14 Budget-Friendly Cities for Digital Nomads
Working from a picturesque cafe, exploring a new culture, and taking meetings in your sweatpants: That is the digital nomad lifestyle. But let’s be real: Not every city was built for the remote worker’s wallet. Wi-Fi is pricey, co-working spaces are too expensive, living costs are high and your wanderlust can quickly turn into a financial headache.
Fortunately, plenty of cities around the world offer the opportunity to live well, work productively and stretch your budget. There are affordable accommodations, reliable internet, and a thriving community of like-minded nomads to be found in bustling metropolises and laid back beach towns.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has been the unofficial capital of digital nomads for years now, and for a good reason. Meals can be had for as little as $2, studio apartments start at around $250 a month, and it’s a haven for budget-conscious travelers. It has an abundance of co-working spaces, fast internet, an active expat community and is a recipe for remote work bliss.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon also offers lots of old world charm along with modern convenience without breaking the bank. It’s more expensive than other cities on this list, but the cost of living in Brussels is still very cheap for a European capital. Sharing accommodation will set you back $800–$1,000 in rent per month, but the city is affordable when it comes to public transport, fresh seafood and an ever increasing number of co-working hubs.
Tbilisi, Georgia
It’s affordable, it’s charming, and Tbilisi is rapidly becoming a popular digital nomad hotspot. The cost of dining out is surprisingly low and in the city center you can rent a cozy apartment for as little as $300 a month. On top of that, Georgia’s visa policies are welcoming (many nationals can stay for up to a year). The local wine is legendary, and cheap!
Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Bali is synonymous with the digital nomad lifestyle, and Canggu does it well. It’s popular, and Bali still remains remarkably affordable. Rent a villa with a few friends for about $500 per person, eat local nasi goreng for $1.50, and get to know a growing remote working community. The surf-ready beaches don’t hurt either.
Medellín, Colombia
In recent years, Medellín has become a rather affordable hotspot for digital nomads and was once infamous for its turbulent past. The “City of Eternal Spring” is a growing tech scene, has a perfect climate, and good public transport. You can begin renting in Medellín for as little as $400 a month, and the city’s modern co-working spaces have all you need to stay productive.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Economically, culturally and historically, Hanoi delivers. You can live in a comfortable apartment and eat pho and banh mi off the street for a few dollars for under $300 a month. Given the number of cafes that double as remote workspaces, it’s easy to stay caffeinated and connected.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is becoming one of Europe’s most up and coming digital nomad destinations. The Serbian capital is incredibly budget-friendly and you can get a central apartment for around $350 a month. The internet is fine, and it’s a good base to work remotely, plus the city has a great café culture and a lot of nightlife.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv is a rare gem, with an ancient history. Its cost of living is a fraction of that of Western Europe. Elsewhere, there are city rentals starting at just $250 a month for a cozy apartment. It is a perfect spot for anyone who also loves to have breaks from the laptops every once in a while. Plovdiv has a walkable old town and a breathtaking art scene. Bulgaria’s low tax rates also bring about the benefits of freelancers, and remote entrepreneurs.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is another great option for any nomad, an affordable place with big city energy. Rent for a comfortable apartment is $500—$800 a month in trendy neighborhoods like Roma or Condesa. It’s cheap and the street food is extremely good. The city has a strong public transport system and more co-working spaces.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town treats digital nomads to beautiful landscapes and a low cost of living. Food can be had at budget prices in local markets and restaurants, and the average rent for an apartment is $600 a month. The city has world-class coffee shops and fiber optic internet, making it easy to work in the city, and then there’s the weekend safaris and mountain hikes to unwind.
Kraków, Poland
The Eastern European gem of Kraków has a lot to offer remote workers. Rent starts around $400 a month and this historic city is cheap compared to Western Europe. Kraków has good Wi-Fi, and lots of pleasant co-working spaces.
La Paz, Bolivia
If you’re looking for a South American city with jaw-dropping scenery and a tight budget, look no further than La Paz. Meals start at a few dollars, and rent is just USD 200 a month. You might find the Andean backdrop a little breathless but it’s well worth the effort.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a great digital nomad city, and it’s affordable with beautiful architecture. Rents for central apartments run to about $400 a month, and the city’s efficient public transport makes getting around easy. Budapest offers a rare combination of work and play, on top of fast Wi-Fi and a strong freelancer community.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh is a cheap but unpopular digital nomad. With as little as $2000, you can easily get a place to stay. The laid-back vibe and friendly locals makes the Southeast Asian city more appealing. However, the infrastructure still needs to be improved on.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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