As remote work continues to expand, the appeal of digital nomadism grows, offering opportunities to live and work from almost anywhere. For budget-conscious nomads, the challenge is finding destinations that offer reliable infrastructure, affordable living, and a desirable lifestyle. While cities like Lisbon and Bali are well-established in the nomad circuit, less-publicised destinations often provide similar benefits with fewer costs.
Here, we explore five underrated cities that combine a favourable cost of living with the essentials digital nomads need, plus five specific tips to help you make the most of your budget.
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi has emerged as a hidden gem for digital nomads in recent years, thanks to its affordability, visa-free stay for many nationalities, and vibrant cultural scene. The Georgian capital offers a blend of modern infrastructure and a laid-back lifestyle, ideal for those seeking an inexpensive base with solid internet and coworking spaces.
Why Tbilisi?
Georgia allows citizens from many countries to stay for up to a year without a visa, making it an excellent choice for long-term nomads. High-speed internet is widely available in Tbilisi, and coworking spaces are affordable compared to Western Europe. The city’s growing startup scene is also a draw for entrepreneurs, and there is an increasing number of cafés that cater to remote workers.
Money-Saving Tips for Tbilisi:
- Accommodation: Look for long-term rentals outside of the Old Town to save. In areas like Vake or Saburtalo, you can find modern apartments for around £250-£350 per month.
- Coworking Spaces: Consider the Fabrika complex, where coworking starts at approximately £75 per month, including events and community perks.
- Public Transport: A monthly metro pass costs just £10, and buses are even cheaper, at around £0.20 per ride.
- Dining Out: Traditional Georgian food is inexpensive. A meal at a local eatery costs around £3-£5, but cooking at home can save even more, with local markets offering fresh produce for a fraction of supermarket prices.
- Utilities and Bills: Be aware that electricity and gas bills can fluctuate, especially in winter. Look for energy-efficient apartments or negotiate a rent that includes utility costs.
2. Córdoba, Argentina
Known for its colonial architecture and student-driven energy, Córdoba is often overshadowed by Buenos Aires but offers a significantly lower cost of living. Its central location makes it easy to explore Argentina, while the city’s growing tech scene and reliable infrastructure make it a viable option for digital nomads.
Why Córdoba?
Córdoba boasts a range of coworking spaces and cafés that cater to remote workers, with prices far lower than in the capital. The city is large enough to provide a range of activities yet small enough to avoid the crowds and high costs of Buenos Aires. With plenty of nearby natural attractions, it’s also an excellent base for weekend getaways.
Money-Saving Tips for Córdoba:
- Accommodation: Stay in neighbourhoods like Nueva Córdoba or Güemes, where rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around £150-£250 per month.
- Coworking Spaces: Options like La Maquinita and Espacio Co-In cost roughly £40-£60 per month, offering high-speed internet and comfortable workspaces.
- Transport: Public transport in Córdoba is affordable, with a monthly bus pass costing around £12-£15. Alternatively, cycling is popular, with bike lanes available across the city.
- Dining and Groceries: A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around £5-£7, while cooking at home with groceries from local markets can cut that down further. Look out for the “menu del día” (daily set menu) at many restaurants for better deals.
- Cultural Activities: Take advantage of Córdoba’s free or low-cost cultural events, including music festivals, museums, and walking tours. Entry to many museums is under £1.
3. Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is quickly becoming a favourite for digital nomads who are priced out of places like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Its location on Vietnam’s central coast offers both a lower cost of living and easy access to beaches, mountains, and cultural sites, all while maintaining modern amenities and reliable internet.
Why Da Nang?
Da Nang’s infrastructure has rapidly improved, with more coworking spaces, fibre-optic internet, and a range of housing options. The city’s balance of natural beauty and urban convenience makes it attractive, particularly for those who want to live near the beach while working remotely.
Money-Saving Tips for Da Nang:
- Accommodation: Rent a room in shared housing for as low as £120 per month, or a private one-bedroom apartment near the beach for around £200-£300.
- Coworking Spaces: Space A and Enouvo Space offer monthly memberships starting at around £50, with air conditioning, high-speed internet, and coffee included.
- Transport: Motorbikes are the preferred mode of transport, and rentals can be as low as £40 per month. Alternatively, GrabBike rides around the city cost around £1 per trip.
- Food: Street food is inexpensive and filling, with dishes like pho or banh mi available for less than £1.50. Local markets also offer fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets.
- Attractions: Many of Da Nang’s top attractions, such as Marble Mountains and My Khe Beach, are free or cost very little. Be sure to visit these natural sights rather than more expensive tours.
4. Bansko, Bulgaria
Originally a ski resort town, Bansko has quietly evolved into a hub for digital nomads seeking a quiet, affordable, and picturesque base in Europe. It is particularly appealing to nomads who appreciate mountain life, outdoor activities, and low living costs, all while being within easy reach of Sofia.
Why Bansko?
The rise of coworking spaces and a dedicated digital nomad community has transformed Bansko into more than just a winter destination. The town is especially popular for its affordability and seasonal appeal, with activities such as hiking, skiing, and spa visits available year-round.
Money-Saving Tips for Bansko:
- Accommodation: Rent outside the ski season to secure the best deals, with one-bedroom apartments available from £150-£250 per month. Winter prices tend to rise due to the influx of tourists.
- Coworking Spaces: Coworking Bansko offers flexible memberships, with costs starting at £50 per month. It also provides networking events and free coffee.
- Transport: Bansko is compact, and most places can be reached on foot, saving transport costs. Alternatively, buses to nearby towns like Razlog are available for around £1 per trip.
- Dining: Local restaurants offer affordable meals, with traditional Bulgarian dishes like banitsa or kebabs available for £3-£5. For cheaper options, visit local markets or prepare your own meals.
- Activities: In the summer, hiking trails and outdoor activities are free. During the winter season, look for discounted ski passes, especially for early-bird bookings.
5. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, has a distinct appeal for digital nomads seeking culture, history, and low living costs. Unlike the capital Sofia, Plovdiv is more laid-back and affordable, with a large selection of cafés, coworking spaces, and events that cater to remote workers.
Why Plovdiv?
Plovdiv’s affordable rents, vibrant cultural scene, and well-preserved architecture make it a strong contender for digital nomads looking for an alternative to pricier European cities. The city has good internet infrastructure, and its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of Bulgaria.
Money-Saving Tips for Plovdiv:
- Accommodation: Rent in the centre of Plovdiv averages around £180-£250 per month, but cheaper options can be found in the outskirts.
- Coworking Spaces: Available coworking spaces, such as Cat and Mouse and Biz Labs, charge around £40-£60 per month for membership, which includes fast internet and networking opportunities.
- Transport: The city’s public transport system is cheap, with a monthly bus pass costing around £13. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt are also inexpensive.
- Groceries: Shopping at local markets can significantly reduce food costs. A week’s worth of groceries can be purchased for under £20 if you avoid supermarkets and stick to seasonal produce.
- Free Events and Activities: Plovdiv hosts numerous free events, including outdoor concerts, exhibitions, and festivals, particularly during the warmer months.
Each of these cities offers a blend of affordability, infrastructure, and lifestyle, making them attractive to digital nomads looking to save money while living comfortably. From the mountains of Bulgaria to the beaches of Vietnam, these underrated destinations allow for a lower cost of living without sacrificing the essentials that digital nomads need, such as coworking spaces and reliable internet. By taking advantage of local resources, timing your stays wisely, and seeking out community-driven initiatives, these cities provide an excellent base for budget-conscious travelers seeking new experiences.
