Here are 10 incredibly cheap destinations for digital nomads. These places have a low cost of living, along with decent infrastructure and community support:
1. Oaxaca (Mexico)
Low living costs, rich cultural history, strong expat community, and good internet connectivity. The total monthly living cost is approximately $1,000 to $1,800.
Let’s take a look at the description from the video by “Traveling with Kristin” titled “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)“:
Environment
“If you’re planning to stay in Mexico for a while but want to avoid tourist hotspots like Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, consider Oaxaca. It’s a city rich in culture and tradition and has become a popular spot for digital nomads in recent years. The cost of living here is low, the internet speed is fast, and there’s a culturally and historically rich center filled with bars, restaurants, art galleries, and more. You’ll also find gyms, yoga studios, and many outdoor markets like Mercado de la Merced or Central de Abastos. If you visit Oaxaca, you can check out the Monte Albán ruins with a 360-degree viewing platform or head to Santiago Matatlán, the Mezcal capital, or even enjoy beach time at nearby Puerto Escondido. In addition to digital nomads, Oaxaca has a large expat community. Through local Facebook groups, you can meet many people, with many offline activities in this group as well.”
Housing Costs
“When looking for accommodation in Oaxaca, the Centro area is the best choice, as it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounded by historic buildings and hundreds of bars and restaurants. In Oaxaca Centro, you can also find many international co-working and co-living spaces like Outsite and Selina, but there are also plenty of local options, such as Convivio, with internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps. Other options include Céntrico CoWork and Casa Bastida. Of course, you can work from home as well; the local Telmex broadband package offers 150 Mbps for only $27 per month, or you can buy a local SIM card from Telcel, with data packages costing around $15 to $20 per month. However, wherever you rent, be sure to confirm the internet speed with the landlord and ask for a screenshot of a speed test to verify in advance.
If you’re looking for short-term accommodation on Airbnb, you can expect to rent a room in a shared apartment for $200 to $300 per month. But if you want a private studio or one-bedroom apartment, it will cost around $300 to $500 per month. If you want to rent a larger, nicer two or three-bedroom apartment, expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 per month. If you plan to stay in Oaxaca long-term, like six months or more, you can find long-term rentals in popular areas like Reforma or Centro for about 10,000 to 20,000 MXN per month, or about $550 to $1,100 per month. If you prefer to live outside of Centro, away from tourists, and live like a local, you can find a studio or one-bedroom apartment for as low as 5,000 MXN per month, less than $300.”
Cost of Living
“If you enjoy cooking at home, the cost of living in Oaxaca is very low, with a weekly budget for two people around 1,000 MXN, or $50. Service prices are also low, so you can hire a cleaner for about $20 to $25 per day. For getting around the city, you can take local taxis for about 50 MXN. Locally, you can walk, bike, take public transportation, or spend about 30,000 MXN on a scooter. As a nomad in Oaxaca, your monthly cost of living could range from $1,000 to $1,800 depending on your budget, lifestyle, and length of stay. As a tourist in Mexico, you can stay on a tourist visa for up to 180 days with your passport, although this depends on the immigration officer at the border or airport.”
2. Istanbul (Turkey)
A historic and culturally rich city with low living costs, good healthcare facilities, and diverse cuisine. The total monthly living cost is approximately $900 to $1,800.
Let’s check out the description from the video “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)” by Traveling with Kristin:
Cost of Living:
“Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, is an exciting nomad hotspot where East meets West and ancient blends with modern. With at least 2,500 years of history, Istanbul offers many historical sites and communities to explore. But today, it’s also a hub for startups, co-working spaces, and nomads looking to live affordably in a location close to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. According to Nomad List, expats or nomads in Istanbul spend between $900 and $1,800 per month in total living costs. Renting a studio in the city center starts at $375 per month, meals out cost $3 or $4 each, and Turkish coffee or tea costs $1.50 per cup. You can also get 10GB of mobile data for $5 per month. Food is very affordable, with grocery shopping costing less than $100 per week, and dining out costs between 100 to 500 Turkish lira per meal, or about $3 to $15, depending on the quality of the meal.
If you go to Istanbul, I also recommend experiencing their wellness, health, and medical tourism. It’s a place where you can get a manicure or pedicure for just $10 and enjoy very affordable spa services. Istanbul is also known for cosmetic surgeries, elective procedures, and even hair transplants. If you love history, culture, and cuisine, Istanbul might be your ideal place. However, one thing I don’t like is the traffic there. There’s a lot of congestion and traffic jams, and my first impression was that taxi and Uber drivers often cancel rides. They’ll try to renegotiate prices and charge more, which is very frustrating. Walking or using public transportation is easier for getting around. But if you want to leave the city, you have plenty of places to explore in Turkey and beyond. Within Turkey, you must visit places like Bodrum, Marmaris, and Antalya, as well as neighboring Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, and Bulgaria, which are all affordable destinations with digital nomad communities.”
Turkey’s New Policy
“As a bonus, Turkey launched a digital nomad visa in 2024, and you can qualify if you have a source of income outside Turkey of at least $3,000 per month. Depending on where you live in Istanbul, allocate $500 to $1,000 for housing, plus $500 to $1,000 for living expenses. The city has two main parts: the European side and the Asian side. Many nomads choose areas like Beyoglu and Kadıköy.”
3. Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Rich in art and culture, with an extremely low cost of living, especially for dining out. The total monthly living cost is approximately $500 to $800.
Let’s take a look at the description from the video “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)” by Traveling with Kristin:
“In South America, a few cities stand out as the best and most affordable places for digital nomads. One is Buenos Aires, Argentina, and another is the fourth city on our list today, which might not be a city you would think of. Buenos Aires is filled with art, culture, museums, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. It’s indeed an international metropolis that’s both affordable and actively welcomes digital nomads. Since 2020, Nomads BA has been welcoming digital nomads, startups, and remote workers. They even have a website providing all the information you need to live there.”
Cost of Living
“In Buenos Aires, you can find some great deals on housing in the city center. Short-term furnished rentals typically cost $500 to $800 per month, while if you’re looking for a long-term rental, it costs up to $200 to $500 per month. The cost of living in Buenos Aires is absurdly low — a weekly budget for two people is about 5,000 Argentine pesos, which is around $14 per week. Dining out at a high-end Argentine steakhouse costs around $8 or $10 per meal. The city has a strong digital nomad and expat community, making it easy to meet new people, with many offline meetups and networking events. Argentina and Brazil have also introduced new visas for digital nomads aimed at attracting remote workers, where you can apply for a one-year visa and extend it once.”
4. Medellín (Colombia)
A modern city with a pleasant climate, low living costs, ideal for Spanish learners. The total monthly living cost is approximately $700 to $1,500.
Let’s take a look at the description from the video “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)” by Traveling with Kristin:
“Ranked before Buenos Aires on our list is Medellín, Colombia. While Medellín was once notorious for being dangerous, today it has become one of the most modern cities in all of South America. Once known as one of the world’s most dangerous cities, today it is considered a golden city for digital nomads, especially for those learning Spanish. Medellín’s cost of living is very low, and there are many international and local co-working spaces and co-living spaces. You can find international-standard fine dining in El Poblado, and you can also meet a ton of expats and digital nomads, especially in neighborhoods like El Poblado and Laureles.”
Cost of Living
“Your overall cost of living in Medellín will be very low, with rent in a nice, modern studio apartment costing between $300 and $500 per month. The cost of utilities and internet will add another $50 to $100 per month. A decent meal out at a nice restaurant costs $5 to $15, with weekly grocery costs around $100. A couple can live comfortably in Medellín on less than $1,500 per month. But if you prefer to live more like a local in neighborhoods like Envigado, Sabaneta, or even Laureles, it’s possible to rent an apartment for as low as $200 to $300 per month. I highly recommend considering Colombia’s second-largest city for a truly low-cost and modern living experience in South America.”
5.Bali (Indonesia)
A popular tropical paradise with a vibrant expat and nomad community, affordable living costs. The total monthly living cost is approximately $800 to $2,000.
Let’s check out the description from the video “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)” by Traveling with Kristin:
“Bali, Indonesia, is one of the most famous and cheapest places for digital nomads in Southeast Asia. From the surfer town of Canggu to the cultural hub of Ubud, Bali attracts nomads, expats, and retirees from all around the world with its beautiful beaches, stunning rice terraces, and world-class yoga studios. The island offers a low cost of living, with lots of international co-working and co-living spaces, and some of the best health and wellness retreats in the world.”
Cost of Living
“In Bali, you can rent a room in a shared villa or a private bungalow for $200 to $300 per month. If you want your own apartment, it costs around $500 to $800 per month. If you prefer to rent a luxurious villa with a private pool, it will cost about $1,000 to $2,000 per month. Local food is very cheap; you can eat out for $1 to $3 per meal at warungs, or local eateries, or get a full meal with a drink at a trendy cafe for about $5 to $10. Bali also has a thriving digital nomad community, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to network and meet other travelers.”
6. Chiang Mai (Thailand)
A well-known hub for digital nomads, with low costs, rich culture, and excellent internet. The total monthly living cost is approximately $600 to $1,500.
Let’s check out the description from the video “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)” by Traveling with Kristin:
“Located in the mountains of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has long been a top destination for digital nomads, expats, and retirees. With its rich cultural history, beautiful temples, vibrant street markets, and low cost of living, Chiang Mai is one of the best places to live and work remotely in Southeast Asia.”
Cost of Living
“In Chiang Mai, you can rent a modern studio or one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $200 to $400 per month. If you prefer to live in a larger, more luxurious apartment or house with a garden or pool, it will cost about $500 to $1,000 per month. The cost of food is very low; you can eat out for $1 to $3 per meal at local street food stalls or get a meal at a nice restaurant for $5 to $10. Chiang Mai has a strong digital nomad community, with many co-working spaces and cafes with fast internet and affordable prices. The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking in the mountains to exploring nearby national parks.”
7. Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
A vibrant city with low living costs, fast internet, and good infrastructure. The total monthly living cost is approximately $700 to $1,500.
Let’s check out the description from the video “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)” by Traveling with Kristin:
“Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city and a bustling hub for business, culture, and history. The city has a rapidly growing digital nomad community, with many co-working spaces and cafes offering fast internet and a productive work environment. Ho Chi Minh City has a low cost of living, with affordable housing, food, and transportation.”
Cost of Living
“In Ho Chi Minh City, you can rent a modern studio or one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $300 to $500 per month. If you prefer to live in a more luxurious apartment or house, it will cost about $500 to $1,000 per month. The cost of food is very low; you can eat out for $1 to $3 per meal at local street food stalls or get a meal at a nice restaurant for $5 to $10. The city also has a vibrant nightlife and a growing expat community, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and explore the local culture.”
8. Tbilisi (Georgia)
A beautiful city with a low cost of living, good internet, and a growing digital nomad community. The total monthly living cost is approximately $500 to $1,200.
Let’s check out the description from the video “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)” by Traveling with Kristin:
“Tbilisi, Georgia, is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe that has been attracting more and more digital nomads in recent years. The city offers a low cost of living, with affordable housing, food, and transportation. Tbilisi has a rich cultural history, with beautiful architecture, vibrant street markets, and a growing digital nomad community.”
Cost of Living
“In Tbilisi, you can rent a modern studio or one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $200 to $400 per month. If you prefer to live in a larger, more luxurious apartment or house, it will cost about $500 to $1,000 per month. The cost of food is very low; you can eat out for $1 to $3 per meal at local street food stalls or get a meal at a nice restaurant for $5 to $10. Tbilisi has a strong digital nomad community, with many co-working spaces and cafes offering fast internet and a productive work environment. The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking in the mountains to exploring nearby national parks.”
9. Lagos (Portugal)
A picturesque coastal town with a low cost of living, good internet, and a growing digital nomad community. The total monthly living cost is approximately $900 to $1,800.
Let’s check out the description from the video “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)” by Traveling with Kristin:
“Lagos, Portugal, is a beautiful coastal town in the Algarve region that has been attracting more and more digital nomads in recent years. The town offers a low cost of living, with affordable housing, food, and transportation. Lagos has a vibrant digital nomad community, with many co-working spaces and cafes offering fast internet and a productive work environment.”
Cost of Living
“In Lagos, you can rent a modern studio or one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $300 to $500 per month. If you prefer to live in a more luxurious apartment or house, it will cost about $500 to $1,000 per month. The cost of food is very low; you can eat out for $1 to $3 per meal at local street food stalls or get a meal at a nice restaurant for $5 to $10. Lagos also has a beautiful coastline, with plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking along the cliffs to exploring the nearby beaches.”
10. Granada (Nicaragua)
A charming colonial city with a low cost of living, good internet, and a growing digital nomad community. The total monthly living cost is approximately $600 to $1,500.
Let’s check out the description from the video “10 INSANELY CHEAP Destinations for Digital Nomads (From $13 per Day!)” by Traveling with Kristin:
“Granada, Nicaragua, is a charming colonial city that has been attracting more and more digital nomads in recent years. The city offers a low cost of living, with affordable housing, food, and transportation. Granada has a rich cultural history, with beautiful architecture, vibrant street markets, and a growing digital nomad community.”
Cost of Living
“In Granada, you can rent a modern studio or one-bedroom apartment in the city center for $200 to $400 per month. If you prefer to live in a larger, more luxurious apartment or house, it will cost about $500 to $1,000 per month. The cost of food is very low; you can eat out for $1 to $3 per meal at local street food stalls or get a meal at a nice restaurant for $5 to $10. Granada has a strong digital nomad community, with many co-working spaces and cafes offering fast internet and a productive work environment. The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking in the mountains to exploring nearby national parks.”
Key Takeaways
– Cost of Living: The destinations listed offer varying levels of affordability, with many places offering housing for as low as $200 to $500 per month and low food costs.
– Community: Most of these destinations have growing digital nomad communities, making it easier for newcomers to integrate and meet like-minded people.
– Infrastructure: Good internet connectivity is a common feature
in these destinations, essential for remote work.
If you’re considering becoming a digital nomad, this list offers a diverse range of options to suit different preferences, whether you prefer a tropical paradise, a vibrant city, or a cultural hub.
This article references the following video sources:
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