Life as a digital nomad can feel like living in a perpetual choose-your-own-adventure story. One month, you’re hopping between co-working spots in bustling city centers, and the next, you’re sipping coffee on a quiet beach with your laptop perched on your knees.
For a long time, I thought remote work was only possible for those with an enormous safety net, but I learned quickly that it’s not just about your budget—it’s also about finding places where your online income stretches further, and the culture actively welcomes location-independent pros.
Today, I want to share seven countries where you can comfortably cover living expenses for under $2,000 a month, all while enjoying the lifestyle perks that come with working (and wandering) abroad. Let’s dive in.
1. Thailand
Thailand is often the first place I think of when I talk about living abroad affordably. It’s a nation that caters to all kinds of nomads, from the backpacker on a shoestring budget to the entrepreneur seeking a tropical backdrop for video calls.
In Chiang Mai, for example, you’ll find monthly apartment rentals starting at just a few hundred dollars, local markets with fresh produce, and co-working spaces around every corner. Bangkok offers a bit more hustle and bustle, but it’s still surprisingly easy on the wallet if you do your homework when searching for apartments.
I once spent a few weeks in Chiang Mai, collaborating with a colleague on a digital marketing project. The accessibility of high-speed internet and convenient coffee shops blew me away.
If you’re into exploring temples, enjoying nature trails, or doing weekend getaways to islands like Koh Samui, you’ll quickly see why Thailand captures so many hearts.
Best of all, the local culture is incredibly welcoming. If you ever get tired of pounding away at your keyboard all day, you can join a cooking class, visit an elephant sanctuary (the ethical ones, please), or trek through mountainous landscapes.
Cost-wise, a modest studio can go for around $300 to $500 per month, while street food and local eateries serve up flavorful meals for just a couple of dollars.
Transportation is also cheap—ride-sharing services and the occasional tuk-tuk ride cost next to nothing. Add it all up, and it’s entirely possible to maintain a fun and fulfilling lifestyle under $2,000 a month.
2. Vietnam
Let’s head east of Thailand to Vietnam, another favorite destination among digital nomads seeking affordability without sacrificing culture or modern comforts. Ho Chi Minh City (often still referred to as Saigon) is a bustling metropolis with skyscrapers, motorbikes whizzing by, and a growing tech scene.
Hanoi, in the north, has its own charm—a blend of old architecture, lakes dotted around the city, and a laid-back cafe culture. The coffee scene in Vietnam is something else (if you’ve never tried a Vietnamese iced coffee, you’re in for a treat).
Visa regulations can shift from time to time, but short-term stays are relatively simple to arrange. Longer-term workarounds might require more legwork. Don’t let that deter you, though—Vietnam’s cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and food, can be shockingly low.
Many digital nomads say that once you experience a month of feasting on delicious pho for a few bucks and renting a comfortable place for $300-$400, it’s hard to imagine going back to a more expensive locale.
There’s also a strong sense of community among expats here. It’s not uncommon to meet fellow entrepreneurs, freelancers, or remote employees in co-working spaces like Dreamplex or Toong, where you’ll hear about everything from cutting-edge marketing tactics to the best place to grab lunch.
If you’re someone who thrives in a city with a bit of grit and a lot of growth potential, Vietnam should be high on your list.
3. Mexico
When people think of Mexico, they often envision all-inclusive resorts, margaritas by the beach, and massive tourist crowds. But there’s an entirely different side to Mexico that appeals to digital nomads.
Cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Playa del Carmen have exploded in popularity. The capital, Mexico City, blends historical charm—like ancient Aztec ruins hidden beneath Spanish colonial architecture—with trendy neighborhoods that boast coffee shops, art galleries, and stylish lofts.
Playa del Carmen caters to those who want a laid-back beach lifestyle paired with an entrepreneurial vibe. Co-working spots like Nest and Bunker in Playa are always buzzing with remote workers from around the globe.
I still remember a week I spent in Mexico City years ago, back when I was juggling multiple marketing campaigns for U.S.-based clients. Despite the different pace and cultural nuances, I was able to keep my projects rolling smoothly thanks to the reliable internet infrastructure.
And let’s not ignore the cuisine—street tacos and a fresh fruit juice for breakfast might set you back just a few dollars.
According to a 2022 survey by International Living, Mexico continues to be one of the top destinations for expats seeking a balance of affordable housing, dynamic culture, and good healthcare. It’s not only about saving money; it’s about living well on less.
4. Portugal
Portugal might come as a surprise for those who think Europe is universally expensive, but this coastal country has been a rising star in the digital nomad world. Lisbon is often the first stop. It’s modern, scenic, and full of life.
There’s an incredible creative energy coursing through its narrow streets and hillside neighborhoods. From Belém’s historic charm to the tech-forward co-working hubs in Santos, Lisbon is a place where old meets new in delightful ways.
For a slower pace, Porto offers dreamy river views and vibrant culture, and the Algarve region down south has some of the best beaches in Europe. Monthly rentals can vary, but you can still find places for under $1,000 if you do some digging—especially outside the prime tourist spots.
Portuguese people are warm and welcoming, and English is widely spoken in urban centers. This is a huge plus if you’re fresh to the language-learning scene but still want to integrate locally.
As Tim Ferriss has said, “Doing less is not being lazy. Doing less can be the key to success.” This rings true here because Portugal’s laid-back culture can help you slow down, focus on what matters, and do it all on a reasonable budget.
5. Colombia
Are you craving a destination that combines vibrant city life with breathtaking natural beauty? Colombia might be the answer. Cities like Medellín have become major hotspots for digital nomads over the past few years. Nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring, Medellín is known for its mild climate, lush greenery, and friendly locals.
When I first visited Medellín, I was struck by the innovation happening there. Co-working spaces like Selina or Atomhouse are teeming with creative folks coding, designing, writing, and launching the next big thing.
The city’s metro system is straightforward, and you can find affordable housing options in neighborhoods like Laureles or Envigado.
There is also plenty to do outside of work—hikes through the surrounding hills, quick getaways to coffee country, and cultural festivals galore. Gary Vaynerchuk famously said, “Skills are cheap. Passion is priceless.”
When you’re living in a place like Medellín, you start to understand how passion for community, culture, and self-improvement can drive you further in your career—all while staying under a $2,000 budget.
6. Georgia
No, not the U.S. state—though I love that one too. We’re talking about the country at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Tbilisi, the capital, is a charming city that merges ancient fortresses with a modern, almost bohemian vibe.
I’ve mentioned this before but spending an extended period in a place that’s both historically rich and forward-thinking can spark creativity in unexpected ways.
As a former digital marketer turned writer, I find Tbilisi especially intriguing for remote work thanks to the rapidly expanding tech scene and the surprisingly stable internet infrastructure.
One of Georgia’s strong draws is its visa-friendly policy. Many nationalities can stay in the country for up to a year without jumping through complicated bureaucratic hoops.
This convenience, combined with a cost of living that easily dips below $2,000 a month—renting a nice apartment can be as low as $300-$500—makes it an underrated gem.
Food lovers will fall in love with Georgian cuisine. Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings) are cheap, delicious, and deeply rooted in the local culinary tradition. Pair it all with a glass of Georgian wine, and you’ll see why so many digital nomads end up staying longer than planned.
7. Indonesia
Finally, let’s talk about Indonesia—particularly the island of Bali, though there are many regions worth exploring. Yes, it’s become something of a cliché in digital nomad circles, but clichés often exist for a reason. Bali offers a laid-back beach lifestyle, scenic rice terraces, surf spots, and a robust expat community.
Areas like Canggu are often packed with remote workers tapping away at laptops in hip cafes. Coworking spaces such as Dojo and Outpost host networking events, workshops, and meetups that can help you forge friendships and business partnerships.
If you ever need a spiritual refresh, Ubud’s yoga studios and wellness retreats are legendary.
A monthly budget under $2,000 is highly doable in most parts of Bali, especially if you rent a scooter (a must, in my experience) and eat local dishes like nasi goreng or mie goreng. Even renting a villa with a pool isn’t unthinkable if you split costs with fellow nomads.
Seth Godin once noted, “The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.” Bali is a prime place to test new business ideas, creative projects, or personal growth experiments with minimal risk.
Putting it all together
Those are my top seven picks for countries where living on less than $2,000 a month isn’t just possible—it’s a genuine upgrade in lifestyle. From Thailand to Indonesia, these locations each have their own flavor of culture, community, and digital nomad infrastructure.
Here at DM News, we believe that seeing what’s out there can expand your horizons in more ways than one. You might grow a new skill set, discover a hidden passion, or simply learn how to live more intentionally.
Regardless of which country you choose, remember that true success as a digital nomad isn’t just measured by how far your dollars go. It’s also about the friendships you make, the experiences you collect, and the value you bring to the people you work with—no matter where you call home this month.
Safe travels and happy exploring!
