10 International Cities for Digital Nomads With Low Costs of Living
Remote work has made location a financial decision as much as a lifestyle one. For many people working online, the appeal of certain cities often comes down to how easily daily expenses align with remote income. These places stay affordable because their costs, infrastructure, and pace make long stays workable.
Chiang Mai
Credit: Getty Images
A one-bedroom apartment in Chiang Mai typically rents for around $400 a month, which significantly influences how easy the city feels to live in. Food, transportation, and daily needs remain affordable enough that most remote workers can cover essentials without constant budgeting. Coworking spots are concentrated in Nimmanhaemin, so getting around is rarely a challenge. Chiang Mai suits people who value steady, predictable costs more than luxury upgrades.
Budapest
Credit: Getty Images
Rent drops sharply once you move a few tram stops from Budapest’s center. Outside tourist zones, apartments often fall near $700, and public transit replaces the need for a car. Cafes expect laptops during the day. Rail access to nearby capitals makes the city practical for slow travel rather than short stays.
Medellín
Credit: Getty Images
Temperatures rarely demand air conditioning or heating, which simplifies daily routines within Medellín. That consistency matters for remote work. In neighborhoods like Laureles, rent remains reasonable, and metro access reduces reliance on ride-sharing services. Healthcare is accessible and affordable, which becomes particularly relevant when visits extend beyond a few months.
Tbilisi
Credit: Canva
Many visitors arrive in Tbilisi knowing they can legally stay for a whole year without visa paperwork. That changes how housing decisions get made. Long-term rentals remain affordable, groceries are inexpensive, and cafes accommodate extended work sessions. The absence of frequent renewals reduces administrative friction for people settling in gradually.
Da Nang
Credit: Canva
Apartments in Da Nang with reliable internet often rent for under $600, even near the coast. Traffic stays lighter than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, which shortens errands and work breaks. Daily schedules remain stable because the city lacks constant congestion. It suits remote workers who need calm more than stimulation.
Buenos Aires
Credit: Getty Images
Currency controls and inflation shape daily costs in Buenos Aires. Remote workers paid in dollars often rent furnished apartments in Palermo or Recoleta for far less than comparable cities. Public transit fares remain low, and cafes double as workspaces. Prices fluctuate, which favors shorter stays where exchange-rate advantages matter most.
Sofia
Credit: Wikipedia
Sofia combines low housing costs with unusually fast internet for Europe. One-bedroom apartments commonly rent for around $500, and broadband speeds rank among the region’s highest. Trams and metro lines cover most neighborhoods. The city functions efficiently without constant planning, which appeals to remote workers prioritizing reliability over novelty.
Mexico City
Credit: Wikipedia
In central neighborhoods like Roma and Narvarte, fiber internet is standard even in older buildings. Rents remain lower than in many global capitals, especially outside short-term rental zones. Eating locally keeps daily costs down. Access to private clinics at modest prices makes extended stays more practical than visitors often expect.
Kuala Lumpur
Credit: Canva
Elevators, trains, and the internet work consistently here, which removes much daily friction. Apartments in newer high-rises often include pools and gyms while staying under $700. English is widely used for services. Meals from hawker centers remain inexpensive, and air conditioning provides enough relief from the heat to keep workdays uninterrupted year-round.
Lisbon
Credit: Getty Images
Rising rents have narrowed the gap, but Lisbon still undercuts many Western European capitals. Living outside the historic core keeps monthly housing costs closer to $900. Reliable internet is available, and English is widely spoken. Long-stay visas are available, though advance planning is necessary to manage the paperwork.