Finding the right city as a digital nomad means balancing cost of living with quality of life. Using our Anchor Cost Index data from 120 cities worldwide, we've identified the top 10 most affordable destinations that also score well on our Digital Nomad Score.
What Makes a Great Nomad City?
We evaluated cities based on three key factors: overall cost of living (Anchor Cost Index), digital nomad infrastructure (coworking spaces, internet speed), and quality of life metrics. A city needs to be more than just cheap—it needs to be livable.
The Top 10 List
1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
With a Digital Nomad budget of around $1,100/month, Ho Chi Minh City offers incredible value. Street food costs $1-2 per meal, coworking spaces run $80-150/month, and a central apartment can be found for $400-600. The city has a vibrant expat community and excellent internet infrastructure.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok remains a nomad favorite with monthly costs around $1,200-1,500. The city has world-class coworking spaces, reliable 5G coverage, and an unbeatable food scene. A comfortable studio apartment in areas like Ari or Thonglor costs $500-700/month.
3. Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia's capital has emerged as a top nomad destination thanks to its 1-year freelancer visa. Monthly costs hover around $1,000-1,300. Wine is practically free, public transport is $0.30, and the Old Town offers affordable yet charming apartments.
4. Mexico City, Mexico
CDMX combines affordability with world-class culture. Neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa offer the perfect nomad lifestyle at $1,300-1,700/month. Coworking is abundant, and the food scene rivals any major world city.
5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
KL offers first-world infrastructure at developing-world prices. A digital nomad can live comfortably for $1,200-1,500/month with a modern condo, fast internet, and access to excellent healthcare. The DE Rantau visa makes it easy to stay long-term.
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina's economic situation means incredible value for foreign-currency earners. Expect $1,000-1,400/month for a comfortable lifestyle in Palermo or Recoleta. The city offers European architecture, world-class steak, and a thriving cultural scene.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
While pricier than Asian destinations, Lisbon remains affordable by European standards at $1,800-2,200/month. The D7 visa, excellent weather, strong tech community, and incredible food make it a top choice for nomads seeking a European base.
8. Chiang Mai, Thailand
The original nomad city still delivers. At $800-1,200/month, Chiang Mai offers the lowest costs on this list. Nimman area has dozens of cafes and coworking spaces, and the mountain scenery provides a welcome break from hustle culture.
9. Medellín, Colombia
The "City of Eternal Spring" offers perfect weather year-round and costs of $1,200-1,600/month. El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods are nomad hubs with modern apartments, fast internet, and a growing international community.
10. Belgrade, Serbia
An emerging nomad destination, Belgrade offers $1,000-1,400/month living costs with a vibrant nightlife, excellent food, and no visa required for most nationalities (90-day stays). The tech scene is growing rapidly with affordable coworking options.
Key Takeaways
- Southeast Asia remains the most affordable region overall
- Latin America offers the best balance of cost and lifestyle
- Eastern Europe is underrated for nomads seeking affordable European living
- Digital nomad visas are making long-term stays easier in many countries
Use our Salary Calculator to see exactly how far your income goes in each of these cities, or compare any two cities side-by-side.