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Cheapest places for digital nomads: All you need to know
Are you worried about your budget when traveling? Here are the three cheapest places for digital nomads. Save money by telecommuting!
Are you an adventurer looking for your next destination? If you’re ready to embrace remote work without spending a fortune, we’ve got you covered. Here are three of the most affordable countries for digital nomads, so you can live your dream while keeping costs low.
We’ve explored all five continents—Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Australia—to uncover the most budget-friendly destinations for digital nomads. In this guide, you’ll discover top destinations where you can enjoy a high quality of life without overspending. Travel smart and save more!
Why not every cheap country is suitable for digital nomads?
A digital nomad is someone who works remotely and has the freedom to set up their office anywhere in the world. Many countries now offer special visas for digital nomads, but they come with a key condition: you cannot work for local companies or have clients within the country where you’re residing. In other words, to qualify, you need to prove that your income comes from foreign sources while living abroad.
Not every country is ideal for digital nomads. Some have a high cost of living, which could make it difficult to cover daily expenses like rent, groceries, transport, and entertainment if your income doesn’t match the local average. That’s why choosing a destination that aligns with your budget is essential. However, just because a country is affordable doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right fit for remote work.
A reliable internet connection is a top priority for any digital nomad. Beyond that, factors like personal safety, coworking spaces, infrastructure, efficient transportation, and a thriving nomad community can make a big difference. It’s also important to consider government regulations for remote workers and any tax obligations you might have while living there.
Top 3 cheapest countries for digital nomads
Now that we know affordability isn’t the only factor, the countries on our list also stand out for their remote work infrastructure and professional environment. Let’s break down the ranking, from the most expensive of the budget-friendly options to the most cost-effective destination.
Colombia
Colombia has become one of the most affordable destinations for digital nomads in Latin America. Known for its coffee plantations, tropical forests, and great weather year-round, it’s an attractive place to live. In 2022, the Colombian government introduced a digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to stay and work for up to two years, with the possibility of extension. Additionally, there’s a tourist visa that lets you stay for up to 180 days, so you can experience life in the country before making a long-term commitment.
The internet connection in major cities is reliable, and in recent years, Colombia has made significant improvements in public safety, making it a safe place to live and work. Thanks to these positive changes in both society and tourism, Colombia is experiencing a surge in foreign residents. Furthermore, the cost of living is very low compared to other countries. For this reason, we are focusing on the cities of Medellín and Bogotá.
Medellín
This Andean mountain city enjoys a year-round average temperature of 19°C, making it a unique place to live. Known as Medellín, the Special District of Science, Technology, and Innovation, it is home to over 2 million people and hosts many important national and international companies. Digital nomads are drawn to the city for its quality of life, affordable cost of living, and the natural beauty surrounding it. Here are the main expenses you’ll encounter:
| Concepts | Cost (dollars/month) |
| Accommodation | From $325 to $486 for an apartment in neighborhoods such as El Poblado or Laureles. |
| Coworkings | Between $86 to $160, depending on the services offered. |
| Food | $160-215 for local food, markets or restaurants. |
| Transport | $23 in public transport and $40 per month in cabs. |
| Leisure | $75 to $110 for cultural activities and nightlife. |
| Total | $670-1,000. |
Bogotá
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is located in the central region and has over 8 million residents. While still an affordable destination for digital nomads, its cost of living is a bit higher than Medellín’s. The city’s wealth of museums, theaters, universities, and research centers makes it a cultural hub, which can increase living costs.
| Concepts | Cost (dollars/month) |
| Accommodation | From $380 to $540 for an apartment in areas such as Chapinero or Usaquén. |
| Coworkings | Between $130 to $195 for modern and professional spaces. |
| Food | $215-270 for local food, markets or restaurants. |
| Transport | $32 in public transport and $55 in cabs. |
| Leisure | From $110 to $160 for cultural activities and nightlife. |
| Total | $867-1,220. |
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Thailand
Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, is famous for its stunning beaches and Buddhist temples. It’s one of the most affordable destinations for digital nomads, offering excellent internet connectivity and coworking spaces at great prices. If you’re planning to visit, we recommend getting the Holafly eSIM to enjoy unlimited data in any city.
Thailand is an affordable destination for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living and the attractive tax incentives offered by the government. The digital nomad visa is free and allows you to stay in the country for up to ten years, provided you can prove your experience or academic qualifications. Additionally, for the first four years, you’ll only pay a 17% tax rate instead of the usual 30%, which results in substantial savings.
Within the country, we believe the cheapest cities for digital nomads are Chiang Mai and Bangkok, based on the quality services they offer to remote workers who decide to make them their home. Let’s take a closer look at what each city has to offer.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, located in the northern mountainous region, is often regarded as the hub for digital nomads. With a population of over 1 million, it’s Thailand’s second-largest city and a hotspot for remote workers. The city is famous for its rich history, with more than 300 temples, and its excellent technological infrastructure. Here’s a quick look at the cost of living in Chiang Mai:
| Concepts | Cost (dollars/month) |
| Accommodation | From $216 to $324 for a furnished one-bedroom apartment in the center or in the suburbs. |
| Coworkings | Between $80 to $110 with modern infrastructure. |
| Food | $110-160 for local food, markets or restaurants. |
| Transport | $32 for public transport or motorcycle rental. |
| Leisure | $75 for entertainment. |
| Total | $513-670. |
Bangkok
Bangkok, while a bit more expensive than Chiang Mai, is still one of the cheapest cities for digital nomads looking to settle in Thailand’s capital. As the country’s hub for business, politics, and culture, it’s home to over 11 million people. The city’s lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere attracts many digital nomads. Here’s a breakdown of the living costs in Bangkok:
| Concepts | Cost (dollars/month) |
| Accommodation | From $378 to $540 for an apartment in the center. |
| Coworkings | Between $130 to $216 with professional spaces. |
| Food | $160-215 for local food, markets or restaurants. |
| Transport | $55 for BTS train, cabs and buses. |
| Leisure | $110 for cultural activities and nightlife. |
| Total | $833-920. |
Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the most affordable countries for digital nomads. Located in Southeast Asia, it’s made up of thousands of volcanic islands full of wildlife, beautiful beaches, and ancient temples. If you’re looking to work remotely from a stunning location, this is a perfect place, with a thriving community of digital nomads, an affordable cost of living, and excellent tech infrastructure.
This country also offers a digital nomad visa that allows you to stay for up to five years, with no taxes to pay. Bali and Yogyakarta stand out as the most affordable cities for digital nomads. For a reliable and secure internet connection, Holafly’s eSIM provides coverage throughout the country.
Bali
Bali, Indonesia’s most famous destination, is renowned for its volcanic mountains, lush rice fields, beautiful beaches, and coral reefs. The island offers plenty of affordable coworking spaces and a vibrant recreational scene, making it an ideal spot to combine work and leisure. It’s likely the city with the highest number of digital nomads, and here are the approximate monthly expenses:
| Concepts | Cost (dollars/month) |
| Accommodation | From $325 to $650 for an apartment or villa in areas such as Canggu, Ubud and Seminyak. |
| Coworkings | Between $110 to $215, with high internet connection. |
| Food | $160-215 for local food, markets or restaurants. |
| Transport | $40 in scooter with gasoline included. |
| Leisure | $110-160 in water sports and social activities. |
| Total | $745-1,280. |
Yogyakarta
This city on the island of Java is less famous than Bali and may not have an infrastructure as modern, but it is the most affordable city for digital nomads in the entire country. If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere with a strong cultural focus on dance and music, this could be your perfect destination. Here’s how you can save while working remotely in Yogyakarta:
| Concepts | Cost (dollars/month) |
| Accommodation | From $215 to $380 for a furnished apartment or villa in the center. |
| Coworkings | From $55 to $110, there is not as much choice, but the cafeterias offer free internet connection. |
| Food | $110-160 for local food, markets or restaurants. |
| Transport | $22 on a scooter with gas included. |
| Leisure | $55-85 for cultural visits. |
| Total | $457-757. |
Frequently asked questions about the cheapest countries for digital nomads
Indonesia is the most affordable country to live and work in, especially the city of Yogyakarta, with a minimum monthly cost of just $457. It’s also a country that’s well-suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Depending on your choice of accommodation and lifestyle, your monthly expenses can range from $457 to $757, covering housing, transport, coworking spaces, food, and entertainment.
For a country to be ideal for digital nomads, it needs to have reliable infrastructure that supports remote work. The cost of living should be affordable so you can save money and keep exploring new places. Finally, the country should offer a visa or permit that allows you to stay for a certain period.
The main advantage is that you can continue saving each month and invest that money in exploring the country, enjoying its cultural and culinary offerings, traveling to neighboring countries, and maintaining a high quality of life at a low cost.
Yogyakarta is the most affordable city to live in, with a minimum monthly cost of $457. The second most affordable city is Chiang Mai in Thailand, with a cost of $513.
