Remote work eliminates the need for daily commuting, which reduces transportation and fuel costs and can also result in greater flexibility for managing personal and family responsibilities.
Living in different countries can also help reduce the cost of living.
Here are the top 10 most affordable countries to work remotely if you are considering the digital nomad lifestyle.
Portugal
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is $855.
According to Justin Albertynas, CEO of RatePunk, a single person in Lisbon, Portugal, can live for $1,752 per month. If you are from the U.S., you’ll undoubtedly save money, as the cost of living is 36.2% lower than in the U.S. on average.
Colombia
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is: $262
On your digital nomad journey, if you are looking for a delightful blend of art, cuisine, and culture at an affordable price, Bryan Clayton, the founder of GreenPal, recommends visiting Colombia.
“The cost of living is incredibly cheap, the food is delicious and the beaches are beautiful,” he said. “It’s also easily accessible from Miami and other international airports.”
North Macedonia
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is: $234
Kristie Sullivan, who founded Executive Remote Worker, suggests that North Macedonia, specifically the city of Skopje, is one of the most economical locations for remote work. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Skopje is 61.1% lower than in New York.
Thailand
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is: $394
Chiang Mai in Thailand is highly recommended by Albertynas due to its fast internet and affordable living expenses. It will only cost a single person $866 per month to live there.
Indonesia
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is: $290
According to Albertynas, Canggu in Indonesia has fast internet and a cost of living of only $985 per month for a single person. Inexpensive restaurants in Indonesia offer meals for less than $2. Visitors can also enjoy the country’s tropical beaches and volcanoes while they are there.
Turkey
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is: $430
Turkey is a highly recommended destination for digital nomads who prioritize fast internet, Albertynas said. In addition to reliable internet service, Turkey also boasts thermal spas, scenic hiking trails, and affordable three-course meals for two that cost less than $30.
South Africa
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is: $425
According to Isabel Ludick, a marketing manager at PetKeen.com, her team works from various locations around the world. Ludick herself works from South Africa and mentioned that it is an excellent place to live and work if you are paid in USD..
“South Africa definitely has a good cost of living compared to other countries I’ve been to,” Ludick said.
Hungary
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is $466
It’s good news for expatriates that English is widely spoken in Hungary, which means there’s always someone who can help you if Google Translate fails. Also, Budapest offers high-speed Internet with an average of 40 Mbps, Albertynas notes. Hungary also offers a diverse cuisine, making it an excellent choice for foodies.
Japan
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is $723
Japan’s culture and cuisine are incredibly diverse. Speaking of food, according to Numbeo, a three-course meal for two in Japan would only set you back $37.24, which is just one of the many reasons businessman Mike Humphrey advises working from there.
Mexico
The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per month is $528
Work across the border while taking advantage of the water and delicious food all day. For more than six months, Annie Blay, a travel blogger for Your Friend the Nomad, worked from Mexico.
“You can easily get by on $1,000 a month in [many] places, such as a beach town like La Paz or a colonial city like San Cristóbal de las Casas,” Blay said.