Top Destinations for Digital Nomads in 2023

Thanks to this list of the cheapest places for digital nomads, you can work remotely while travelling the world long term! The whole point of the digital nomad lifestyle is to earn money to fuel your adventures, so it’s vital you choose locations that won’t drain your finances but are bucket list worthy. That’s where we come in!

For many years, the words “Work. Save. Travel. Repeat.” indicated a challenging job from 9 to 5, with lengthy commutes, earning the minimum wage, and having limited time off. However, with the advent of remote work, it is now feasible to blur these boundaries and work while traveling, save money while traveling, and repeat this process whenever desired.

Before you hop on a plane, laptop in hand, it is vital you do your research as not all countries welcome digital nomads with open arms. You should also consider internet availability (and speed) as well as visa costs and the cost of living.

Lucky for you this guide to the cheapest digital nomad destinations will help you swap your boss for a backpack ASAP. Most importantly, it’ll help you create a sustainable lifestyle that lasts long term, not just a month or two.

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?

Our List

Athens, Greece

Rent for Apartment in City Center: $515/month
One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.40
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $12.84

The initial city we will visit is Athens, which happens to be the capital of Greece. This charming urban area boasts an abundance of historical significance, delightful gastronomy, and a plethora of activities to partake in. Moreover, one can easily access nearby beaches and conveniently embark on a ferry journey to explore any of the numerous Greek islands.

If you are seeking to satisfy your wanderlust for travel and adventure, Athens with its hustle and bustle will surely do the job. Additionally, you will discover numerous coworking spaces and cafes spread across the city where you can comfortably work for a few hours.

Public transportation in Athens is quite easy to navigate, and you will find yourself using it extensively because of the vastness of the city and the numerous neighborhoods worth exploring.

Greece stands out among European countries by offering a digital nomad visa, permitting remote workers to reside in the country for a year.

Belgrade, Serbia

Rent for Apartment in City Center: $460/month
One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.85
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $7.35

Thanks to its highly affordable prices and fast internet speed, Belgrade has become a top choice for digital nomads. The capital city of Serbia is packed with coworking spaces exclusively designed for remote workers, and the local cafe culture is thriving. Observing numerous digital nomads working on their assignments while enjoying a cup of coffee is a common sight in Belgrade.

Aside from the fact that Belgrade offers affordable prices and reliable wifi, digital nomads are also drawn to the city due to several other reasons. One possible explanation is the presence of a substantial digital nomad community, the availability of diverse nightlife activities, the city’s impressive digital advancements, and the welcoming nature of the Serbian people towards newcomers.

Serbia allows most nationalities to stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, the advantage is that Serbia is not part of the Schengen Area, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking to avoid overstaying by temporarily leaving the region.

Budapest, Hungary

Rent for Apartment in City Center: $485/month
One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.09
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $7.79

Budapest has become a favorite destination for digital nomads in recent years. Like many other European capital cities, Budapest provides digital nomads with reliable wifi, coworking spaces, and a cost of living that is affordable. Remote workers can enjoy a high-quality lifestyle in Budapest.

Budapest houses a lively digital nomad community and offers numerous enjoyable activities. Whether you choose to explore museums, indulge in the nightlife, or explore the natural beauty of Hungary beyond the city, this city will captivate you in no time.

Recently, Hungary has also made an announcement regarding a digital nomad visa, alternatively referred to as the White Card, enabling digital nomads to reside in the country for a duration of one year.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Rent for Apartment in City Center: $380/month
One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.90
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $2.09

Chiang Mai, located inland in the northern part of Thailand, remains a sought-after destination for digital nomads despite not being on a tropical island or near the beach. The city’s affordability continues to attract a significant number of these remote workers who eagerly explore everything it has to offer.

Chiang Mai is known for its incredible coworking spaces, affordable street food priced at less than $1, and lively night markets offering a wide range of local crafts and products. It is a highly regarded city among digital nomads due to its friendly atmosphere and cost-effectiveness.

Living in Chiang Mai ensures that you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything because it offers a wide range of options. Additionally, its proximity to cities like Chiang Rai and Pai allows for easy getaways from the busy urban atmosphere at a low cost.

Da Lat, Vietnam

Rent for Apartment in City Center: $375/month
One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.26
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $1.50

Despite being located in Southeast Asia, there are surprisingly some cities that aren’t inundated with digital nomads. Da Lat happens to be one of those cities, which is still considered to be a new and emerging destination. Situated in the mountains of Vietnam, visitors can enjoy cooler temperatures, reliable wifi, and breathtaking natural scenery.

A lot of individuals who embrace the digital nomad lifestyle choose to visit Da Lat for a period of time in order to escape the bustling city atmospheres and reconnect with the natural world. Engaging in hiking activities in the mountains or leisurely exploring the woods is a popular activity enjoyed by numerous individuals who opt to reside in this location.

In the area, there are numerous coworking spaces and cafes that offer free wifi. Additionally, visitors and digital nomads will encounter a warm reception from the local residents.

Lisbon, Portugal

Rent for Apartment in City Center: $970/month
One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.70
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $11.17

Lisbon is considered one of the least expensive cities for digital nomads in Western Europe. Although there are more affordable cities globally, Lisbon is the top choice for individuals looking to embrace a European lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Lisbon is home to a significant number of traveling remote workers due to its inexpensive prices and excellent coworking spaces. Additionally, there are various activities available in Lisbon, and its proximity to the ocean provides opportunities for water sports enthusiasts or those who prefer relaxing on the beach under the sun.

Additionally, it is important to mention that the cuisine in Portugal is truly amazing. As a digital nomad residing in Lisbon, you will undoubtedly enjoy excellent meals. From delectable seafood to port wines and mouthwatering desserts, you will never experience hunger in this city.