Cheapest Places for Digital Nomads to Live in

Once upon a time, numerous individuals dreamed of being able to work on calm beaches or beside peaceful pools. However, this aspiration has now become a tangible and achievable experience.

Due to its increasing popularity, working remotely is leading to an increase in the number of countries providing digital nomad visas as an incentive to attract individuals.

For individuals who are unaware, these specific visas enable remote workers to reside and work in a certain country for a specified duration, all while being employed and earning income from a business that is located outside of said country.

Furthermore, recent research has examined the expenses associated with residing in the countries that provide these visas, uncovering the most optimal options for remote workers to maximize their earnings.

If you are thinking about relocating and working in a different location, there are specific inexpensive destinations that you should take into account.

The Digital Nomad Rich List, as revealed by Flamingo App founder David Hehenberger, reveals that working remotely from over 40 countries can significantly increase the average Brit’s disposable income. By doing so, individuals can not only free up financial and mental space but also explore and enjoy life. Therefore, if the opportunity to work from anywhere arises, it is advisable to choose a location that improves one’s quality of life.

The warm beaches of Indonesia, the cultural hubs of Argentina, or the natural beauty of Sri Lanka are all possible destinations to consider.

The world can be your office, as remote work offers opportunities for global experiences, cultural immersion, and financial empowerment, not limited to our familiar surroundings.

Accommodation Tips

Before we dive into the best places for digital nomads, it’s important to note the type of accommodation to go for in these destinations. It’s great arriving in a country that’s affordable, but not so great if you book a party hostel where you’ll get no peace to work.

Your surroundings are your sanctuary and selecting good accommodation will maximise your productivity which is important if you want to be a successful digital nomad.

Did you know we have hosts that accept digital nomads? On our find a host section, use the accommodation info drop down and select “digital nomad friendly”. This means you will have a home away from home, as well as a host that accepts you need a little quiet time to get the work done.

Other accommodation tips to consider:

Coworking spaces nearby or even libraries & cafes that accept digital nomads
Desk in your room or a co-living space with a table you can use
Fast & reliable internet included in your accommodation costs
The time zone of your location – will this interfere with deadlines, calls or routine?
Supermarkets or local markets nearby or will you need to budget for public transport?

Digital Nomad Visas

Another vital thing to note is that not every cheap destination is digital nomad friendly. It is technically illegal in most places to work while on a tourist visa. Tourist visas are also only short-term (valid for around 1-3 months) so if you want to stay longer, you may need a different type of visa.

Before you begin researching cheap places for digital nomads, check the type of visa you will need and how much it will cost. You may also need to pay a certain amount of taxes per month which can affect your budget for accommodation and living expenses.

To give you a head start, all the locations on this list are from countries with digital nomad visas. This means they specifically want to entice travellers to work there as it can contribute to their economy while you get to live and work in a beautiful destination – a win, win for both parties!

Our Picks

Colombia

Alongside being home to 10% of the Amazon rainforest, the start of the epic Andes Mountain Range and some of the friendliest locals you will ever meet, Colombia is one of the cheapest places for digital nomads.

Medellín in particular is one of the most popular digital nomad cities thanks to an abundance of cafes and coworking spaces with people from all over the world working remotely. A one bedroom apartment in the centre of Medellín costs around $285 a month making it affordable for those travelling on a budget.

Alongside the low living costs, many people find Medellín one of the best digital nomad destinations because of the weather, so much so that the city is aptly nicknamed “The City of Eternal Spring.”

However, if the hilly streets of Medellín aren’t your vibe, Cartagena is also considered one of the best digital nomad cities thanks to its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural, food, and nightlife scenes. The weather is also slightly warmer and more humid than in other parts of Colombia.

As a tip, if you plan to visit Colombia, learning a little Spanish will make your trip much easier. You could either find a host in Colombia (total immersion is the best way to learn!) or use one of these resources to learn a language in no time.

Costa Rica

From laid back vibes to volcanoes, incredible surf spots to lush jungle it’s easy to imagine why Costa Rica is one of the best places for digital nomads. The political stability, strong healthcare system and wellness lifestyle are simply a bonus!

In particular, the picturesque town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca ticks all boxes for those who want peace to work but also love to party! Located on the Caribbean Sea you can expect beautiful beaches as well as amazing wildlife but when the working day is done, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is one of the best digital nomad destinations to let your hair down.

Samara is also a favoured digital nomad location especially with those who love surfing or yoga. Located just two hours from the Liberia International Airport, this very accessible seaside town is ideal for those in search of the ultimate work-life balance thanks to coworking spaces such as locoworking.

Czech Republic

If the temperatures in Colombia or the jungles of Costa Rica do not match your idea of paradise, maybe the European destination with cobbled streets could be an alternative? The Czech Republic, known for its historical towns, fast internet, and breathtaking scenery, is widely regarded as one of the top affordable choices for digital nomads.

The Czech Republic is known for being one of Europe’s safest countries. Additionally, its central location allows for easy exploration of neighboring countries such as Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. Rental costs range from €280 to €500 per month, but you can also consider staying with one of our digital nomad friendly hosts in the Czech Republic.

Despite being one of the pricier options among the listed destinations, Prague is widely regarded as one of the top digital nomad cities due to its plentiful coworking spaces and affordable, renowned beer. Prague’s hostels also accommodate digital nomads with their laid-back, communal environments and fast internet connection.

Estonia

As one of the cheapest countries in Europe, Estonia was the first country in the world to have an official digital nomad visa. With over 50% of the country covered in forest and one of the lowest population densities in Europe, it is one of the best places for digital nomads who like nature and tranquillity.

It’s also ideal for those who like adventuring outdoors from skiing to hiking, camping to sunbathing, there is so much to do after a hard day’s work. Best of all during the Summer months you can expect 18 hours of daylight so there is plenty of time to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Most digital nomads head for the country’s capital – Tallinn. As this is where over a third of the population reside, it’s also home to the most coworking spaces. To hot desk at a coworking space in Tallinn will cost you around 20 Euros per day and a one bedroom apartment around 300-500 Euros per month.

When you’re finished working for the day, enjoy exploring the Old Town. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tallinn’s Old Town is often said to be the best preserved mediaeval city remnants in Europe!