The digital nomad lifestyle has become very popular, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. In the U.S., the number of digital nomads jumped from 11 million in 2020 to 15.5 million in 2021. People love the freedom of working from anywhere, setting their own hours, and avoiding commutes.
However, living in expensive tourist spots can quickly drain your money. Luckily, there are many places where you can live well for less than $1,500 a month.
Here are some of the best affordable destinations for digital nomads, according to Freaking Nomads:
Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia is a popular choice for digital nomads because of its diverse scenery and low living costs. Bali, in particular, is a top spot for remote workers, thanks to its many cafes and coworking spaces.
Ubud and Canggu are especially loved by digital nomads. Ubud has a relaxed atmosphere with rice paddies and jungle trails, while Canggu offers beautiful beaches and a surfer town feel.
Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Bali monthly costs about $800, with basic utilities around $90.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is not just an island paradise; it also has some of the world's most exciting cities. Chiang Mai, known as "the capital of the North," is a lively city with something for everyone. With its rich history, culture, delicious food, and lively nightlife, there is always something to do in Chiang Mai.
The cost of living in Thailand is very low compared to Western countries. In Chiang Mai, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $400 per month, and utilities like electricity and internet cost around $70 per month.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Thailand
Da Nang, Vietnam
People love Vietnam for its rich culture, which you can experience by visiting markets, trying street food, attending cultural events, and seeing temples and historical sites. The country is also famous for its coffee culture.
Another major attraction is the low cost of living. In Da Nang, a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for $300-$400 per month, with utilities costing around $80 per month. Food is also very affordable -- a bowl of pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) costs less than $1.50.
Medellìn, Colombia
Colombia attracts digital nomads with its diverse landscapes, friendly locals, and rich culture. One major draw is its favorable climate, along with its affordability.
Living costs in Colombia are notably lower compared to many developed nations. For instance, a meal at a budget restaurant can be as low as $5.56, though prices have been increasing recently, as reported by residents. Utilities like the internet are also reasonably priced, with average speeds of 15-20 Mbps, sufficient for everyday online activities such as email and web browsing.
Bangalore, India
India is a great pick for travelers due to its stunning landscapes, rich history, and varied cultures. It's also perfect for digital nomads because of its affordable living costs. You can find furnished apartments at affordable rates and plenty of coworking spaces, making India an ideal place for remote workers to stay productive and comfortable.
Moreover, India offers excellent connectivity with dependable Wi-Fi and accessible IT assistance. Whether you're immersing yourself in a new culture or aiming to cut costs, living expenses in India are quite affordable. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Bangalore typically ranges from $300 to $400 per month, covering utilities like electricity and water
Merida, Mexico
Mexico is an attractive option for digital nomads with affordable living costs. Many cities here allow you to live comfortably for under $1,500 per month. For instance, in Merida, the capital of Yucatan State, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment and have internet for around $600 monthly. Mexico also has reliable internet speeds, ideal for remote work.
Moreover, Mexico offers numerous affordable cities that are ideal for digital nomads aiming to budget wisely. Some of the most well-liked options include Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, and Tijuana.
Budapest, Hungary
Hungary might be the perfect place for you if you want to live in Central Europe and enjoy rich culture and history. Located in the Carpathian Basin, Hungary is bordered by Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. Budapest, the capital and largest city, is famous for its beauty, lively nightlife, and thermal baths.
Living costs in Hungary are quite reasonable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Budapest's historic Buda area typically ranges from $600 to $700 per month, with utilities adding about $150 monthly. Internet speeds are decent, averaging around 50 Mbps.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Budapest
Morocco
This country is excellent for digital nomads, offering a remarkably low cost of living. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment here for just $300 to $400 per month. High-speed fiber optic internet is affordable at around $35 monthly, and utilities typically add up to about $40. Depending on how often you dine out, food expenses can be as low as $100 per month.
Morocco has become a popular choice for digital nomads seeking both a laptop-friendly environment and immersive cultural experiences and exciting adventures. It's a great place to relax, with numerous coffee shops, restaurants, and reliable cell phone service. Plus, there's plenty to explore!
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Imagine living in a country where you can rent an apartment for under $300 a month, enjoy incredibly affordable food, and zip around town on a motorbike for less than $2. If this sounds tempting, Cambodia might just be your ideal destination.
Phnom Penh, a growing city, offers a low cost of living with numerous cafés and reliable Wi-Fi. Renting a one-bedroom apartment here costs between $400 and $500 per month. Utilities like electricity and water are also very reasonably priced. The city has an average internet speed of 25 Mbps, more than sufficient for most work tasks.
Antalya, Turkey
Turkey, spanning Europe and Asia, has grown in popularity among digital nomads. In Izmir, a lively coastal city, living expenses are affordable. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $400 to $500 per month, with utilities like electricity and internet adding about $70 more.
Turkey offers fast internet, making it an ideal location for online work. But, slow internet can be frustrating while traveling. Affordable cities like Istanbul and Antalya are great options for digital nomads in Turkey.
Flatio: Deposit-free rentals around the world
At Flatio, we provide digital nomads with rental accommodations in over 300 destinations worldwide. We offer visa-friendly lease agreements, flexible, and reasonably priced stays starting from 5 days, and a variety of remote work-friendly options including rooms, flats, houses, and villas.
Our rentals include utilities and Wi-Fi, with no deposit required for stays under 180 days unless required by local laws.
Our balanced lease agreements are available in multiple languages, and we ensure a hassle-free experience with an attractive cancellation policy, online lease signing, StayProtection services for emergencies, a Move-in Guarantee with 24/7 support, 100% money protection, daily customer support, no hidden fees, and a secure payment system that even accepts Bitcoin.
