21 Cheapest Cities to Live as a Digital Nomad in 2022

Where are the cheapest cities to live as a digital nomad? 

This is one of the most popular questions amongst those who choose to travel the world while working remotely from their laptops. 

Digital nomads have the unique opportunity to find a city that is more affordable than their home country. So, they can stretch their salary even further and enjoy a lifestyle with a bit more luxury than they could at home.  

But isn’t this exploiting a nation’s weak currency for your own benefit? Technically, yes. However, there are ways to balance this out and give back to the city where you’re staying. 

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest cities to live as a digital nomad to grow your savings accounts, start your own business, or simply get more for your dollar, you’ll want to add these destinations to your travel route. 

Why Digital Nomads Search for Cheap Destinations

There are quite a few reasons why digital nomads search for the cheapest cities to live a decent lifestyle. 

For many people, it’s so they can save money and either put it into savings, investments, or fund a personal business project. I mean, how cool is it to live in a foreign country for a bit and actually save money while you’re traveling there?

The main factors to look for when deciding on a new digital nomad destination are the price of rent and food. For example, London and Paris have some astronomically high rent and meals at restaurants. Meanwhile, rent in Indonesia is much more affordable and offers arguably a more comfortable living space. 

It all comes down to your financial goals and how you want to live your lifestyle. Everybody’s digital nomad journey is different. So, whether you’re looking to save money or get more bang for your buck, you’ll want to consider living in some of the cheapest cities for digital nomads. 

Cheapest Cities to Live as a Digital Nomad

Below are the cheapest cities for digital nomads. We’ve taken into account the price of rent, transportation, and food while creating this list. These cities are located all over the world, giving you an abundant number of choices to add to your travel plans. 

the prices included are rough estimates and averages from Numbeo. These are subject to change. You can also find cheaper or more expensive prices depending on where you stay within the city or where you find accommodations. 

Athens, Greece

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $515/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.40
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $12.84

Our first city is Athens, the capital of Greece. This lovely metropolis is rich in history, fantastic cuisine, and plenty to do. You’re located near beaches and can simply hop on a ferry to visit one of the hundreds of Greek islands. 

The hustle and bustle of Athens will surely satisfy your wanderlust for travel and adventure. Plus, you’ll find tons of coworking spaces and cafes where you can sit and work for a few hours throughout the city.

Public transportation is fairly easy to navigate. You’ll use it quite a lot due to the vastness of Athens and the many neighborhoods that deserve exploration. 

Greece is also one of the few European countries to offer a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live in the country for a year. You can read more about Greece’s digital nomad visa here. 

Belgrade, Serbia

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $460/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.85
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $7.35

Belgrade has been one of the most popular digital nomad destinations thanks to its extremely affordable prices and fast internet speed. The capital city of Serbia is littered with coworking spaces just for digital nomads and the cafe culture is definitely strong. You’ll see plenty of remote workers sipping on coffee while completing work assignments. 

Other than affordable prices and reliable wifi, why are digital nomads so attracted to Belgrade? It may have to do with the large digital nomad community, entertaining nightlife options, digital advancements throughout the city, and the fact that Serbians are very welcoming to new faces. 

Most nationalities can stay in Serbia for 90 days within a 180-day period. However, the good news is that Serbia is not included in the Schengen Area, so it’s a good escape for digital nomads who need to leave the area to avoid overstaying. 

Budapest, Hungary

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $485/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.09
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $7.79

Another popular destination amongst digital nomads for the last few years is Budapest. It’s yet another European capital city that caters to the needs of digital nomads. From extremely reliable wifi to coworking spaces to an affordable cost of living, Budapest offers a high-quality lifestyle to remote workers. 

You’ll find a thriving digital nomad community within Budapest as well as plenty of entertaining activities. From visiting museums to enjoying the nightlife to venturing out of the city and admiring the nature of Hungary, you’ll quickly fall in love with this city.

Hungary also recently announced a digital nomad visa, also known as the White Card, which allows digital nomads to live in the country for one year. You can read more about Hungary’s digital nomad visa here. 

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $387/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.24
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $1.74

Making our way over to Southeast Asia, we have Canggu, a neighborhood in Bali, Indonesia, as one of the cheapest cities to live as a digital nomad. Bali has long been a popular destination amongst traveling remote workers due to its paradise-like qualities and extremely affordable cost of living. 

However, within recent years, Bali has become more expensive due to the rise in popularity. Nevertheless, it’s still one of the cheapest cities to live in. You’ll be right by the beach and witness some of the most astonishing sunsets. 

There is also a thriving digital nomad community, who you’ll see working from the many coworking spaces and cafes throughout the city. Getting around Canggu is also fairly easy, especially when you rent a scooter, giving you the ultimate freedom to explore the island at your leisure. 

Most nationalities can stay in Indonesia for 30 days, but the tourist visa may be extended for another 30 days. Digital nomads may also apply for a 60-day visa before their arrival in Indonesia as well. 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $380/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.90
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $2.09

Thailand is yet another extremely popular and desirable digital nomad destination. While most people imagine living on a tropical island or near the beach, Chiang Mai is located inland in the north of the country. That doesn’t stop digital nomads from flocking to this cheap city and experiencing all it has to offer.

From incredible coworking spaces to delicious street food for less than $1 and daily night markets full of local crafts and products, Chiang Mai is one of the friendliest and most affordable cities for digital nomads. 

There is absolutely everything in Chiang Mai, so you won’t feel like you’re missing much while living here. Plus, it’s so close to other cities like Chiang Rai and Pai for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle for just a few dollars.

A majority of nationalities can stay in Thailand for 30 days, with the opportunity to extend the tourist visa for an additional 30 days. 

Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $467/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.20
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $1.98

One of the more adventurous destinations for digital nomads, Colombo is one of the cheapest cities to live as a digital nomad. The island of Sri Lanka has a culturally diverse population and customs. You’ll also notice a very slowed pace of life on the island, even though there are high-end offices and hotels scattered throughout Colombo.

This city is quickly becoming a highly desired destination for traveling remote workers due to its affordable cost of living and lifestyle. It’s an excellent place to sit back, relax, and work at your leisure without breaking the bank. 

You can take advantage of the gorgeous nature that sits right outside of the city as well as the gorgeous beaches and sunsets. You’ll quickly find yourself part of the large digital nomad community in the city as well. 

Most nationalities can stay for 30 days in Sri Lanka on a tourist visa. However, you may extend this visa for up to 180 days. 

Da Lat, Vietnam

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $375/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.26
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $1.50

There are surprisingly cities in Southeast Asia that aren’t crawling with digital nomads still. Da Lat is one of those cities that is still considered new and an up-and-coming destination. Located in the mountains of Vietnam, you’ll experience cooler weather, excellent wifi connection, and awesome natural views.

Many digital nomads come to Da Lat for some time away from busy city centers and to get more in touch with nature. Hiking the mountains or strolling through the woods is a favorite pastime for many people who stay here. 

You’ll find a plethora of coworking spaces and cafes with free wifi throughout the area. Plus, the local residents are extremely welcoming to visitors and digital nomads. 

Most nationalities can stay in Vietnam for at least 30 days. However, when you receive a visa on arrival at the airport, there’s a possibility to have it extended to 90 days.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $562/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.31
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $2.21

A more popular digital nomad destination in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City. This hub for startups and remote workers alike is a bit more expensive than our previously mentioned city, but it definitely has a ton to offer.

There is no shortage of coworking spaces or cafes with free wifi in the city. The food is exceptional and extremely affordable, especially when you grab street food for dinner like most locals. There are also some of the most beautiful beaches in the world nearby, which you definitely do not want to miss out on. 

The hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City is quite exciting and can be a tad overwhelming for inexperienced digital nomads. However, you quickly get used to the way of life. It’s actually an excellent first destination if you have just become a digital nomad. 

You can stay in Vietnam for 30 days, but this can be extended to 90 days if you receive a visa on arrival at the airport. 

Krakow, Poland

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $562/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.46
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $6.46

One of the cheapest cities for digital nomads in Europe is Krakow. As Poland’s second-largest city, digital nomads will find everything they could ever want within these beautiful streets. 

Rife with interesting history, gorgeous architecture, and unique culture, you’ll find a thriving digital nomad community in Krakow. There are also many coworking spaces as well as a strong cafe working culture within the city. Free wifi in public spaces is not difficult to find. 

If you’re worried about slow wifi, it definitely won’t be a problem. Krakow has some of the best wifi connections in Poland. It’s the perfect city to really concentrate on your digital nomad job while also saving money. 

Poland is part of the Schengen Area, so you can stay for 90 days within a 180-day period in the entire area. 

Koh Lanta, Thailand

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $300/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: n/a
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $1.49

If you’re searching for a tropical place to enjoy the stereotypical island life setting as a digital nomad, Koh Lanta is the place to do it. The recent development of this Thai island makes it the perfect place for digital nomads to live and work right by a beach.

The small island is fairly small and much cheaper than other island destinations in Thailand with a more authentic atmosphere. You’ll find gorgeous beaches alongside friendly cafes to work from. 

While the wifi can be a bit spotty, most digital nomads recommend getting your own mobile hotspot plan. With this, you can literally work from anywhere on the island. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed experience in nature or to attend wild nightlife parties, you can find it all on Koh Lanta. 

Most visitors in Thailand may stay for 30 days with the possibility to extend it for another 30 days before they must leave the country.

Lisbon, Portugal

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $970/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.70
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $11.17

One of the cheapest cities for digital nomads in Western Europe is Lisbon. While there are much more affordable cities in the world, for those who want to experience a European lifestyle, Lisbon is the best place to do it on a budget. 

You’ll find a large community of traveling remote workers in Lisbon thanks to its affordable prices and excellent coworking spaces. There is also plenty to do in Lisbon and you’re right by the ocean, which is great if you enjoy water sports or simply laying by the beach soaking in the sun.

Let’s also not forget the cuisine in Portugal is absolutely fantastic. You’ll definitely eat well while living in Lisbon as a digital nomad. From delicious seafood to port wines and savory sweets, you won’t go hungry here. 

Portugal is one of the first European countries to offer a digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to live in the country for two years. You can read more about how to apply for Portugal’s digital nomad visa here.

Málaga, Spain

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $777/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.56
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $11.17

Live and work remotely in a thriving city near the beach in Europe for a fraction of the cost when you stay in Málaga. This up-and-coming digital nomad hub is one of the best destinations in Western Europe thanks to its incredible weather, reliable wifi, and friendly culture. 

You’ll find a large international community, many of them traveling remote workers, in Málaga, meaning you can network and make new friends easily. From meeting people in the multiple coworking spaces and cafes to attending meetups, there is plenty to do in this city.

When you live in Málaga, you’ll also have the chance to experience its rich history like touring the Medieval castles. Plus, going to the beach is going to be a large part of your daily routine as it’s absolutely beautiful and a great way to relax after a long day of work. 

Spain recently announced their plans for a digital nomad visa allowing people to live in the country from six months to five years. You can read more about Spain’s digital nomad visa here. 

Medellín, Colombia

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $263/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.63
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $4.18

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín is considered to be the perfect digital nomad destination. This city in South America has long welcomed the adventurous remote worker to come and enjoy the beauty and wonders Colombia has to offer. 

You’ll quickly fall in love with Medellín, whether it be with the thousands of flowers growing throughout the city, the tasty and savory food, or the friendly and welcoming culture. There is so much to explore within the city, which is located in the Andes mountains. 

Coworking spaces and cafes with free wifi aren’t hard to come by, especially there is a thriving digital nomad community here. You’ll quickly see why it’s considered the perfect destination. 

Most nationalities may stay in Colombia for 90 days within a 180-day period. You may be asked for a ticket confirmation to leave the country upon arrival too. 

Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $336/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.38
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $4.57

Many digital nomads choose to go to Mexico City or Playa del Carmen when they stay in Mexico, but Oaxaca de Juarez is much cheaper and still has plenty to offer. It’s been a long-time favorite destination amongst digital nomads thanks to its beautiful nature, colorful downtown area, and incredible cuisine. 

There are a handful of coworking spaces in Oaxaca, but you’ll also find plenty of cafes with free wifi, especially in the town center. Food is also extremely affordable, especially when you choose to go to the street vendors. You also won’t be disappointed in the least as you can eat very well for just a few dollars. 

The quiet city of Oaxaca de Juarez offers digital nomads the perfect opportunity to experience authentic culture. It’s perfect for those who want to venture into nature and a couple of hours to the beach too. 

Most nationalities can stay in Mexico for 180 days on a tourist visa, making it a great destination for slow travel. 

Prague, Czech Republic

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $825/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.37
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $7.25

Another gorgeous European city that is also considered to be one of the cheapest cities to live as a digital nomad is Prague in the Czech Republic. Dripping in gorgeous architecture and rich historical events and stories, Prague is a unique and welcoming destination for digital nomads. 

You can always count on having an excellent wifi connection when working remotely in Prague. Plus, working from cafes is extremely economical considering the price of coffee and even beer. As with most digital nomad destinations, there are coworking spaces you can use as well. 

Living in Prague gives you the opportunity to visit their many museums, explore old castles and churches, and appreciate the relaxing parks and river that flows through the city. It’s truly a wonderful city with plenty of opportunities.

The Czech Republic also has a digital nomad visa specifically for freelancers who have clients or a connection to the country. You can read more about Czech Republic’s digital nomad visa here. 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $355/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.93
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $5.59

Beautiful beaches, a bustling city, large digital nomad community, affordable prices, and grand annual celebrations? You must be talking about Rio de Janeiro! While Brazil is almost the size of the United States, Rio de Janeiro seems to be the hub for digital nomads within the country.

Now, even though it’s one of the cheapest cities in South America, it most definitely is not for the faint of heart. Rio de Janeiro is absolutely beautiful with kind people and plenty of facilities that cater to digital nomads. However, the wifi isn’t always reliable, so you should consider investing in a global hotspot. 

There is something for everyone in Rio de Janeiro. From art to music to startups set up in coworking offices to exciting nightlife, you’ll hardly ever be bored in this metropolis. What’s even better is you’re saving money while living here! 

Brazil has a digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to stay in the country for up to one year. You can read more about how to apply for Brazil’s digital nomad visa here.

Sofia, Bulgaria

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $455/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.91
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $8.55

Considered one of the best cities in Europe for digital nomads, Sofia has everything you could ever want when working remotely from abroad. As Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia is bustling with businesses and startups trying to get off the ground, making it an excellent networking opportunity for entrepreneurial nomads. 

It’s important to mention that the quality of life in Sofia is pretty great considering the cost of living. You’ll have excellent wifi and a reliable infrastructure throughout the city. Plus, using public transportation is safe and easy to figure out.

For those digital nomads who love adventuring out in nature, Sofia is a great spot to do that. Just outside of the city, you’ll find gorgeous hiking trails to explore. Within the city, you’ll have great nightlife experiences, awesome food options, and cultural activities to take part in. 

Most nationalities can stay in Bulgaria for 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s also out of the Schengen Area, making it a great destination for those who want to stay in Europe longer. 

Tbilisi, Georgia

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $338/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.16
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $6.57

Tbilisi is one of the cheapest places in Europe for digital nomads to live. It’s literally crawling with digital nomads working from their computers in cafes and official coworking spaces. 

With the country’s unique position between Europe and Asia, you’ll experience multiple cultures and traditions fused together to make beautiful Georgia. With friendly and welcoming people, digital nomads will quickly feel at home here. 

Not only is the city of Tbilisi a wonderful destination, but the hiking sites and the Black Sea are great places to explore during your downtime from working. This city is truly a digital nomad’s dream when it comes to budgeting. The rent and food are extremely affordable and you’ll find the quality of life is excellent here.

Most nationalities can stay in Georgia for 365 days with just a tourist visa. There is a digital nomad visa available, which allows you to take advantage of more resources. You can read more about Georgia’s digital nomad visa here. 

Ubud, Indonesia

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $295/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: n/a
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $2.78

Ubud is a city located on the island of Bali in Indonesia. It’s placed more towards the center of the island, away from the coast, creating a quieter and cheaper city for digital nomads. 

Since Bali has become a hotspot for digital nomads, prices have increased over the years. However, Ubud is still one of the cheapest places on the island where digital nomads can live and work. 

Surrounded by beautiful nature, this is the perfect place to focus on your work and yourself. They say there’s a spiritual atmosphere that inspires you to become the best version of yourself. Only those who visit and live there can truly speak about this, though.

Most nationalities can stay in Indonesia for 30 days, but the tourist visa may be extended for another 30 days. Digital nomads may also apply for a 60-day visa before their arrival in Indonesia as well. 

Zagreb, Croatia

• Rent for Apartment in City Center: $528/month
• One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.59
• Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $7.41

Not only is Zagreb affordable, but it’s one of the best digital nomad cities in Croatia. As the country’s capital, it has everything a digital nomad would ever need. With excellent wifi, reliable transportation, and a great quality of life considering the cost of living, it’s a mistake not to consider Zagreb as one of the cheapest cities to live as a digital nomad. 

You’ll find a variety of coworking spaces to choose from and cafes with free wifi. Boredom is absolutely out of the question with the amazing historical sites, museums, shopping districts, and gorgeous green parks throughout the city. Plus, the nightlife is known to be pretty entertaining. 

Croatia, in my opinion, is one of the best places to stay and live a digital nomad lifestyle. It has everything you could ever want, especially if you love the concept of European culture. Don’t be surprised if you find others sitting at a cafe for hours just like you; coffee culture is strong in Croatia.

Digital nomads can now stay in Croatia for one year thanks to their new digital nomad visa. You can read more about how to apply for Croatia’s digital nomad visa here. 

Get More Digital Nomad Destination Advice 

Before going to a new destination as a digital nomad, it’s a good idea to get as much information as possible. One of the best ways to do your research is to ask other digital nomads about their experience in the destination. 

Where can you connect with other digital nomads and ask your questions?

In the Nomads Embassy exclusive online community! 

Stay up to date with the latest digital nomad news, lifestyle tips, and travel advice when you join our community now.