10 Cheapest Places for Digital Nomads

VivaNomadia 17 March, 2024

Digital nomadism is quite a familiar concept now. People willing to escape the 9 to 5 grind and travel the world while working from anywhere, looking for digital nomad destinations with great opportunities. However, one important factor in the appeal of remote work is affordability. As digital nomads grow in popularity, finding budget-friendly destinations becomes essential. These places not only cater to the nomadic lifestyle but also provide a balance between cost and quality of life.
Besides, other important factors, such as visa period, mobility, internet speed, co-working space facilities, and safety index, must be considered.

Table of Contents

So, which are the cheapest places for digital nomads? That will also depend on which area of the world you’re looking to live in. Generally, it will be more expensive in Europe or the United States than in places like Latin America or South America. Besides, Southeast Asia is a much cheaper and more affordable place to stay.

Today, we discuss some of the cheapest places for digital nomads and remote workers to live and work from. These places tend to have very affordable accommodations that, compared to the Western world, the United States, or Canada, are just a lot cheaper. So, people are going down there on minimal savings and staying for a year’s time.

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

We are talking about affordable digital nomad destinations and not considering Chiang Mai? That can’t happen! This place always ranks as one of the best digital nomad destinations because of its budget-friendly accommodation, delicious street food, and peaceful atmosphere. On top of that, it has a thriving digital nomad scene. This northern Thailand city is surrounded by green mountains and Buddhist mountains. The cost of living here is around US $990 a month.

Besides, internet speed is reliable, and co-working facilities are great. If you are looking for an affordable option while wanting to explore Thailand’s beauty and live among a vibrant digital nomad community, then consider Chiang Mai as your next stop!

2. Medellín, Colombia

Medellín is known as the “City of Eternal Spring.” It’s the northwestern city of Colombia. Surrounded by lush green hills, the city has become a cultural hub with vibrant plazas and modern architecture. Medellín is constantly climbing the charts of best cities for digital nomads.

With the dark days of widespread violence of Pablo Escober behind them, the city has invested heavily in its technology and infrastructure. New co-working spaces are popping up monthly, and internet speed is improving, which is great for expats to live and work from there. Besides, the city is highly affordable, with the cost of living being around US $1,585 a month.

Digital nomads, especially US citizens looking for an affordable option while staying near the US and its time zone, can think Medellín of as their next destination.

3. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Imagine waking up to the sound of swaying palm trees and the smell of incense in the air- that’s the magic of Ubud. Your dream of living here as an expat won’t break the bank as the living cost of this place is quite low compared to many Western countries. It requires around US $1,900 a month to live here. Besides, the internet speed is 36Mbps, and the digital nomad scene is rising here.

At an affordable price, here you will find all the expected luxuries other expensive cities are offering to the digital nomads. If you are into jungle and yoga instead of beaches and surfing, Ubud is the place for you. Make sure you have room for a yoga mat on your digital nomad packing list!

4. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is a great destination for digital nomads and remote workers seeking an affordable place in Europe. It is not widely known, but it has attempted to entice remote workers in recent years. Cost of living is around US$2,000 which is 47.83% lower than in the United States. Tbilisi attracts digital nomads through its high-speed internet, numerous cafes, and varied housing options. So, the quality of life for the value you get here is the best!

Besides, there are lots of outdoor activities you can do in Tbilisi. From mountain hikes to beachside retreats, it just got so many. So, it really does check every box that you’re looking for in a digital nomad location.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Another great spot for digital nomads in Europe. Lisbon is one of the best-value destinations in Western Europe. It has beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and affordable accommodation. The cost of living is around US $3,000 a month. Internet speed and co-working facilities are quite good, which attracts digital nomads to live and work from there. Additionally, the city is quite safe.

Not very long ago, The Portuguese government issued the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and numerous opportunities to attract more digital nomads. Due to the increasing facilities, affordability, tech-friendly environment, and overlap with European working hours and community atmosphere, Lisbon can be your best bet for living as a digital nomad!

See this also- Living in Lisbon as a digital nomad

6. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is undoubtedly the top digital nomad spot in Africa. It features an incredible natural landscape, a great quality of life, and an affordable lifestyle. So, if you’re coming from Europe or North America, you’ll find that Cape Town is extremely cheap compared to what you’d be paying at home.

The cost of living is around 2,200 USD per month. Besides, co-working spaces are widely available, and the community built over time helps you network and collaborate. There are some amazing neighborhoods in which you can live while in Cape Town. Some of them are- Gardens, Woodstock, and Tamboerskloof.

Cape Town is a fantastic city to live in. With its affordable cost of living, incredible food scene, and modern infrastructure, there’s no doubt that Cape Town is considered one of the best cities for digital nomads.

You may also like: 10 Best Cafes in Cape Town for Remote Work

7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Are you looking for a vibrant, diverse, culturally rich, bustling city to explore the digital nomad lifestyle with affordable living costs? Well, then, Kuala Lumpur might be for you. Due to its modern metropolis, food with aromatic flavors, and cheap and modern transportation system, the city is attracting more digital nomads. The cost of living is around 1000 USD per month.

Kuala Lumpur is a great mix of a multicultural city and a vibrant lifestyle, but it also offers many green areas and parks where you can go and relax. Being so convenient, affordable, modern, and more organized than many other destinations, this city can be a great option for you!

See also- 15 best digital nomad jobs

8. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city, is a vibrant mix of art, tango, and affordability. Whether wandering through historic neighborhoods or craving delicious street food, this city will amaze you. It’s a growing digital nomad hotspot offering excellent facilities where digital nomads can live and work. The cost of living in Buenos Aires is around US $1,500. It might seem more, but the city is far more affordable than most European cities or the United States.

Buenos Aires is such a beautiful place and a good spot to work remotely, especially if you have a flexible job.

9. Skopje, North Macedonia

Skopje is a fantastic place when it comes to affordability and hospitality. It’s situated on the Vardar River and originated as the Illyrian tribal hub of Scupi. Due to the affordable cost of living (with $1,000 a month), low rental prices, inexpensive groceries, and cheap dining options, Skopje offers great value for money to live and work from there.

Last but not least, Skopje has a growing digital nomad community, with opportunities to connect through meetups and events. So, you should definitely take this place into consideration.

10. Cebu, Philippines

Cebu, the queen city of the South, is a paradise for digital nomads and remote workers seeking affordable living and island adventures. Cebu has a lot to offer with its laid-back atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and friendly Filipino hospitality. According to Nomadlist, living here costs US $1,392 a month. This cost can decrease significantly if you dine in cheap restaurants and use public transportation instead of metered taxis.

This place provides an amazing balance between equality and cost of living, especially for digital nomads who don’t want to stretch their budget too much but still live a comfortable lifestyle.

Other cheapest places for digital nomads

Here, we discuss some of the cheapest places for digital nomads and remote workers. But there is more than that. Southeast Asian countries are often good options when discussing the most affordable destinations compared to Europe or the United States. Eastern Europe and South America are also great if you want to stay near Europe or the US clock.

Some other cheap places that couldn’t make our list but can be great options for digital nomads are Bangkok, Sofia, Ho Chi Minh, Zagreb, Istanbul, Colombo, and Hoi An.

In conclusion, we can say that the digital nomad lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. You can cut costs by choosing affordable destinations, living in co-living or cheap accommodations, utilizing co-working spaces, and much more. From the Temple streets of Chiang Mai to the serene beaches of Cebu, these affordable destinations offer a sense of community, adventure, and, most importantly, freedom!

So, that was it! Let me know your thoughts in the comment section, and share this article with your friends and family. Until then, keep reading, keep nomading!

FAQs

What is the best place to live for digital nomads?

13 Best Places for Digital Nomads in 2024 · 1. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia · 2. Lisbon, Portugal · 3. Chiang Mai, Thailand · 4. Medellín, Colombia · 5. Barcelona, Spain · 6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam · 7. Budapest, Hungary · 8. Mexico City, Mexico · 9. Cape Town, South Africa · 10. Seoul, South Korea · 11. Istanbul, Turkey · 12. Manilla, Phillipines · 13. Austin, Texas, The United States

What are some of the cheapest places for digital nomads?

10 cheapest places for digital nomads · 1. Chiang Mai, Thailand · 2. Medellín, Colombia · 3. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia · 4. Tbilisi, Georgia · 5. Lisbon, Portugal · 6. Cape Town, South Africa · 7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · 8. Buenos Aires, Argentina · 9. Skopje, North Macedonia · 10. Cebu, Phillipines

What are some cheap places for digital nomads in Europe ?

Some of the cheapest places for digital nomads in Europe are · Tbilisi, Georgia · Skopje, North Macedonia · Zagreb, Croatia · Lisbon, Portugal · Sofia, Bulgaria · Budapest, Hungary · Bucharest, Romania · Tirana, Albania · Budapest, Hungary · Athens, Greece

What are the cheapest U.S. cities for digital nomads?

Some of the cheapest places for digital nomads in the United States are · West Virginia · Puerto Rico · Cleveland · Philadelphia · Austin, Texas · Saint Louis · Pittsburgh, PA · Florida

How to find cheap places for digital nomads?

• Research cost of living • Evaluate visa requirements and regulations • Consider currency exchange rates • Explore lesser-known places to visit • Utilize nomad forums and communities • Look for remote work-friendly cities • Be flexible with travel dates • Consider long-term stays • seek local recommendations