Cost of living for digital nomads by country (2025)

Living as a digital nomad sounds like a dream, but dreams still come with a price tag. That price, however, can vary a lot depending on where you go. Some cities let you live comfortably on $900 a month. Others can swallow $3,000 before the month is halfway through.

I’ve spent the last few years bouncing between countries, figuring out what’s worth paying for, and where the sweet spots are. It’s not just about choosing “cheap” places, it’s about finding a place where your money buys comfort, connection, and enough bandwidth to get your work done.

If you’re building a long-term lifestyle or simply mapping your next destination, understanding the real cost of living is key. This breakdown should help you get a better feel for what to expectnespecially when paired with the full budgeting framework I’ve laid out in the complete cost of living guide for digital nomads in 2025.

Southeast Asia: freedom on a budget

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Monthly cost: $800–$1,200

Chiang Mai is one of those places that keeps showing up on nomad lists for a reason. Rent is low. Food is both cheap and good. The coworking scene is mature, and people are welcoming.

You can rent a modern studio with Wi-Fi and AC for $300. Street food? About $1.50 per meal. Even with a gym pass, motorbike rental, and daily coffee shop runs, most people manage under $1,200.

Da Nang, Vietnam

• Monthly cost: $750–$1,100

Da Nang has beach vibes, modern apartments, and fast internet. It’s less chaotic than Hanoi, less touristy than Ho Chi Minh, and that balance makes it a strong choice.

Rent is often under $400. Meals range from $2–$5. Coworking spaces are still growing but usable. It’s a great option for low-key, beach-friendly remote work.

Latin America: affordable and lively

Medellín, Colombia

• Monthly cost: $900–$1,400

Once you adjust to the elevation, Medellín feels like a second home. The “City of Eternal Spring” has a growing remote work community, solid infrastructure, and affordable healthcare.

A one-bedroom in a safe neighborhood like Laureles can be around $500. A meal at a casual restaurant is under $5. Add in coworking and leisure, and you’re looking at just over $1,000 if you’re careful.

Mexico City, Mexico

• Monthly cost: $1,100–$1,700

CDMX isn’t cheap-cheap, but it has energy. You’ll find strong coffee, tech meetups, indie bookstores, rooftop workspaces all within one metro ride.

Expect to pay $600+ for rent in a decent area like Condesa. Local food is affordable, but international cuisine and nightlife add up fast. Still, for many nomads, the lifestyle trade-off is worth it.

Europe: lifestyle at a cost

Lisbon, Portugal

• Monthly cost: $1,500–$2,200

Lisbon blends European charm with Atlantic sunshine. The community is international. The food is underrated. And while prices have gone up, it’s still one of the more affordable Western European cities.

Studios in central neighborhoods now hit $1,000+. Coworking passes and transport are decent, but dining out and tourist season inflation can be a hit. If you’re earning in dollars or euros, it’s manageable. If not, you’ll need to budget tightly.

Tbilisi, Georgia

• Monthly cost: $800–$1,200

If Lisbon is getting pricey, Tbilisi is still flying under the radar. It’s got fast Wi-Fi, visa-free stays for many nationalities, and a mix of Soviet and bohemian charm.

You can live well here for under $1,000. Rent is around $350. Cafés are everywhere. The wine is good and cheap. Bonus: Georgia has a remote worker visa that’s actually simple.

Africa and the Middle East: underrated options

Dakar, Senegal

• Monthly cost: $1,000–$1,500

Dakar is rising on the radar thanks to its growing tech scene and warm hospitality. Rent isn’t as low as in Asia, but the cultural richness makes up for it.

You’ll likely spend $500–$600 on housing. Food costs vary depending on whether you eat local or international. Internet can be patchy, but with a good SIM plan, it’s manageable.

Istanbul, Turkey

• Monthly cost: $1,100–$1,700

Istanbul has it all: history, solid internet, decent cafés, and an East-meets-West feel that’s hard to beat. Prices are volatile due to inflation, but the cost of living is still accessible for many nomads.

Expect to spend $700 on rent in central neighborhoods. Groceries are cheap, transport is efficient, and coworking spaces are solid. It’s a smart pick for spring or autumn.

Which country fits your budget and vibe?

There’s no single answer to “where should I go next.” It depends on what you need quiet or energy, city life or nature, cheap rent or strong infrastructure. Some nomads stick to low-cost regions to save. Others spend more to access vibrant scenes or better amenities.

If you’re unsure, start slow. Try a short stay in two different places and compare your experience. And always leave room in your budget for the unexpected dental work, visa runs, rainy days.

To go deeper into how each category of expenses fits into your budget, from rent to mobile data, you might want to look at this monthly breakdown of digital nomad spending . It helps tie location costs into a full plan you can actually follow.detailed