Traveling while spending as little money as possible and using the saved funds for further travel is certainly beneficial for every traveler or digital nomad. It is possible to find the cheapest countries to live in for a longer period of time in several corners of the world – especially in Europe, Asia, Central and South America. In addition to the fact that these destinations offer lower life costs, these countries offer cultural enjoyment, or beautiful natural formations and sceneries as well.
Europe
Bulgaria
Rent (1-room apartment in the center): $250 – $400
Food: $100 – $150
Eating out: $100 – $150
Transportation (public): $20 – $40
Total monthly spending: $470 – $740
Entry for EU/EEA people is free for 90 days, other countries need a residence permit or a long-term visa. Cities that attract foreign tourists and digital nomads are Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna. There is a regular Coworking Bansko conference, which comes with many networking options and workshops. Cultural activities can be experienced at the festival of masks and costumes Kuker, or the International Sofia Film Festival in the capital. From nature beauties, it is worth visiting Rila Park with a monastery.
Albania
Rent (1-room apartment in the center): $200 – $400
Food: $100 – $150
Eating out: $100 – $150
Transportation (public): $20 – $40
Total monthly spending: $420 – $740
EU/EEA citizens can enter without a visa for 90 days, other countries need a residence permit or a short-term visa. Favorite cities are mainly Tirana and coastal Saranda and Vlora. Albania is full of interesting festivals and conferences eg. Tirana International Film Festival, and Kala Music Festival on the Albanian Riviera combining indie, electronic, and world music. Digital Nomad Festival with discussions on Remote Work and business is also held in Tirana. Albania has also plenty of natural beauty: walk and hike Butrint National Park, where you can find an ancient city Butrint listed under UNESCO.
Latin America
Mexico
Rent (1-room apartment in the center): $300 – $600
Food: $150 – $250
Eating out: $150 – $250
Transportation (public): $30 – $50
Total monthly spending: $800 – $1500
Most tourists coming to Mexico can stay without visas for 180 days. Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, and Merida are the most sought-after and popular cities among digital nomads. In addition to the acceptable conditions for life, a large community of expats is being formed exactly here. The Nomad City festival in Las Palmas happens on a regular basis. Likewise, you can attend a remarkable festival Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos) held from 31 October to 2 November. In Oaxaca you can participate in a traditional festival of music, dance, and costumes called Guelaguetza Festival. Playa del Carmen offers those interested in the history and cultural heritage archaeological site Xcaret Park. Though Mexico may not be the cheapest country to live in on our list, compared to some other places, it offers affordable living and a good quality of life overall.
Colombia
Rent (1-room apartment in the center): $400 – $700
Food: $150 – $200
Eating out: $100 – $150
Transportation (public): $30 – $50
Total monthly spending: $680 – $1100
Citizens of several countries have entry without visas for 90 days. Candidates who want to stay longer need TP-4 visas for remote work. Medellin, Bogotá, and Cali are the most sought-after spots thanks to the pleasant climate, the growing scene of nomads, many coworking spaces, and networking events. Although Colombia is known for high crime rates, in recent years it has shown a declining trend. You can experience one of the largest carnivals in the world full of music and dance Carnaval de Barranquilla, or flower festival Feria de Las Flores. Nomads have their annual conferences mostly in Medellin. Beautiful beaches and rainforests on the Caribbean coast can be found in the Tayron National Park.
Middle East
Egypt
Rent (1-room apartment in the center): $150 – $300
Food: $100 – $150
Eating out: $100 – $150
Transportation (public): $10 – $20
Total monthly spending: $360 – $620
You can enter Egypt only with visas valid for 30 days that can be purchased online or directly after arrival. If someone wants to stay in the country longer, they have to get a tourist residence permit. Dahab, Alexandria, Hurghada, and the busy Cairo are cities where you can find not only many tourists but also digital nomads. Cairo is home to Riseup Summit which connects startups, investors, and tech enthusiasts.
Besides the most famous and known historical artifacts and archaeological sites, there are places less crowded and visited, for example. White Desert west of Cairo, or in the southwest direction out of the capital Wadi El Rayan Park with lakes or waterfalls. Abu Simbel Sun Festival (February, October) is held twice a year directly in the Abu Simbel temple. The International Film Festival in Cairo is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in the Middle East.
Palestine
Rent (1-room apartment in the center): $300 – $500
Food: $100 – $150
Eating out: $80 – $120
Transportation (public): $20 – $40
Total monthly spending: $500 – $810
Entry to Israel is free for 3 months. This also applies when you want to enter Palestine. Ramallah, Bethlehem and Nablus are a common choice to stay mainly for mixing historical and modern attractions. Startup Weekend Gaza is also held regularly. Although entry directly to this territory is only possible with special permission. Most often people who come to Gaza are journalists or people connected to international organizations. Given the historical background of the region, you can experience Christmas markets and church ceremonies in Bethlehem.
Qalandiya International is an art biennale that takes place across several cities in Palestine and is a mixture of exhibitions, performances, and discussions. Towards the Dead Sea coast, the oldest city in the world is situated named Jericho. In the city, you can take a cable car that will take you to the hill where the ancient abbey of St. George Monastery is located.
Asia
Indonesia, Bali
Rent (1-room apartment in the center): $300 – $400
Food: $100 – $150
Eating out: $100 – $150
Transportation (public): $20 – $40
Total monthly spending: $420 – $740
Several countries have visa-free entry for 30 days. Or it is possible to apply for tourist visas valid for 60 days. Cities like Ubud, Cang, and Seminyak are inhabited by probably the largest number of expats and nomads. Digital Nomad Summit is popular among locals as well as foreigners. In addition to Bali’s natural beauty and great surfing conditions (eg Uluwatu), you can also experience a BaliSpirit festival dedicated to yoga and wellness filled with workshops, music, and performances. Ubud Writers and Readers Festival connects writers, thinkers, and readers from around the world.
For many years Bali has been attracting digital workers and it was on the list of the cheapest countries to live in, rising rental rates make life now harder even for natural-born or expats.
Pakistan
Rent (1-room apartment in the center): $100 – $200
Food: $100 – $150
Eating out: $ 50- $ 100
Transportation (public): $10 – $20
Total monthly spending: $260 – $470
Tourist visas can be bought online or after arrival valid for 3 months. You can apply and extend them to more than 60 days. Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are popular low-cost cities. Many festivals can be experienced here, whether religious, sports, or cultural, for example. Eid-ul-Fitr, Basant Festival, Shandur Polo, Lahore Literary Festival. UNESCO archaeological sites Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila offer insight into the life of ancient civilizations. Karakoram Highway is one of the highest roads in the world with remarkable views of the mountains. Pakistan definitely belongs to the cheapest countries to live in or just travel for extended periods of time.
Nepal
Rent (1-room apartment in the center): $150 – $300
Food: $100 – $150
Eating Out: $100 – $150
Transportation (public): $20 – $40
Total monthly spending: $400 – $800
Entry to Nepal is only with visas with a validity of 15, 30, and 90 days. Digital nomads can apply for business visas that allow long-term remote work. Kathmandu and Pokhara have probably the largest community of expats and nomads, but they are slightly more expensive compared to Bhaktapur. Bisket Jatra, the festival of traditional Tibetan music and famous yogini dance is held every year in Bhaktapur. In the capital, you can visit Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival where films about the mountains, adventures, and environmental problems are screened. Chitwan Park, Sagarmatha Park, Pashupatinath Temple, Lumbini – UNESCO heritage, the birthplace of Budha, are popular attractions not only among tourists but also among local Buddhist monks.
Sources: livingcost.org, Wikipedia, TripAdvisor
About Author
Freya
Photographer, artist, content creator, and solo female traveler since 2017.