The digital nomad lifestyle continues to gain popularity, with remote workers and freelancers opting to travel the world while maintaining their careers. However, one challenge many digital nomads face is finding affordable cities that offer a high quality of life, a supportive community, and fast internet. In 2025, budget-conscious digital nomads will want to explore cities that provide the perfect balance of work and play without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best cities for digital nomads on a budget in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Affordability is key for digital nomads looking to stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality of life.
- The best cities for digital nomads on a budget offer fast internet, vibrant communities, and plenty of coworking spaces.
- Some cities also offer digital nomad visas or remote work-friendly policies that make it easier to live and work abroad.
What Makes a City Ideal for Digital Nomads on a Budget?
When choosing the best city for living as a digital nomad on a budget, there are several factors to consider:
- Cost of Living
Cities with affordable accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities are crucial for budget-conscious nomads. The lower the cost of living, the more disposable income you’ll have for exploring and enjoying your destination. - Internet Connectivity
A fast and reliable internet connection is essential for remote work. Cities with solid infrastructure and multiple coworking spaces make working from anywhere easier. - Community
Being part of a vibrant community of other digital nomads can provide networking opportunities, collaboration, and social connections. Look for cities with thriving expat and remote worker scenes. - Safety and Amenities
Safety and basic amenities like healthcare, good public transportation, and entertainment options are also important to consider when choosing a city to live in long-term.
The Best Cities for Digital Nomads on a Budget in 2025
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali has long been a top destination for digital nomads, and it’s easy to see why. The cost of living is incredibly low compared to Western countries, making it an affordable base for remote workers. Additionally, Bali offers stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a thriving expat community.
- Cost of Living: $800–$1,200 per month
- Internet: Fast, reliable internet available in many areas, especially in coworking spaces.
- Community: Vibrant expat scene with a large number of digital nomads and freelancers.
Bali’s coworking spaces, like Dojo Bali and Hubud, are renowned for providing excellent facilities and networking opportunities, while its relaxed lifestyle offers a perfect balance of work and play.
2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietnam has become a popular destination for budget-conscious digital nomads due to its low cost of living and dynamic atmosphere. Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest city, offers affordable living and a growing digital nomad community.
- Cost of Living: $600–$1,000 per month
- Internet: Excellent internet speed, especially in coworking spaces and cafes.
- Community: Emerging expat scene, particularly in districts like District 1 and District 3.
In Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find coworking spaces like Dreamplex and The Hive, where you can connect with other remote workers. The city is also rich in culture, history, and delicious food, making it a great place to explore during your downtime.
3. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is often referred to as one of the best cities for digital nomads, thanks to its affordable cost of living and fast-growing tech scene. The city is known for its year-round pleasant climate, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere.
- Cost of Living: $800–$1,200 per month
- Internet: Reliable internet, with many coworking spaces offering fast connections.
- Community: A large and diverse digital nomad community with various networking opportunities.
Medellín offers a variety of coworking spaces, such as Selina and El Poblado, where you can work alongside other digital nomads. The city also has a rich cultural scene, with music, festivals, and nightlife, all at affordable prices.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has become one of Europe’s most popular cities for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living compared to other Western European capitals, along with its excellent infrastructure and welcoming environment. The city’s mild weather and growing tech ecosystem make it an attractive base for remote workers.
- Cost of Living: $1,200–$1,800 per month
- Internet: Fast and reliable internet, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering good connectivity.
- Community: A large digital nomad community with plenty of events and networking opportunities.
Lisbon is home to several coworking spaces, like Second Home and Cowork Central, which are ideal for collaboration and productivity. The city also offers an exciting blend of modern and traditional architecture, excellent food, and a lively nightlife scene.
5. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi has gained popularity among digital nomads due to its low cost of living, unique charm, and favorable visa policies. Georgia offers a one-year visa-free stay for citizens of most countries, making it an attractive option for long-term remote work.
- Cost of Living: $600–$1,000 per month
- Internet: Fast and reliable internet available in many parts of the city, especially in coworking spaces.
- Community: A small but growing community of digital nomads, especially in the city center.
Tbilisi offers several coworking spaces, such as Fabrika and Terminal, where you can meet other remote workers. The city is surrounded by natural beauty and rich cultural history, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration during your free time.
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is another well-known destination for digital nomads, with its affordable cost of living, beautiful surroundings, and strong nomad community. It’s perfect for remote workers who want a quieter environment compared to bustling cities like Bangkok.
- Cost of Living: $600–$1,000 per month
- Internet: Fast internet speeds, particularly in coworking spaces and cafes.
- Community: A well-established digital nomad scene, with many meetups and networking events.
Chiang Mai boasts several excellent coworking spaces, such as CAMP and The Work Loft, where you can focus on your work and meet like-minded individuals. The city is surrounded by mountains, offering plenty of outdoor activities for when you need a break from work.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a vibrant metropolis that offers an excellent combination of affordability, culture, and accessibility. It’s an ideal base for digital nomads who want to immerse themselves in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while staying within a reasonable budget.
- Cost of Living: $900–$1,400 per month
- Internet: Fast internet, especially in the trendy neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa.
- Community: A growing community of digital nomads and remote workers.
With coworking spaces like WeWork and PÚBLICO, Mexico City provides plenty of options for remote workers to get productive. Additionally, the city’s rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and culinary scene offer endless exploration opportunities.
Conclusion
In 2025, there are plenty of cities around the world where digital nomads can live affordably while maintaining a high quality of life. Whether you prefer the laid-back atmosphere of Bali, the vibrant energy of Lisbon, or the unique charm of Tbilisi, there are options for every type of remote worker.
When choosing a city, consider factors like cost of living, internet connectivity, community, and local amenities to find the best destination for your digital nomad lifestyle. By selecting the right city, you can enjoy the freedom to work remotely while exploring some of the world’s most exciting and budget-friendly places.
