In recent years, digital nomadism has become increasingly popular, but when COVID-19 hit, it took off. Many people have embraced this lifestyle and would like to continue it, but rent is one of their biggest concerns.
The good news is that there are destinations where rent prices aren't crazy and you can live a decent life on a budget.
Based on an analysis of rental prices for one-bedroom apartments in 37 countries conducted by CIA Landlords, Euronews recently published a list of the world's cheapest destinations that can help you decide where to move next.
London is the most expensive city to rent a one-bedroom apartment, with an average rent of £11,088 (€12,800) for six months. But there are also places like Ankara in Turkey that are more than £9,000 (€10,400) cheaper than London, where a one-bedroom apartment costs about £1,303 (€1,504) for six months.
According to CIA Landlords, these are the top 10 cheapest destinations in the world in terms of rent, most of which are in Europe.
10. San Jose, Costa Rica
With a vibrant party scene that includes plenty of craft breweries and dance clubs, San Jose is a perfect gateway to Costa Rica's beaches and parks.
A special visa is available for digital nomads to facilitate moving to the country as a remote worker. An apartment with one bedroom costs £3,566 (€4,094) for a six-month stay.
9. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana, the capital and largest city of Slovenia, is known for its green spaces, including the expansive Tivoli Park, and for its university population. Between the old town and the commercial center of the city is the winding river Ljubljanica, lined with sidewalk cafes.
To stay there long-term, expats would need to obtain a Schengen visa, as there is no dedicated visa for digital nomads in the country. For six months, you will need to pay £3,491 (€4,007) for a one bedroom flat.
8. Tallinn, Estonia
Located in the heart of Estonia, Tallinn is a great destination for people who want to enjoy the comforts of modern life, a wide range of nightlife options, and luxurious adventures with a rich cultural scene in a unique setting.
Digital nomads can obtain a one-year visa to live and work in Estonia. A six-month stay in an apartment with one bedroom costs £3,437 (€3,942).
7. Bratislava, Slovakia
The capital of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, also called the Beauty on the Danube, not only has an interesting history, but is also the center of one of the most dynamically developing regions in Central Europe.
Expats who want to move to the country can apply for temporary residency permits. No dedicated visa is available for digital nomads. The rental cost for a one-bedroom flat for six months is £3,354 (€3,847).
6. Athens, Greece
Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy, science and philosophy of Western civilization and is also the birthplace of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus.
You'll love discovering the exciting new neighborhoods of Athens, a city with a lively gastronomical scene and a thriving cultural scene.
Digital nomads can apply for a two-year visa in the country. Rent in a one bedroom apartment for six months is £2,580 (€2,959).
5. Riga, Latvia
In Riga, the capital of Latvia, there are many museums and concert halls. The city is also known for its medieval Old Town, wooden buildings and Art Nouveau architecture.
The Latvian government offers a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay for one year in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom flat for six months is £2,313 (€2,653).
4. Budapest, Hungary
With its dramatic history, extravagant architecture, therapeutic thermal waters, and unparalleled nightlife, Budapest has something for everyone.
The Hungarian visa for digital nomads is known as a "white card" To apply for it, you must submit an initial application at a local Hungarian embassy. Six months' rent in a one-bedroom apartment: £2,306 (€2,647).
3. Santiago, Chile
Chile's capital, vibrant Santiago, is a bustling city nestled in a valley surrounded by the foothills of the Andes. Founded in 1541, the city is now a thriving metropolis with many fine restaurants and first-class hotels.
It's the only city in the world where you can ski high up in the majestic Andes and just 90 minutes later walk on the beach and surf in the Pacific Ocean.
Chile does not have a specific visa for digital nomads. However, it's possible to work with a 90-day tourist visa, which can be extended for another 90 days for about €100. The rental cost of a one-bedroom flat for six months is £2,248 (€2,580).
2. Bogota, Colombia
In Bogotá, the high-altitude, sprawling capital of Colombia, there are many colonial-era landmarks. These include the neoclassical Teatro Colón and the 17th-century Iglesia de San Francisco, located in La Candelaria.
The city is also home to several popular museums, including the Museo Botero, which exhibits the art of Fernando Botero, and the Museo del Oro, which features pre-Columbian gold pieces.
Foreign nationals employed outside Colombia can now apply for a digital nomad visa that allows them to work remotely from Colombia for up to two years. It would cost £1,818 (€2,087) to rent a one-bedroom flat for six months.
1. Ankara, Turkey
Ankara has a vibrant social scene, great restaurants and award-winning shopping malls, and on top of that, a history that dates back to the Romans.
The country's capital is the right place to dine in style, go clubbing, visit art galleries and museums, or explore antique stores.
There's no special visa for digital nomads in Turkey, but you can apply for a residence permit. Six months' rent in a one-bedroom apartment: £1,303 (€1,504).
Thinking about traveling to these great destinations, but not sure you'll find your ideal accommodation? We've got just the thing for you. Check out the hundreds of listings on Flatio in Europe and beyond to find a place where you can live and work with peace of mind.
