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21 Cheapest Places for Digital Nomads & Remote Workers 2024

One of the benefits of being in the privileged position to work from anywhere, aside from the wonderful travel opportunities, is the potential to save some money by living in a country with a comparatively cheaper lifestyle than the one you come from.

cheapest place for digital nomads

Speaking as someone from the UK who primarily earns in USD, being based almost anywhere else works out in our favour. If you’re very careful with the country you choose, you can enjoy a beautiful culture different from your own and save some money, which is always a bonus.

Whether you’re looking to stay within the Schengen Zone, spend time in South America, Asia, or North Africa, there’s a country here for you. Here are the cheapest places for digital nomads and remote workers.

We’ve listed countries below that offer a cheaper lifestyle (compared with regions such as Western Europe and North America) and explained what’s special about each.

You will also find our complete guides to these countries, which contain all the information you need about living there for a while, including visas and the cost of living.

For current costs of living in the city you’re interested in, check out Numbeo and Nomad List for a full database on average costs.

If you’re wondering about the visa options currently available for remote workers for legally working and living long term abroad then don’t miss our helpful guides:

Cheapest Countries for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

We have fond memories of many of these countries and wholeheartedly recommend them to remote workers. I have also traveled to and lived in these countries as a solo female traveler and am confident in recommending them while observing basic safety measures.

1) Romania

Romania is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a cheap European country with a burgeoning digital nomad community, plenty to get up to whatever your interests are, and fast WIFI.

brasov romania remote workers

Romania is now one step closer to offering the most accessible remote worker visa yet with a lower earnings requirement than other visas and a two-year duration. While many choose to base themselves in the capital Bucharest, being based in Transylvania offers much more hiking and historical day trips.

The colourful city of Brasov, at the centre of Transylvania, is a favourite of remote workers and, while we based ourselves in Bucharest during our time remote working there, next time we’re certainly choosing Brasov as we fell in love. You can live a full life in Romania, including rent and bills for $1000 or less (in our case).

Romania is also in an excellent location for seeing more of Eastern Europe as it borders five other countries: Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, Moldova, and Ukraine

Read our Guide to Romania for everything remote workers need to know regarding cost of living, best cities, visa options, and more.

Read More: The Best Travel and Health Insurance for Digital Nomads (Compared)

2) Georgia

Georgia is another hotspot for remote workers at the moment, partly down to its friendly tourist visa policy (particularly for Americans) and remote worker visa ‘Remotely in Georgia’ and also its ease of living.

working in georgia remote workers

This is another country where you can comfortably live for $1000 or less and access great WIFI and coworking facilities. Food, and especially wine lovers, will be very happy here as eating out is incredibly affordable and there’s a fascinating and indulgent cuisine to enjoy here.

Like Romania, hikers and history buffs will feel very at home here with some truly incredible day trips available from the capital Tbilisi, where most people choose to be based. With legendary hospitality and widely spoken English, it’s no wonder many people who arrive in Georgia end up staying much longer than planned.

You’re also surrounded by the Caucasus and countries such as Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Russia so there’s plenty nearby to keep anyone busy. Being at the border of both Europe and Asia offers a lot of scope for travelling further East.

Read our Guide to Georgia for everything remote workers need to know in terms of cost of living, best cities, visa options, and more.

3) Malaysia

Malaysia is a wonderful choice if you’re looking to live in Southeast Asia, love wildlife and nature, and food! The food scene here is famous throughout Asia with Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines all ready to indulge in.

guide to Malaysia for digital nomads

One of the cheapest places to live on this list with a strong remote worker community, though not quite as big a community as Thailand and Indonesia. Malaysia is welcoming to people looking to work there and has a number of visa (and retirement!) options available.

Depending on their lifestyle, many people choose to live in colourful and more laid-back Georgetown on Penang Island or Kota Kinabalu to be closer to the rainforests of Borneo.

Though for those who love a true metropolitan lifestyle, Kulaur Lumpur has everything you could possibly want while also having easy access to Singapore via coach. Bordering Thailand, trips into Southeast Asia are easy, making this a great base to explore some wonderful countries nearby.

Read our Guide to Malaysia and complete guide to Kuala Lumpur or everything remote workers need to know in terms of cost of living, best cities, visa options, and more.

4) Portugal

While not one of the cheapest places to live on this list, it’s certainly the cheapest if you’d like to be based in Western Europe. And with the many benefits that come with living in Portugal, it’s no wonder it has become such a coveted destination for remote workers in recent years.

portugal remote workers lisbon

Portugal has also made it much easier for digital nomads to base themselves there, with remote work visas and even digital nomad villages available.

If you’re looking to be based in Lisbon, you should ideally earn around $2000 to account for rent, though it’s possible to get by on much less if you’re frugal.

In return, you can enjoy Portugal’s excellent year-round weather, incredible coastline, and all the hiking and surfing opportunities you could want. Portugal offers an exciting, late-night lifestyle and excellent food, not to mention treats such as affordable wine and pastel de nata at every bakery.

Bordering Spain, with easy access to countries such as Morocco, France, the UK, and Portugal, offers plenty to explore nearby and within its borders.

Read our Guide to Portugal for everything remote workers need to know regarding the cost of living, best cities, coworking spaces, visa options (including the new Portugal digital nomad visa), and more.

5) Croatia

With Croatia’s new residence visa, specifically aimed at attracting remote workers to Croatia, there’s never been a better time to consider remote working from there. Croatia became famous amongst tourists after the Game of Thrones series, and remote workers didn’t take long to realise the advantages of being based there.

croatia-for-remote-workers

Lovers of history and food will be very happy here, not to mention the stretches of impressive coastline, stunning architecture, and a relatively low cost of living. It’s no wonder that digital nomads have fallen in love with this country.

Most people base themselves in the capital of Zagreb, but Split is also very popular with people who prefer to be by the sea. The cost of living is relatively low at around $800 for a rental, and the excellent food and lifestyle will make you not want to leave.

To find remote work opportunities in Croatia, consider exploring platforms like Jooble: (https://jooble.org/jobs-remote/Croatia).

6) Bulgaria

With a strong digital nomad community, especially in the mountain town of Bankso, where many remote workers have chosen to invest in property, the capital Sofia and the colourful city of Plovdiv. Bulgaria is an excellent place to remote work from and you may even find yourself staying.

bulgaria for digital nomads

The cost of living is incredibly low, and this is certainly the best country to work from in Europe if you’re a low-earner or would like to save some money. A single person can rent and live for around $700 so it’s incredibly easy to save or have a more luxurious life than you could at home (speaking of luxury, go to the cinema in Sofia if you want to enjoy true luxury. ).

History buffs and hikers will love Bulgaria, which borders Turkey, Romania, North Macedonia, Greece, and Serbia. There’s ample room for travel.

Currently, there is no official visa for remote workers, but as Bulgaria isn’t in the Schengen Zone, many people stay there for ninety days before heading back into the zone.

7) The Czech Republic

A very popular destination for digital nomads, with Prague, in particular, being home to a growing number of foreigners who call it their home. The cost of living certainly draws people in, especially considering its central European location with easy access to Germany, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary — the day trip opportunities are endless.

Prague’s average rental cost is around $750 a month. People who love architecture will be charmed by the city.

Bridges of Prague, Czech Republic

Transport is excellent within Prague, with an underground metro system and the infamous trams that trundle around the gothic cobblestoned city.

A monthly unlimited transport card costs $30, though walking around Prague is a pleasure. Food and drink are excellent, and beer and coffee prices, in particular, are a welcome surprise to anyone who is used to the prices in Western Europe at around $2.50.

With ample coworking spaces and a freelancer visa available, the Czech Republic is certainly a place where digital nomads can find a convenient temporary home with much to do.

The second city, Brno, also has a lot to offer for anyone who wants a quieter and less touristy place but still with plenty going on as it’s predominantly a student city. Living in Vienna and Slovakia is also slightly cheaper with easy access.

8) Mexico

While many remote workers flock to East Europe and Southeast Asia, Mexico provides everything most people are looking for in a good place to live and work temporarily. It is potentially more convenient for those coming from the US and surrounding countries.

mexico city

Mexico is a fascinating country with excellent food, warm and friendly people, and beautiful cities. The hardest part will be choosing your base with so many cities to choose from.

The climate is dryer in the north and more tropical in the South, which may influence your decisions, and the WIFI connections tend to be more reliable in the country’s north. Most nomads tend to base themselves in Playa del Carmen for a comfortable city with beach access, Mexico City with Roma and Juárez being some of the most popular neighborhoods in this sprawling metropolis, and Guadalajara which blends financial hub and historical city perfectly.

The total cost of living in Mexico varies between $900 -$1500 a month, depending on what city you choose.

Read More: A Digital Nomad Guide to Costa Rica

9) Egypt

A place close to my heart as I’m a British Egyptian and spent summers there growing up; it is an increasingly popular and cheap place for digital nomads. It’s particularly popular with people who enjoy warm weather, beaches, water sports, and ancient history.

egypt digital nomad

While no specific digital nomad visa is available, if you follow the correct procedures, your tourist visa can be extended up to a year. However, you aren’t allowed to earn within Egypt, only from foreign sources. While Cairo is the capital, it can be quite chaotic, so many remote workers choose to be based in other cities such as Dahab, Alexandria, or Luxor.

The Wi-Fi can be slow, so this would be a good country to ensure you have a portable WIFI hotspot just in case. The cost of living is around $750 – $1000 a month, and eating out is particularly cheap, especially if you enjoy some of the excellent local cuisines.

10) Turkey

Turkey has much to offer digital nomads — a lower cost of living, pleasant weather, delicious food, and a relatively easy visa system. It’s also in an ideal location between Europe and Asia, so cheap flights and train trips to neighbouring countries are an option.

istanbul digital nomads

The cafe culture is extensive, especially in Istanbul, and there are plenty of coworking spaces, so there are plenty of opportunities to get work done. Depending on your lifestyle, the cost of living in Istanbul is generally between $900-$1500 a month, including rent, but it is cheaper in cities such as Izmir, Ankara, or Bursa.

Getting to enjoy the Turkish food and drink culture is a big draw of being based here. With Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and European influences, the dishes to indulge in are endless. That’s not to mention the tea and coffee culture.

The WIFI is generally good but can be slow in certain areas so worth having a backup source on you.

11) Cambodia

One of the hot spots in Southeast Asia for digital nomads, Cambodia offers a perfect balance of excellent cuisine, exciting cities, great outdoor activity opportunities, including beaches and islands to explore, an ideal location for further travel around the region, and a comparably low cost of living at around $1000 or less a month.

phonm penh

Most remote workers gravitate towards Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot, where communities of fellow digital nomads already exist, making it easy to make connections. There is a strong cafe culture, and coworking spaces are becoming much more popular.

The Wi-Fi is generally good but can be slow in certain areas, so it’s worth having a backup source. You can certainly get by with English in Cambodia, especially in the big cities, but learning some basic Cambodian would be helpful.

Read More: The Best Cities in Southeast Asia for Remote Workers

12) Colombia

Colombia is drawing increasingly more digital nomads as a geographically diverse country with beautiful cities and excellent food. It is one of the cheapest places to live compared to the US at $1000 or less monthly.

colombia

This is an ideal base if you love hiking and kayaking and is a perfect location for taking trips around Latin America. Healthcare is very high quality and affordable, and many cities can be traversed on foot, making for a healthier lifestyle.

Remote workers tend to base themselves in Bogotá for its art scene and wide range of networking opportunities, Medellín for its excellent weather, and Cartagena for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Learning some Spanish would make your life easier in Colombia, and it is a fun language.

13) Vietnam

Vietnam is a dynamic country with world-famous cuisine, fantastic coffee, and amazing scenery. It has become a major hub for foreign workers and digital nomads so that you will have no problem meeting people working and enjoying life there.

People tend to gravitate towards Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh, although Hanoi is an excellent base for enjoying smaller cities with a historical vibe.

ho chi minh

There are plenty of wonderful day trips within Vietnam and wider travel across Southeast Asia. The cost of living, especially for food and drink, is very affordable, with an average cost of living between $800-$1000.

The WIFI is generally good in the cities but can be patchy sometimes, so having backup WIFI is recommended.

Read More: A Digital Nomad Guide to Indonesia (Everything You Need to Know)

14) Thailand

One of the first big digital nomad hotspots, Thailand has always been a favourite place for people looking to try out being a digital nomad in paradise. With its low cost of living, excellent food, and great location, Thailand has very little to dislike.

thailand for digital nomads

Remote workers tend to gravitate towards Chaing Mai as a city near Thailand’s nature. Still, Bangkok always makes for an exciting base with its excess of cafes, coworking space, markets, and Western conveniences.

If you’ve always wanted to try out island living, Thailand has plenty of options. Due to the high number of Westerners who live and work in Thailand, you’ll also find numerous housesitting opportunities, so you may even be able to live rent-free. The cost of living is generally affordable at around $800 – $1000 a month.

Read More: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to Thailand

15) The Philippines

We’re big fans of the Phillippines and return frequently. It is unparalleled in terms of its pristine beaches, diving opportunities, and friendly locals. The cuisine doesn’t get as much attention as other countries in Southeast Asia, but it is fantastic, and it’s a haven for people who love mangoes.

cebu

One of the best bases is Cebu, which offers the best combination of city life, beaches, and easy access to some of the Phillippine’s excellent islands, such as Bohol and Palawan. You’ll also find plenty of cafes and coworking spaces in the city.

The cost of living in The Phillippines is comparatively low, between $700 – $1000 a month, and it is a great place. to make new friends and enjoy a laidback lifestyle.

Read More: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to The Philippines

16) Hungary

With the recent launch of Hungary’s digital nomad visa, moving to cities such as Budapest has never been more popular — with its beautiful gothic architecture, excellent public transport system, and the key location for visiting other parts of Europe it’s easy to see why.

hungary budapest digital nomad visa

The cost of living is one of the big draws for digital nomads and remote workers with $1200 being the average for monthly rent costs, utilities, and food. There is an excellent cafe and coworking space culture, which you can find out about in our guide to Budapest for digital nomads.

Read More: A Guide to Budapest for Digital Nomads

17) Indonesia

Though always a popular place with digital nomads, the launch of Bali’s new remote work visa allows nomads to stay tax-free for five years. Indonesia is set to attract more people than ever before.

A Digital Nomad Guide to Bali

Bali truly accommodates remote workers, from cafes and coworking spaces to networking events and a comfortable lifestyle. However, many people choose to live in the capital, Jakarta, and enjoy busier, affordable city life.

Depending on your lifestyle and whether you have a family, you can typically live for $720 to $2,600 per month.

Read More:

18) Spain

With so many excellent opportunities in Spain for digital nomads and remote workers, more and more remote workers are choosing it as their next destination. There’s a perfect city for just about everyone, whether you’re looking for a laid-back destination or a home base filled with exciting adventures.

madrid for digital nomads

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay anywhere from six months to a year as long as they have proof of income. No matter what you’re looking for – beaches, culture, nightlife, history, and more – the best cities in Spain for digital nomads can offer it. 

Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville are ideal places for digital nomads in Spain. Each is unique but offers a perfect balance of working and fun opportunities. 

One of Spain’s biggest draws for digital nomads is its affordability, especially compared to other places in Western Europe. The average monthly salary is about $2,900, with most individuals spending around $1,000 per month to live comfortably if they’re sharing a living space.

Read More: A Guide to Spain for Digital Nomads

19) Greece

Being a digital nomad in Greece comes with gorgeous landscapes, a fascinating culture, kind locals, and so many more perks. With various unique cities and islands and a vibrant digital nomad scene, it’s a wonderful place to travel and work remotely.

greece-for-digital-nomads

One of Greece’s best features is its year-round pleasant weather. Winters are usually mild, while summers are warm and sunny meaning you can fully enjoy the landscape. You can get a digital nomad visa for Greece by applying for a long stay in Greece.

Depending on where you’re from, being a digital nomad in Greece might be affordable or expensive. That said, living costs are lower than in most Western countries.

Read More: A Guide to Greece for Digital Nomads

20) Costa Rica

costa-rica-for-digital-nomads

Although Costa Rica costs more than other countries in Central America, it’s affordable for many digital nomads, especially those from Western countries.

Costa Rica is one of the best places for digital nomads because of its many perks, including beautiful weather, stunning scenery, and a rich culture. Travelling around Costa Rica and other places in Central and North America is also easy, with various transportation options, including public buses, shuttles, and two international airports.

Although the cost of living in Costa Rica depends on your location and lifestyle, the average monthly cost for a single person is about $3,100, not including rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city costs an average of $636 or $467 outside the city.

There are many great cities in Costa Rica for digital nomads, including Jaco for surfing and partying or Sámara for relaxing on the beach and enjoying wellness experiences. Most places also have hostels if you’re looking for the most affordable accommodation options.

Read More: A Guide to Costa Rica for Digital Nomads

21) Argentina

argentina digital nomad guide

Argentina is well worth checking out if you’re looking for a vibrant country with some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Best of all, it’s one of the most affordable locations for digital nomads.

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America after Brazil. Its size offers many opportunities for digital nomads, including reliable internet, coworking spaces and cafes, and unique culture and landscapes.

The average monthly cost for one person in Argentina is about $442 per month without rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages about $287 or $201 outside the city. 

Some of the best places in Argentina for digital nomads include Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, and Bariloche, which is perfect for nature lovers.

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