Hey everyone!
So, I've been living that digital nomad life for about three and a half years now, and I've explored tons of places. Some have been absolutely incredible – like Koh Phangan in Thailand – but let's be real, a lot of those popular spots are getting pricey.
That's why I wanted to share some slightly less mainstream destinations where you can still have an amazing lifestyle without blowing your budget. Plus, I'm thinking about community and time zones too, because, you know, we all have different needs!
Let's dive in:
1. Da Nang, Vietnam: The Underrated Gem
Okay, if you've seen any of my videos on affordable living, you've probably heard me rave about Da Nang. Seriously, it's my personal favorite.
This city is just… gorgeous. The lifestyle is fantastic, and it's the most affordable place I've ever been. I'm talking really cheap, but without sacrificing quality. It's super convenient for getting work done – food delivery is easy, the food itself is delicious and cheap, and the beaches are stunning (surf's up!).
Two years ago, when I first visited, it was still pretty under the radar. There were only a handful of foreigners. But things are changing fast. This year, I noticed a lot more digital nomads, there are co-working spaces popping up, and there are more events and meetups. I think next year, it's going to be even bigger. People are starting to realize it's not just affordable, it's got a community too.
Basically, you can live luxuriously in Da Nang on under $1,000 a month. Honestly, you could easily get by on $500. It's that good.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina: South American Surprise
This one's a bit of a wildcard for me because I haven't actually been there yet. But I've heard SO many good things lately. Apparently, it's incredibly affordable, almost like Southeast Asia levels of cheap.
And here's a big plus: Argentina is generally safer than many other places in that part of the world. Plus, it seems like there's a huge digital nomad community. If you're based in the US or need to be in that time zone, Buenos Aires seems like a top contender.
Finding affordable Airbnbs is super easy, and it's a big city, so there's always something to do. The only downside I've heard is the lack of great swimming beaches. But other than that, it sounds amazing, especially if you speak Spanish!
3. Tbilisi, Georgia: Europe on a Budget
Tbilisi has been on the radar for a while now, and for good reason. It seems like one of the best options if you want to be closer to Europe without the crazy price tag.
Places like Lisbon in Portugal used to be super affordable, but those days are kind of gone, especially when it comes to housing. Tbilisi offers a similar vibe at a fraction of the cost.
There are some beach cities in Georgia you could check out, but Tbilisi is definitely the most popular hub for digital nomads. It's a city with a lot going on, and you can definitely have a great lifestyle there. And again, prices are very reasonable, even for shorter-term stays (like a month or two).
And, just a quick note, when I say "under $1,000," I'm talking about those shorter-term stays. If you're planning to rent long-term, like a year, these places are going to be even more affordable. I like to focus on places where you can easily find nice Airbnbs for $300-$600 a month. It's just easier and more convenient, you know?
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4. Chiang Mai, Thailand: The Classic That's Making a Comeback
Chiang Mai has been the digital nomad city for ages. But here's the thing: a lot of the newer, trendier places in Southeast Asia are getting more expensive and crowded.
So, I think Chiang Mai is going to see a resurgence in popularity next year. It's a bit more local, a bit more chill, but it still has a massive digital nomad community.
I've met so many people in Thailand who live in Chiang Mai, and they absolutely love it. They say it's better than any of the islands, or anything like that. So, if you're into a more relaxed vibe, Chiang Mai is a really good option. Just keep in mind, no beaches. That's a dealbreaker for me, personally, but it's super affordable.
5. Indonesia: Canggu, Bali & Kuta Lombok (A Two-Part Pick)
Okay, I'm a bit biased here because I live in Bali. Right now, I'm in Ubud, but Canggu has been my home for a long time.
- Canggu, Bali: For me, if you want to focus on your health and your business, Canggu is still the best. There are so many people to meet, and the lifestyle is amazing. It's never boring, there are tons of great activities and food. And it can still be affordable. I'm actually going to make a video soon about how to live in Canggu for under $600 a month. It's still possible! It's just a little harder to find super cheap accommodation compared to some of the other places on this list. But Canggu, and especially Pererenan where I live, has such a good digital nomad community. I don't see that changing anytime soon.
- Kuta Lombok: I actually spent a week there recently for the first time, and it was amazing. A lot of people say it's better than Bali. I'm not sure about that, but it's very peaceful and relaxed. There's no traffic, and there's a lot of
