Cheapest Countries to Live as a Digital Nomad

Living as a digital nomad offers the unique opportunity to explore the world while working remotely.

However, managing expenses is a crucial aspect of sustaining this lifestyle long-term.

Fortunately, several countries are known for their affordability, making them ideal destinations for digital nomads looking to stretch their budgets.

Here’s a look at some of the cheapest countries to live in as a digital nomad, offering a blend of low living costs, reliable internet, and a supportive community for remote workers.

Top Cheap Countries to Live a Digital Nomad Lifestyle

1. Thailand

Thailand, especially cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, has long been a favorite among digital nomads.

The country offers an affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and excellent co-working spaces.

In Chiang Mai, for instance, you can live comfortably on $1,000 to $1,500 a month, enjoying cheap local food, affordable accommodation, and a strong expat community.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam is another Southeast Asian country that’s become a hotspot for digital nomads.

Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer incredibly low living costs, with the added benefits of fast internet and a growing number of co-working spaces.

You can live well in Vietnam on a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 a month, enjoying delicious Vietnamese cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and a rich cultural history.

3. Indonesia (Bali)

Bali is Indonesia’s jewel for digital nomads, known for its beautiful beaches, spiritual culture, and thriving digital nomad community.

While slightly more expensive than other Southeast Asian destinations, Bali still offers great value.

With $1,500 to $2,000 a month, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, access to excellent co-working and co-living spaces, and a vibrant social scene.

4. Colombia (Medellín)

Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” is a top choice for nomads seeking a blend of affordability and urban living.

Colombia offers a low cost of living, with monthly expenses ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.

Medellín boasts a pleasant climate year-round, a friendly local community, and a growing number of digital nomads and expats, making it an attractive option for those looking to live affordably in South America.

5. Portugal (Lisbon)

While Western Europe is generally expensive, Lisbon presents an exception with its relatively affordable living costs, especially when compared to other European capitals.

Portugal’s capital offers a vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and a supportive environment for digital nomads.

With a budget of $2,000 to $2,500 a month, you can enjoy a high quality of life, access to excellent co-working spaces and the charm of living in one of Europe’s most picturesque cities.

6. Mexico (Playa del Carmen)

Mexico offers several affordable destinations for digital nomads, with Playa del Carmen standing out for its beautiful beaches, lively expat community, and affordability.

Living costs can range from $1,200 to $1,800 a month, providing a comfortable lifestyle that includes good internet for your nomadic job, delicious food, and a range of leisure activities.

7. Georgia (Tbilisi)

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, has recently gained popularity among digital nomads for its incredibly low cost of living, unique culture, and welcoming visa policies.

You can live comfortably in Tbilisi on a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 a month, enjoying Georgian hospitality, delicious food, and a burgeoning tech scene.

8. Ukraine (Kyiv)

Before recent events, Kyiv offered an incredibly affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, and a rapidly growing tech industry.

While the current situation requires careful consideration, Kyiv historically has been a place where digital nomads could thrive on a budget of $1,000 to $1,500 a month.

Conclusion

Choosing the right destination as a nomad traveller can significantly impact your expenses and overall experience.

These countries offer a mix of affordability, community, and the infrastructure needed to work remotely, making them ideal for digital nomads looking to maximise their budget while exploring the world.

Always consider a destination’s current political and social climate before moving, and look for up-to-date information to ensure a safe and productive stay.