The Cheapest Digital Nomad Destinations for Budget Travelers

The Cheapest Digital Nomad Destinations for Budget Travelers

Digital nomadism is the same as the most attractive lifestyle for many people in the world, which allows you to work from anywhere. As more companies adopt remote work, travelers can discover new cities, cultures, and experiences while still working. With the digital nomad lifestyle comes a lot of opportunity but don`t forget about costs —since, living in expensive cities is not always affordable.

The silver lining is that for every overpriced city there is an equally affordable destination for digital nomads to spend a few months and save money. If you are new to the digital nomad game or want to see how to make your travels more affordable, this guide will review the best low-cost digital nomad hotspots for the budget traveler.

This article will look into 10 stunning travel destinations providing an enticing combination of fast Internet, low-cost living, an active nomad community, and more-than-acceptable quality of life. Let’s dive in!

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Why Chiang Mai is loved by digital nomads for years, and deservedly so. Chiang Mai is one of the best workation cities in Thailand offering a low cost of living in a great vibe for work and play. Chiang Mai is a great place for budget digital nomads and has a laid-back atmosphere, welcoming locals, and plenty of heritage.

Why Chiang Mai is Affordable:
  • Cost of Living — Chiang Mai is quite affordable in terms of cost of living. You can get a decent place to rent from sector 200–400 a month, eating out costs a few bucks.
  • Internet & Co-working Spaces — if you are looking to work remotely you should be in with a range of co-working spaces you can choose from in Chiang Mai with a fast and stable internet connection;
  • Big Nomad Community: There are many events, meetups, and like-minded people to connect within this city.
Things to Do in Chiang Mai:
  • Explore historical sites such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
  • Immerse yourself in the local markets and street food.
  • Weekend getaway to nearby waterfalls, national parks, etc.

2. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of the greatest digital nomad hot spots in the world. Bali: Surrounded by beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and its casual approach to living invites workers of all types — creative types and techies alike to this beautiful island paradise.

Why Bali is Affordable:
  • Cost of Living: Although Bali has more luxurious tourist areas like Seminyak and Ubud, it still has affordable areas. Accommodation is nearly free from $300 per month, and local food costs only $2–$5 per meal.
  • Internet & Co-working space: There are lots of co-working space in Bali, especially in Canggu and Ubud area where the internet connection is stable, and many digital nomads come together.
  • Chill Feel: The vibe in Bali is a good work-life balance You can lounge on the beach, surf, or go to yoga retreats after work.
Things to Do in Bali:
  • Explore the holy temples like Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot.
  • Go visit rice terraces and waterfalls in Ubud
  • Seminyak - Experience Seminyak beach clubs + surfing

3. Lisbon, Portugal

A blend of history, culture and low living costs, Lisbon has become a hotspot for digital nomads. Even though Lisbon is in Western Europe, it is a cheaper place to live than London or Paris.

Why Lisbon is Affordable:
  • Cheap Cost of Living: You can easily get by in Lisbon on a reasonable budget, especially compared with other major European cities. You can get a one bed-rooming for $600–$800 on a per month basis.
  • From a fast Internet & Co-working Spaces: The Internet is very good in this city, and there are also quite a few great co-working spaces, so it is very easy to work remotely.
  • Excellent Weather: Thanks to Lisbon's Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy its pleasant weather all year round.
Things to Do in Lisbon:
  • Explore landmarks such as Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery.
  • Wander through the colourful districts of Alfama and Bairro Alto
  • Go on day trips to the nearby beaches or the beautiful Sintra area.

4. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City: Mexico City is a massive powerhouse of a city in Latin America (and probably the most dynamic) that draws digital nomads in with its incredible culture, atmosphere, and affordability. Another fun place to live with everything from the art galleries to really great street food.

Mexico City is Cheap Because:
  • Affordable cost of living – Mexico City has a very affordable cost of living and offers a lot of options for budget accommodation. Rent for an apartment is typically $300–$600 USD/month.
  • Fast & Reliable Internet & Co-working Spaces: You can choose from many co-working spaces or cafes in Mexico City and the internet is overall quite reliable, which makes it perfect for remote work.
  • Public Transport: You can get around the city via its cheap and efficient public transport (metros, buses, etc.) system without spending a lot
Things to Do in Mexico City:

Explore the National Anthropology Museum and Chapultepec Park.

Visit Teotihuacan, a massive Mesoamerican site in a sub valley of the Valley of Mexico, featuring two of the largest pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas, it is an ancient architectural site, so make sure to wander the historic town, and you can also visit its pyramids lesser-known pyramids.

Sample the local fare: tacos, tamales, and churros.

5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is another hot spot for those who are a bit more budget cautious. The city can be known as fast-paced with great food and a low cost of living, and has become one of the digital nomad capitals of the world, especially in Southeast Asia.

Reasons You Will Find Ho Chi Minh City Cheap:
  • Low Cost of Living: Vietnam is among the cheapest countries to live in. For as little as $250 a month you can find somewhere for longer term accommodation to stay in, and most local meals are under $2.
  • Connectivity & Co-working Spaces: Vilnius hosts an increasing number of co-working spaces and coffee shops with high-speed internet available. Most spaces have inexpensive monthly subscriptions you can get.
  • Diverse Places: Ho Chi Minh City is home to culture, history and street food to explore everyday which makes you exciting of living here.
What to do and see in Ho Chi Minh City:
  • Day 12: War Remnants Museum + Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Check out the markets and street food stalls.
  • Go on a boat trip to Mekong delta

6. Tbilisi, Georgia

Set on the banks of the River Kura, Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia and a secret digital nomad hot spot. This lovely little city has affordable living, fast internet, and everything remote workers want!

Why Tbilisi is Affordable:
  • Cost of Living — Tbilisi is one of the most inexpensive places to live. For as cheap as $200/month for rent, and a sub-$10 restaurant meal.
  • Internet & co-working places: There are a lot of co-working spaces in Tbilisi and internet is fast and cheap.
  • Visa-Friendly: With vast opportunities for up to a year without a visa for many nationalities, Georgia is a very appealing digital nomad destination.
Things to Do in Tbilisi:
  • Wander through the Old Town with its historic buildings and hot springs.
  • Walk to the Narikala Fortress with 360 degree views of Tbilisi.
  • Vinyard of Kakheti. Take a travel to wine region.

7. Belgrade, Serbia

Related to Read: For Digital Nomads, Belgrade (Serbia Capital City) Is the Best Place in Europe (And possibly in the World) A vibrant history, buzzing nightlife, and low cost of living is attracting more and more digital nomads from around the world.

Why Belgrade is Affordable:
  • Low cost of living — Belgrade, along with the rest of Serbia, has one of the cheapest living costs in Europe. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for ~$350 a month, and cheap meals can be had—as with much of Paraguay, many local restaurants serve great value meals.
  • Internet & Co-working Spaces — The city has good internet and some co-working space so it could be a viable place for remote work.
  • Brilliant Nightlife: Belgrade is renowned for its nightlife so you will have plenty of choices to relax after long working hours.
Things to Do in Belgrade:
  • Explore the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park.
  • Take a walk in bohemian neighborhood Skadarlija.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city at the Danube river.

8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is capital of Malaysia and the upcoming digital nomad hub in Southeast Asia. Here, cheap living and the embracing culture become mixed elements of developing infrastructure.

Reasons as to why Kuala Lumpur is budget-friendly:
  • Affordable Cost of Living: Rent for a one-bedroomed apartment in Kuala Lumpur start from approximately $300 per month. A local meal can be as little as $2.
  • Internet and Co-working Spaces: The place is home to fast net and co-work spaces which attracts a good amount of remote employees br>
  • Gentle Access to Various Nations: Kuala Lumpur is connected effectively to the Southeast Asian nations giving it extraordinary base for wandering the locale.
Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur:
  • Explore Petronas Towers and Batu Caves.
  • Discover Dubai exquisite markets and shopping malls.
  • Enjoy day tours to visit national parks and islands nearby.

9. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Another hobbit hole on a budget for digital nomads? Cambodia, more specifically, Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. Along with many historical landmarks and places to visit, a growing expat community, and a low cost of living.

Why Phnom Penh is Affordable:
  • Cost of Living — Probably one of the cheapest cities to live in SE Asia. Monthly rent can be only $250, and meals often less than $3.
  • Internet & Co-working Spaces — Plenty of co-working spaces with internet connection ideal for remote working.
  • Historic Sights: There is lots of history and culture in Phnom Penh, so check out some of the museums and other sights.
Things to Do in Phnom Penh:
  • Check out The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.
  • Killing Fields & Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
  • A live and colorful local market and riverside promenade awaits you.

10. Lima, Peru

Peru / Lima Lima, the capital of Peru is a good place between modern life and low prices. Lima makes for a great option for budget travelers, with rich history, a diverse culture and a strong digital nomad community.

Why Lima is Affordable:
  • Cost of Living: Lima is very inexpensive. Monthly rent can be as low as $300, and the food at some local establishments is inexpensive, with many plates costing you less than $5.
  • Lima Co-working Spaces & Internet: Lima offers various co-working spaces and their internet is also great, so remote work is not a problem!
  • Natural Attractions: Just outside Lima, you'll find spectacular beaches — and, of course, the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu aren't far away either.
Things to Do in Lima:
  • Discover the old town and the Plaza Mayor department.
  • Tours: Huaca Puclllana archaeological site
  • At Miraflores, take in the beaches and food!
Conclusion

Being a digital nomad and living on a budget, is not having to live like a loser. If you have an online job or are a digital nomad, there are a ton of places around the globe that boast a low cost of living, good internet, and a great community. From tropical beaches to vibrant urban settings to epic ruins, here are 10 great destinations to consider if you want a combination of affordable living and opportunity to work.