Top 10 Cheapest Cities to Live as a Digital Nomad in 2023 & Why It Matters

 

As a digital nomad, one of the biggest advantages you have is the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. But with so many choices, where should you go? Safety, cost of living, quality of life, and internet speeds are some of the factors that come into play when deciding on a destination. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 cheapest cities to live as a digital nomad in 2022 and why this is an important question for many remote workers.

Top 10 Cheapest Cities to Live as a Digital Nomad

Below are the top 10 cheapest cities for digital nomads. We’ve taken into account safety, cost of living, quality of life, and internet speeds 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, so they’re subject to change. You can also find cheaper or more expensive prices depending on where you stay within each city.

1.Athens, Greece

Athens, the capital of Greece, 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. 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.

  • Rent for Apartment in City Center: $515/month

  • One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.40

  • Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $12.84

2.Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is 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 co-working spaces just for digital nomads and the cafe culture is definitely strong.

  • Rent for Apartment in City Center: $460/month

  • One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.85

  • Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $7.35

3.Budapest, Hungary

Budapest offers a high-quality lifestyle to remote workers. From extremely reliable wifi to co-working spaces to an affordable cost of living, Budapest offers a thriving digital nomad community.

  • Rent for Apartment in City Center: $485/month

  • One-Way Transportation Ticket: $1.09

  • Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant: $7.79

4.Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is another popular destination for digital nomads who are on a tight budget. This city offers a rich culture and is known for its excellent food, temples, and markets. The cost of living in Chiang Mai is quite affordable with a one-bedroom apartment costing around $250 per month. The internet speeds are also good, and the city offers a range of co-working spaces, making it a great option for remote workers.

  • Rent for Apartment in City Center: $380/month

  • One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.90

  • Average meal cost: $2.09

5.Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia is easily 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. Although prices have increased significantly over the last few years as it has grown as a go-to destination, it’s still far cheaper than most western cities, and continues to offer unique and diverse experiences for those looking for a great work-life balance.

  • Cost of rent for a month: $380-$600/month

  • Transport (Scooter or bike hire): $$47-$65/month

  • Average meal cost: $4-$5

6.Medellin, Colombia

Medellin, known as the city of eternal spring,  is a vibrant and exciting city that has a rich culture and history. It offers amazing food, nightlife, and outdoor activities. The cost of living in Medellin is quite affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing between $260-$350 per month. The internet speeds are also quite good, and the city offers a range of co-working spaces, making it a great option for remote workers.

  • Rent for an apartment: $500-$800/month

  • One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.63

  • Average meal cost: $4.18-$6.53

7.Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city that offers affordable living for digital nomads. The city has a low cost of living, and the cost of food, transportation, and accommodation is very cheap. The city is known for its street food, very reliable internet speeds and has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury.

  • Rent for an apartment: $250-$400/month

  • Transportation (motorbike hire): $50/month

  • Average meal cost: $2-$7

8.Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is the capital and largest city in Mexico, known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious food, and affordable cost of living. With a growing tech scene and a large expat community, it's an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to work and live in a dynamic and affordable city.

  • Rent for an apartment: $400-$800/month

  • One-Way Transportation Ticket: $0.60-$5

  • Average meal cost: $3.18-$8.42

Conclusion:

Choosing the right destination as a digital nomad is important for your safety, cost of living, quality of life, and internet speeds. The top 10 cheapest cities to live as a digital nomad are great options for remote workers who are looking for affordable and safe destinations. Each destination on this list has its own unique features and attractions that make it a great place to work and live.

If you're a digital nomad or aspire to become one, be sure to consider one of these destinations as your next stop. Whether you're looking for a vibrant city or a more relaxed destination, there's something on this list for everyone. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel tips and tricks, and we wish you happy travels!

 
Arnold Omanyo