertainment. Essentially, it is a haven for digital nomads.
Even considering all these factors, Chiang Mai continues to be one of the most cost-effective locations for digital nomads in Asia.
With a monthly budget of $1,000 USD, you can enjoy a fairly wonderful lifestyle in this place. Depending on its size and location, you can rent a room or apartment for $250-500 per month.
You have the option of purchasing a plate of delectable Thai cuisine from either the market or a nearby restaurant for approximately $1-2, and the local beer costs approximately $1.50. One aspect of living here that I particularly enjoy is the reasonable prices of Thai massages. It is possible to receive an exceptional massage for $6 or less!
Yellow is the most popular coworking space in Nimman, and their monthly membership fee is $100. When I arrived here, I bought a SIM card at the airport for $25, which came with unlimited data. I have not topped up my SIM card since then.
The majority of nomads opt for the 45-day tourist visa, which has the option to be renewed for an additional 30 days.
Laos
Luang Prabang, the capital city of Laos, is extremely affordable for digital nomads in Asia, even cheaper than Chiang Mai.
I spend $2-3 for meals at restaurants, and less than $1 at the nightly market, which is open every night. I paid $20 per night for my hotel stay, but you can find monthly rentals at much lower prices. This location allows you to live comfortably on a budget of $1000 per month.
Luang Prabang, a beautiful city situated on the Mekong River and surrounded by mountains, offers the opportunity to explore one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking waterfalls during a day trip.
Although there is a small nomad community in Laos, it is not as prominent as in other Southeast Asian countries.
Mexico
Although it may not be the most affordable place to live in Mexico, I personally consider Puerto Vallarta as one of my top favorite destinations on Earth, and as a result, I am including it on this list.
Despite the significant increase in apartment prices over the past two years, living expenses such as groceries, transportation, cell phone data, and dining out (particularly at local restaurants) are still expected to remain relatively low.
In 2021, I shared a 3-bedroom apartment with two friends in Puerto Vallarta. The cost of living for me was approximately 1500 USD per month.
With some effort, you can still discover affordable apartment options (while avoiding Airbnb). My friend and I have secured a well-located downtown apartment, just a five-minute walk from the beach, for a monthly rent of $1000 to be split between us. This arrangement will commence in winter 2023.
With an abundance of marine life, delicious cuisine, and endless outdoor adventures, Puerto Vallarta offers fantastic weather and countless reasons to move there, all of which are conveniently available right at your doorstep.
Argentina
Last year, Argentina set an ambitious target of accommodating 22,000 remote workers by the present year.
One of the main reasons why their country may be so attractive to digital nomads could be something they did not anticipate.
Due to a significant decrease in its currency value, Argentina has become even more affordable than before, experiencing a remarkable drop-off.
This beautiful country, which is already a top destination in South America, has become even more attractive for budget travelers.
Digital nomads, who have a wide range of salaries, always seek ways to save money.
Bulgaria
Bansko, a small mountain town in Bulgaria, has emerged as a popular destination for digital nomads due to its breathtaking mountain landscapes and year-round opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you prefer scaling the highest summit during summer or skiing down the slopes in winter, Bansko offers an adventure-filled paradise for all seasons.
It is also an inexpensive place to visit. In the summer, you can find basic apartments to rent for as little as 150 euros monthly. Even if you book a last-minute hotel this summer, it only costs me 20 euros per night. This location is also suitable for living comfortably on a monthly budget of $1000 or less.
Portugal
Lisbon, which used to be included in every list of the cheapest places for digital nomads in Portugal, has seen a significant increase in prices in recent years due to its popularity. However, it still provides a satisfactory quality of life for the price, especially when compared to other Western European cities.
After relocating to Lisbon, I fully comprehended why many individuals claim it to be the place where digital nomads settle down for good. The city offers charming cafes as perfect workspaces, mild winters for a European destination, and an enchanting atmosphere.
Due to a significant increase in apartment rentals, the cost of living in Lisbon is now higher than it was in the past. Nevertheless, in 2022, I managed to get by with roughly $2000 per month.
Opting for a coliving accommodation will increase your costs (I personally paid 900 euros monthly), yet you will find food and transportation to be reasonably priced. Moreover, should you choose to attain residency, the taxes are quite beneficial.
One enjoyable activity in Lisbon is strolling through its hilly streets and pausing at the stunning viewpoints known as miradouros. Additionally, there are numerous captivating destinations in Portugal that can be explored as day trips from Lisbon.
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