10 Affordable Cities to Live in as a Digital Nomad Around the World

A list of cities with a cost of living up to R$5,000 per month

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The most common question I receive about digital nomadism is how I choose my destinations. The second, in this context, is which cities are the cheapest for digital nomads.

I generally use Nomad List and/or Numbeo to get an idea of ​​the cost of living in each city and check other travellers’ reports.

In today’s text I list the 10 cheapest cities (cost of living less than R$ 5,000 per month per person) where I enjoyed living as a digital nomad.

They are not necessarily the ones I enjoyed traveling to as a tourist the most: they are cities that I had the opportunity to experience as a local according to my personal criteria. The list is in alphabetical order.

1. Belgrade, Serbia

• Approximate cost of living: R$4,700.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 27 Mbps

In recent years, the former capital of Yugoslavia has become a favorite destination for digital nomads.

Attracted by its low cost of living, wide variety of cafes and its beautiful parks, travelers from all over the world have chosen Belgrade as their base.

In addition to the city’s attractions, there are direct and cheap flights from Belgrade to Croatia and Montenegro, neighboring countries with beautiful beaches.

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Approximate cost of living: R$2,500.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 6 Mbps

The proximity to Brazil makes Buenos Aires an interesting alternative for those who want to have their first international experience without having to go far.

For less than R$3,000 a month it is possible to live comfortably in the cosmopolitan Argentine capital and still indulge in some luxuries, such as an elegant Airbnb in Palermo, the coolest neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

3. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

• Approximate cost of living: R$4,900.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 25 Mbps

Bali, a favorite destination for digital nomads, has been trending for a long time.

Paradise beaches, modern coworking spaces, good internet connection, hipster cafes, Airbnb with infinity pools and a whole scene of meditation, yoga and surfing. Bali, especially in the Canggu region, is a great example of a city where you can find a balance between your personal and professional life.

The average monthly cost for one person is around R$5,000 and, like everything related to fashion, is expected to increase in the short and medium term. So, enjoy it while it lasts.

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Approximate cost of living: R$ 3,300.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 23 Mbps

I couldn’t make a list of cheap cities for digital nomads without mentioning Chiang Mai, Thailand. Located in the north of the country, Chiang Mai is a great option for those who love cosmopolitan cities, but don’t want to live in the chaos of the capital Bangkok.

The cost of living is really low and there’s a whole digital nomad scene – if you’re the type who likes networking events, Chiang Mai is the place to network with travelers from all over the world.

5. Mexico City, Mexico

• Approximate cost of living: R$4,600.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 11 Mbps

If you talk to any digital nomad who has lived in Mexico City, you will hear extreme opinions: you either love or hate the Mexican capital. Some love its chaotic streets and cultural richness, others complain of a sense of insecurity and congestion.

In particular, I did not feel unsafe during my stay: I stayed in the La Roma neighborhood. When I walked around the city center, the security measures were the same as when I am in Sao Paulo, for example: always keep your things in your front pockets and don’t use your cell phone.

That said, it’s one of the liveliest cities I’ve ever seen on my nomadic journey. The Mexican people are wonderful, the gastronomy is unmentionable and the capital breathes culture.

6. Da Nang, Vietnam

• Approximate cost of living: R$4,000.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 6 Mbps

Nomad List says the monthly cost is R$4,000 per person, but I say that in Da Nang you can live very well for around R$2,500.

If you like cities like Florianópolis, Cape Town and Tel Aviv, you will like Nang. The atmosphere is the same, just much cheaper. Cosmopolitan seaside town with great cafes, restaurants and leisure options.

Furthermore, Da Nang has a great location for those who want to visit other parts of Vietnam: in addition to having an airport, it is located between the historic cities of Huế and Hoi An.

7. Istanbul, Türkiye

• Approximate cost of living: R$2,900.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 7 Mbps

I ended up in Istanbul by chance – my flight from Russia to Georgia was canceled after the countries cut ties in 2019 – and fell in love with the diversity of the Turkish city.

Located on two continents – Europe and Asia – Istanbul has been the meeting point between West and East for centuries. When it comes to digital nomadism, the coffee culture, young population and low cost of living represent substantial advantages.

The city is home to a wide range of cultural and culinary attractions, from impressive mosques to trendy bar areas and traditional bazaars. In short, in Istanbul you can find everything.

8. Ko Phangan, Thailand

• Approximate cost of living: R$ 3,700.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 23 Mbps

Koh Phangan attracts digital nomads from all over the world thanks to its cost-effectiveness. You can find bungalows on the edge of idyllic paradises with daily rates starting at R$80 and meals costing R$100 in São Paulo for R$10 (like pad Thai with seafood). For those who are vegetarian, in addition to the variety of options, eating is also cheaper.

9. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

• Approximate cost of living: R$ 3,700.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 9 Mbps

Although Vietnam and Thailand have different vibes, Ho Chi Minh can easily be compared to Bangkok. Vietnam’s main financial center, Ho Chi Minh City has a much more cosmopolitan and modern feel than other parts of the country.

Vietnam as a whole is a country with many affordable cities for digital nomads, but Ho Chi Minh City stands out with its wide range of coworking spaces, cafes (Vietnamese love coffee) and cheap restaurants.

10. Tbilisi, Georgia

• Approximate cost of living: R$4,100.00/month

• Average Internet speed: 10 Mbps

Little known among Brazilians, Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, a former republic of the Soviet Union.

With its medieval style and exuberant nature, Georgia, in general, is a great value for money destination, especially if you like drinking good wine after work. They say that Batumi, a beach city, is amazing, but I haven’t had the opportunity to visit it yet.

Matthew of Souza

is a writer, educator, and TEDx speaker. He is the author of “Digital Nômade”, a book finalist for the Jabuti Prize.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.