As digital nomads, we are always looking for the best way to travel the world while saving and growing our finances, and one of the best ways to do that is to choose a destination with a low cost of living.
So, here are my top picks for digital nomads looking to travel on a budget! These destinations cost less than $50 per day, making them perfect for anyone working online and looking to save.
Thailand
At the very top of our list is Thailand. This beautiful country has everything from stunning beaches and crystal clear waters to delicious food and friendly locals. And the best part? It’s incredibly cheap to live here! You can easily find accommodation for under $20 per night, and food is also very affordable.
It is important to note that since becoming a popular tourist destination, certain parts of Thailand can be pretty expensive. However, if you do your research and avoid tourist traps, you can easily stick to a budget of $50 per day or less.
Here is a quick breakdown of daily expenses for living in the mainland of Thailand:
- Accommodation – Budget dorms can cost as little as $10 per night.
- Food & Drinks – If you stick to either groceries or street food, you can easily spend less than $10 per day on food. Also, since Thailand is typically a party destination, ensure you purchase your alcohol during happy hours or from convenient stores to save the most money.
- Tours and Activities – There are plenty of beautiful things to see and do in Thailand, but many are free or very cheap. For example, visiting temples or going to the beach. Budget about $10 per day for activities.
Panama
Panama is the second location on our list of cheap travel destinations for digital nomads. This Central American country has a lot to offer, from its colonial history and stunning architecture to its pristine beaches and lush rainforests. Panama City is the most popular place for digital nomads and remote workers to visit, as it is full of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants.
Let’s look at the typical expenses in Panama to help you budget before your next trip:
- Accommodation – If you are looking for a private night’s rest, you can find Airbnb rentals for $20 or less per night. You can look at hostels and co-living spaces for less than $15 per night to keep things even cheaper.
- Food & Drinks – A mid-range restaurant meal will cost around $15. So, stick to groceries and fresh fish market meals to keep your daily budget below $50.
- Tours and Activities – There are plenty of free things to do in Panama City, such as visiting the old town or taking a walk through one of the many parks. However, if you want to do something more adventurous, such as hiking in the rainforest or going on a boat tour, you should budget about $20 per day.
Vietnam
Vietnam is easily one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. From its stunning coastal towns to its lush mountains and rice fields, there is much to explore in this country. And the best part? It’s incredibly cheap to live here! While I have not yet been, it is very high on our list of places to go next!
Here is a breakdown of monthly expenses in Vietnam according to A Little Drift:
Here is a quick breakdown of daily expenses for living in Vietnam:
- Accommodation – $10-$15 dollars per day
- Food & Drinks – Budget around $10 per day
- Tours and activities – Since Vietnam has so much natural beauty, many of the best activities, such as hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring caves, are free. However, if you want to do something more touristy, such as take a cooking class or go on a boat tour, budget around $15 per day.
Mexico
Mexico is a fantastic place for digital nomads, and Mexico City continually ranks as one of the top digital nomad cities to live in. Mexico City is so popular among digital nomads because it has a great community feel, plenty of coworking spaces and cafes, and is incredibly cheap to live in. While it is not directly on the ocean, it is only a short drive or bus ride to the beach. I also want to mention that certain parts of Mexico can be costly (TELUM). However, Mexico City is beautiful and full of culture, and you can live for less than $50 per day.
- Accommodation – Hostels can be as cheap as $10 per night
- Food & Drinks – Street tacos can cost as little as $1, and alcohol is insanely cheap. You can spend around $10 per day to eat well.
- Tours & Activities – If you go to tourist locations, it will be more expensive. However, there are plenty of free things to do in Mexico City, such as visiting museums, ruins, the ocean, cenotes, and walking around the city. Expect to budget about $10-15 for daily activities.
Portugal
Ahh, Portugal. One of our favorite destinations in the world and easily our top nomad location. Portugal has everything you could want as a digital nomad. Great weather, stunning coastline, excellent food, and more. Not to mention that it’s one of the safest countries in the world.
Lisbon is consistently at the top of the digital nomad rankings and has a very strong remote working community. The WIFI is top-notch, countless coworking places to choose from, and the city has a great vibe.
And did we mention that it’s incredibly cheap to live here? You can easily live on less than $50 per day in Portugal!
- Accommodation – Dorm rooms can cost as little as $12 per night
- Food & Drink – A meal at a local restaurant will cost around $15. If you cook your meals, you can easily eat for less than $20 per day.
- Tours and Activities – The best things to do in Portugal are often free. The oceans, the hiking, and the city walking are all great things to do that won’t cost you anything. However, if you want to go on a boat tour or do some wine tasting, expect to budget around $20 per day.
Top five places for digital nomads on a budget
As you can see, there are some fantastic options for digital nomads on a budget. These locations offer incredible scenery, great food, friendly locals, and most importantly – they won’t break the bank!
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure to one of these amazing places! And if you have any other suggestions for top budget destinations for digital nomads.
