As a digital nomad, finding an affordable place to live and work remotely is key to maintaining your lifestyle. The good news is some countries worldwide offer extremely low living costs while still providing reliable internet connectivity. If you want to stretch your budget as far as possible in 2023, consider these options at the top of the list for cheap places to work remotely as a digital nomad.
The 3 cheapest countries for digital nomads in Asia
As a digital nomad in Asia, consider these ultra-affordable countries:
1. Ko Lanta, Thailand
Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Ko Lanta offers digital nomads an affordable tropical paradise. Rent for a basic one-bedroom apartment starts at around $300 per month, and you can find beachfront bungalows for under $500.
The laid-back island vibe, low cost of living, and natural wonders make Ko Lanta an alluring hub for remote workers. You can work from a beachside cafe for the price of a smoothie, then join locals at a beach bar to watch the sunset.
2. Ubud, Indonesia
As the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud offers a lower cost of living than many other parts of the island while still providing modern amenities and conveniences. Ubud’s average daily cost of living is $50 to $100 per day for a single traveler. Rent for a one-bedroom home or apartment costs around $300 to $500 monthly.
With its lush rice fields, artisan crafts, yoga studios, and healthy cafes, Ubud offers an ideal lifestyle at an attractive price point for digital nomads. By choosing Ubud as a home base, you can live comfortably while saving money to fund future adventures across Southeast Asia.
3. Luang Prabang, Laos
Luang Prabang, Laos, is an affordable destination for digital nomads seeking culture and natural beauty. In fact, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Luang Prabang averages around $200 to $500 monthly. Meals at local restaurants are usually under $5.
Aside from that, transportation is very affordable. Tuk-tuks, scooters, and bicycles are popular for getting around town, costing just a few dollars. The low cost of living and the natural and cultural attractions make Luang Prabang an appealing spot for budget-conscious digital nomads. Spending under $1,000 per month is easy here, leaving more time to enjoy the highlights of this special town.
The 2 cheapest countries for digital nomads in Africa
Exploring the continent while keeping a watchful eye on your budget is a thrilling prospect, and some African countries stand out as particularly wallet-friendly cheapest places for digital nomads.
4. Nairobi, Kenya
With its low cost of living, natural scenery, and opportunities for adventure, Nairobi is an appealing base for digital nomads looking to keep costs down. As a matter of fact, the overall cost of living in Nairobi is low compared to most cities. You can enjoy a meal out for $3-7. Groceries cost around $200-300 per month for one person.
There are many free and low-cost things to do, like visiting Uhuru Gardens, the National Museum, or Nairobi National Park. Spending time in this East African city allows you to save money that can then be used to explore more of Kenya and surrounding countries.
5. Casablanca, Morocco
As Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca offers plenty of coworking spaces and coffee shops with fast Wi-Fi for remote work. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around $500 per month.
Public transit in Casablanca consists of busses, trams, and taxis, making getting around the city easy and cheap. A single tram or bus ticket costs less than $1. Taxis are also very affordable, with most fares within the city around $5-10.
The 3 cheapest countries for digital nomads in Europe
If you’re looking for the cheapest digital nomad locations in Europe, consider these budget-friendly destinations:
6. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia, is an affordable destination for digital nomads. Bills like electricity, water, and WiFi cost under $100 in total.
Food is inexpensive, with a meal costing $5-$10 at a restaurant. Groceries for basic items are around $200 per month. Public transit within the city is efficient, with most fares under $1.
7. Tirana, Albania
Consumer costs in Tirana are lower compared to other cities in Albania. Groceries and dining out are very affordable. You can have two meals at a mid-range restaurant for around $15. A week’s worth of groceries for one person costs $30-$40.
Besides that, healthcare and coworking spaces are inexpensive. A doctor’s visit is $15-$25. Coworking spaces offer monthly memberships for $100-$200.
8. Lisbon, Portugal
In Lisbon, Portugal, the cost of living for digital nomads is extremely affordable. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon for around $650 monthly. Shared apartments and rooms in co-living spaces are even cheaper, starting at around $350 per month.
Portugal’s lower cost of living and Lisbon’s vibrant culture and community make it an appealing base for digital nomads looking to save money while enjoying an exciting European city. The new digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay long-term, so you can settle in and experience all Lisbon offers.
The 2 cheapest countries for digital nomads in North America
While North America is often perceived as a region with higher living costs, several countries still offer attractive options for budget-conscious digital nomads seeking to explore this diverse continent.
9. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is an affordable beach destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast. As a digital nomad, your money will go far in this traditional yet cosmopolitan city.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at around $500 per month. Utility bills and basic services will cost between $50 to $150 monthly. You can eat under $10 at local restaurants and shop at farmers’ markets for fresh produce and homemade goods.
From December to April, the dry season sees the biggest crowds and highest prices. Visit from April to June for pleasant weather and lower room rates before the rainy summer.
10. Antigua, Guatemala
Known for its Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, Antigua is one of the most affordable cities for digital nomads. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $300 per month. A combo meal at a local restaurant costs around $3, and you can get a week’s worth of groceries for $30.
Public transportation and taxis are very cheap, around 50 cents per ride. The picturesque city offers free walking tours, cultural events, and outdoor activities surrounded by volcanoes. High-speed internet and co-working spaces provide plenty of opportunities to get work done.
The 2 cheapest countries for digital nomads in Oceania
Oceania, with its stunning landscapes and unique cultures, may not immediately come to mind as a budget-friendly destination for digital nomads. However, several countries in the region offer opportunities for cost-effective exploration and remote work experiences.
11. Perth, Australia
Perth is 42% more affordable than New York City in terms of cost of living. Groceries and meals out are reasonably priced. You can get a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for around $10 and a week’s worth of groceries for $50-$70.
Public transit within the city costs around $4 per trip. Taxis start around $3.50, and UberX rides are around $1 per kilometer. Utility bills for electricity, heating, and internet are $150-$200 monthly.
Overall, Perth offers digital nomads an affordable lifestyle in a city with beautiful beaches, parks, and an outdoor lifestyle. The lower living costs mean your money goes further, allowing you to enjoy more of this city’s offerings.
12. Wellington, New Zealand
As the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington has a low cost of living compared to most major cities. Utilities like electricity, heating, and internet cost around $150 monthly. A single transit pass is $56. Taxis and Ubers are also budget-friendly.
The stunning natural scenery, mild climate, and vibrant culture make Wellington ideal for remote workers looking to save money. Nomads love the walkability, coffee culture, and work-life balance Wellington offers.
The 3 cheapest countries for digital nomads in South America
When you think of South America, cheap living may not immediately come to mind. However, some countries like Colombia and Peru should be on every digital nomad’s radar. Here’s why:
13. Medellin, Colombia
Medellin, Colombia, is an attractive destination for digital nomads looking to stretch their budgets. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a nice city center area can be found for under $500 per month. Utilities like electricity, water, and wifi will add another $100-$200.
Getting around Medellin without a car is easy, thanks to its metro system, which costs just 75 cents per ride. Taxis and ride-sharing are also cheap, around $3-$8 for most trips within the city.
14. Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is an affordable destination for digital nomads. Peru uses the Sol as its currency, and the cost of living in Lima is very budget-friendly compared to other South American cities.
Utility bills like electricity, water, and WiFi internet will be around $100 in total. Getting around Lima is easy and cheap. A single bus or metro ride is only 50 cents. Taxis and Ubers are also affordable, around $3 to $7 for a typical ride within the city.
Lima has a pleasant climate with little seasonal variation in temperature. The coastline has great beaches, and the city also offers paragliding, surfing, and hiking opportunities in the Andes Mountains.
15. Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia, offers digital nomads an affordable place to live and work remotely. Groceries and dining out are very budget-friendly in Bogotá. You can find a meal at a local restaurant for $3 to $5. Buying groceries at the market and cooking at home, you’ll spend $200 to $300 monthly.
Public transit in Bogotá is efficient, extensive, and inexpensive. A bus or metro ride costs about 50 cents. Taxis and ride-sharing are also affordable options to get around the city, typically costing $3 to $5 per ride.
Final Words
As you can see, there are many cheapest places for digital nomads looking to stretch their budgets. The next time your wanderlust kicks in and you start dreaming of working remotely in an exotic locale, consider one of these budget-friendly countries. You may find that you can afford to stay longer than you ever imagined.
