One advantage of having the privilege to work remotely is the possibility of living in a country with a less expensive lifestyle, in addition to the amazing travel experiences available.
As someone from the UK who mainly earns in USD, residing in almost any other country has its advantages. By carefully selecting the country, you can not only immerse yourself in a beautiful culture distinct from your own but also enjoy the added bonus of saving money.
Below, we have provided a list of countries that provide a more affordable living experience, along with a description of what sets each one apart.
Costa Rica
The capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, serves as the entry point to the astonishing beaches and parks of this Central American country. It is also deserving of a visit on its own accord, as it boasts a thriving party atmosphere with vibrant craft breweries and dance clubs.
The country offers a specialized visa for digital nomads, with the aim of facilitating the process of relocating there for remote workers.
Romania
Romania is an excellent option for individuals seeking an inexpensive European country that possesses a strong digital nomad community, abundant activities catering to various interests, and high-speed WIFI.
Romania has moved closer to providing a highly accessible remote worker visa by reducing the earnings requirement and extending its duration to two years. While Bucharest remains a popular choice, being located in Transylvania provides additional benefits such as opportunities for hiking and visiting historical sites.
Next time we engage in remote work in Romania, we have decided to choose Brasov as our preferred location, as we fell in love with this vibrant city situated at the center of Transylvania. Despite having based ourselves in Bucharest during our previous remote work experience, we find that Brasov is a favored destination among remote workers. It is worth noting that in Romania, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life, including covering rent and bills, for $1000 or less (as per our personal experience).
Slovenia
Ljubljana, a bustling university town with 45,000 students, offers the opportunity to discover the medieval allure in a location conveniently situated between Italy and Croatia. It is a perfect choice for individuals seeking European charm at affordable prices.
In the country, there is no specific visa designed for digital nomads; however, individuals aspiring to live there for an extended period can consider alternative options such as applying for a Schengen visa.
Georgia
Georgia is currently a popular destination for remote workers due to its welcoming tourist visa policy, especially for Americans, as well as the remote worker visa program called ‘Remotely in Georgia’. Additionally, the country’s convenient lifestyle adds to its appeal.
This country provides a comfortable living option for $1000 or less, along with excellent WIFI and coworking amenities. Those who appreciate food and wine will find great satisfaction here, as dining out is remarkably inexpensive and the cuisine available is both intriguing and indulgent.
Similar to Romania, those who enjoy hiking and have an interest in history will find themselves quite comfortable in Georgia. The capital city of Tbilisi serves as a popular base for travelers, offering numerous remarkable day trips. Georgia’s renowned hospitality and the prevalence of English as a widely spoken language contribute to the tendency of many visitors to extend their stay beyond their initial plans.
With the Caucasus and neighboring countries like Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Russia all around, there is an abundance of nearby attractions to engage anyone. The advantage of being located at the border of Europe and Asia provides ample opportunities for further travel towards the East.
Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a small Baltic country known for being an extremely digital society. It is particularly popular among remote workers due to its abundance of free wifi hotspots and the fact that 99 percent of public services can be accessed online. Additionally, almost one-third of Estonian citizens cast their votes via the internet.
Additionally, the country provides a visa specifically tailored for digital nomads that is valid for one year.
Malaysia
If you want to live in Southeast Asia and enjoy wildlife, nature, and food, Malaysia is an excellent option! The culinary scene in this country is renowned across Asia, offering a variety of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines to satisfy your taste buds.
Malaysia, though its remote worker community is not as large as Thailand and Indonesia, is still one of the most affordable places to live on this list. It offers a welcoming environment for individuals seeking work opportunities and provides various visa options, including retirement options.
Depending on their lifestyle, many individuals prefer either the vibrant and relaxed Georgetown on Penang Island or Kota Kinabalu to be in proximity to the rainforests of Borneo.
For individuals who appreciate a genuine urban way of life, Kuala Lumpur offers all the desired amenities and conveniences, and is conveniently connected to Singapore by coach, allowing for easy access. Situated adjacent to Thailand, it also serves as a fantastic starting point for exploring the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.
Greece
This city, which dates back to ancient times, combines historical importance with contemporary coolness. The city is filled with ancient ruins as well as lively bars and cafes.
Greece is the perfect destination for those who enjoy warm weather, thanks to its balmy Mediterranean climate. Additionally, the country offers a specialized two-year visa for digital nomads.
Portugal
Although not the most affordable place to live on this list, it is definitely the most affordable option if you prefer to reside in Western Europe. Considering the numerous advantages of living in Portugal, it is no surprise that it has become a highly sought-after destination for remote workers in recent times.
Portugal has facilitated digital nomads in finding a base by offering remote work visas and providing digital nomad villages, hence making it much more convenient.
If your goal is to live in Lisbon, it is recommended that you make approximately $2000 to cover rent expenses, although it is feasible to live with less money if you are careful with your spending.
You can benefit from Portugal’s fantastic year-round weather, amazing coastline, and various opportunities for hiking and surfing. Moreover, Portugal provides a thrilling nightlife and exceptional cuisine, along with delights like pocket-friendly wine and pastel de nata available at every bakery.
Hungary
Budapest, renowned for its abundant history, magnificent architecture, and vibrant nightlife, lures over 30 million tourists annually. Additionally, situated in the central region of Europe and bordered by seven neighboring countries, it serves as an excellent starting point for venturing into surrounding areas.
The digital nomad visa in Hungary is referred to as a “white card” and requires applicants to initiate the application process at a nearby Hungarian embassy.
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