These are the countries with the lowest cost of living and the most favorable visa policies for digital nomads. This list also takes into account local elements such as connectivity, tourism opportunities and the working environment.
Based on data from, the following ten locations are ideal for digital nomads worldpopulationreview.com And numbeo.com.
10. Greece, Costa Rica
Average cost of living in Costa Rica: $852 per month
The World Population Review estimates that the average monthly cost of living in Costa Rica is $852. Located in the province of Alajuela, Grecia is one of the most affordable places to live in the country. However, it still has all of Costa Rica’s amazing natural treasures.
| Expense item | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $7.61 |
| One way trip with local transport | $1.06 |
| Monthly utilities | $79.86 |
| Monthly rent | $367.59 |
9. Praia, Cape Verde
Average cost of living in Costa Rica: $797 per month
Although holidaymakers from Europe regularly visit the sandy beaches of Cape Verde, the destination is also increasingly appreciated among digital nomads. Under the national remote work program, remote workers are allowed to stay there for an initial period of six months.
| Expense item | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $4.47 |
| One way trip with local transport | $0.76 |
| Monthly utilities | $82.51 |
| Monthly rent | $248.47 |
8. Quito, Ecuador
Average cost of living in Ecuador: $756 per month
Quito experiences robust annual economic growth. Even with these advances, the city remains affordable for digital nomads, with an average monthly cost of living in Ecuador of $756.
| Expense item | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $4.00 |
| One way trip with local transport | $0.35 |
| Monthly utilities | $35.27 |
| Monthly rent | $414.41 |
7. Podgorica, Montenegro
Average cost of living in Montenegro: $720 per month
According to a Post Office Travel Money survey last year, Podgorica, Montenegro, was hailed as the most affordable destination in Europe. The study took into account expenditure on things such as drinks, sightseeing and city transport. The cost of living per month is $720.
| Expense item | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $7.00 |
| One way trip with local transport | $0.90 |
| Monthly utilities | $102.41 |
| Monthly rent | $508.00 |
6. Timișoara, Romania
Average cost of living in Romania: $652 per month
Timişoara is one of the least expensive cities to visit in Europe. For those who stay longer than the typical tourist, it is still a sought-after destination. Timișoara is a great place for remote workers to take advantage of Romania’s digital nomad visa due to its low average monthly cost of living of $652.
| Product | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $8.78 |
| One way trip with local transport | $0.88 |
| Monthly utilities | $143.92 |
| Monthly rent | $411.13 |
5. Curepipe, Mauritius
Average cost of living in Mauritius: $651 per month
Curepipe is the second largest city in Mauritius after Port-Louis. Located in the Western Highlands, this place is a green canvas of botanical gardens, waterfalls and a dormant volcanic crater. At just $651 per month, it’s a great place to work and play.
| Expense item | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $5.11 |
| One way trip with local transport | $0.91 |
| Monthly utilities | $46.85 |
| Monthly rent | $416.48 |
4. Curitiba, Brazil
Average cost of living in Brazil: $601 per month
The city is an excellent hub for nomads in the area as it is not far from Uruguay and Paraguay. Curitiba, with a monthly cost of living of just $601, is a pleasant distraction from Brazil’s busy coastal metropolises.
| Expense item | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $5.57 |
| One way trip with local transport | $1.21 |
| Monthly utilities | $79.96 |
| Monthly rent | $352.74 |
3. Bogota, Colombia
Average cost of living in Colombia: $574 per month
From the Andes and the Amazon to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Colombia has something for everyone, especially with the cost of living at $574 per month. So nomads might consider hopping between the different cities and towns of the Latin American nation during their stay.
| Expense item | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $4.57 |
| One way trip with local transport | $0.75 |
| Monthly utilities | $88.41 |
| Monthly rent | $417.03 |
2. Cordoba, Argentina
Average cost of living in Argentina: $494 per month
The general cost of living in Argentina is only $494 per month. Due to its work-life balance, Córdoba is a great place to use the country’s digital nomad visa. Córdoba is considerably cheaper than Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.
| Expense item | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $5.00 |
| One way trip with local transport | $0.65 |
| Monthly utilities | $52.31 |
| Monthly rent | $228.26 |
1. Negombo, Sri Lanka
Average cost of living in Sri Lanka: $428 per month
In 2023, Sri Lanka launched a Digital Nomad visa, offering remote workers the most affordable cost of living. Nomads can enjoy plenty of sun and sea on the coasts of the Indian Ocean for just $428 per month.
| Expense item | Cost |
| Meal in a local restaurant | $1.53 |
| One way trip with local transport | $0.12 |
| Monthly utilities | $30.55 |
| Monthly rent | $106.93 |
About cost of living data sources
WorldPopulationReview.com stands out as a comprehensive online resource that provides in-depth data on the global cost of living. Their approach to collecting cost of living data involves synthesizing information from several reputable sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability. This platform is especially valuable for its detailed breakdowns of expenses, from housing and utilities to transportation and groceries.
Numbeo.com distinguishes itself as a unique and dynamic online cost of living data platform, driven primarily by its user-contributed approach. This crowdsourced model allows the website to collect real-time cost information from residents and expats around the world, providing a diverse and up-to-date perspective on the cost of living. From rental prices to everyday consumer goods, Numbeo’s extensive database reflects the current economic conditions of cities and countries.
