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If you’ve been traveling the world as a digital nomad, you’ve probably identified a number of factors that make certain cities stand out more than others: aside from the safety and easy visa rules, the culture and affordable living are probably two of the biggest attractions.
You wouldn’t want to extend your stay in a place that’s uninspiring, or where you risk going broke if you decide to extend your stay a little longer – let’s face it, as incredible and cosmopolitan as London, Paris, New York and the like are , they are not easy on the wallet.
Fortunately there are 3 other equally exciting alternatives which not only offer an abundance of cultural activities, but also offer much lower prices than most global metropolises in their ranks:
Istanbul, Turkiye
- Cost: $1,858 per month
- Internet speed: Fast (average 38 Mbps)
- Friendly to foreigners: Okay
- Community Approval on NomadList: liked by 70%, disliked by 30%
- Visa-free entry for US passport holders: Yes, for 90 days of a 180 day period
A city spanning two continents, Istanbul is both the southeastern tip of Europe and the northwesternmost edge of Asia.
Almost collected three millennia of fascinating historyit is a cultural colossus with a multicultural scene waiting to be discovered.
It is known for its well-preserved Byzantine monuments, especially Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral turned mosque, colorful hilly neighborhoods with historic houses dating back to the Ottoman period, such as Balat and Fener, and stately imperial palaces.
You will literally never run out of things to see and do in Istanbul, even if you concentrate your efforts on just one side of the city and its high concentration of co-working centers. nomad-friendly cafes and public libraries make it a great destination for remote workers.
That, and the fact that Istanbul is one of the cheapest megacities to live in: you can find fully furnished Airbnbs to rent as cheap as $711 For the monthand if eating cheaply is a priority, there are plenty of cheap restaurants where a simple meal will only cost you $10 or less.
Mexico City, Mexico
- Cost: $1,879 per month
- Internet speed: Fast (average 59 Mbps)
- Friendly to foreigners: Good
- Community Approval on NomadList: liked by 88%, disliked by 12%
- Visa-free entry for US passport holders: Yes, for 180 days
Across the pond, Mexico City is the premier nomad destination in North America, thanks to its highly developed infrastructure – newcomers benefit from efficient public transportation, high-speed WiFi connectivity and tourist-friendly services – and unparalleled diversity.
From colonial Coyoacán, to chic Condesa, to gay-friendly Zone Rosa, to canal-crossed Xochimilco, each neighborhood has a unique character, which is why one visit is never enough to experience everything CDMX has to offer.
However, if you live here long-term, you may have a better chance of peeling back the many layers and experiencing life like a local without feeling like you’re in too much of a rush, whether it’s relaxing in Bicentenario Park, street food tasting around Roma, or visiting a national museum.
Additionally, Mexico City has an abundance of long-term rentals with monthly rates starting as low as $572 for a private room, and the wide range of budget to luxury restaurantsentrepreneurial atmosphere and lower consumer prices are all highly sought after ‘workcations’.
Bangkok, Thailand
- Cost: $1,356 per month
- Internet speed: Fast (average 95 Mbps)
- Friendly to foreigners: Awesome
- Community Approval on Nomad List: liked by 65%, disliked by 35%
- Visa-free entry for US passport holders: Yes, for 60 days after a recent extension of the tourist visa duration
The number one destination for digital nomads worldwide, as Nomad List’s latest rankings It can be deduced that Bangkok is a vibrant Southeast Asian metropolis, where the allure of the Old World and the typical chaos of the 21st century come together.
Be it modern financial districts full of innovative high-rise buildings or ancient templesWith sharp stupas that seem to block the blood-orange sunset sun and get your heart racing, Bangkok will meet even the most modest expectations.
The food scene is second to none – even though Thai cuisine has made its way into the mainstream, nothing can prepare you for the explosion of spice-infused flavors of the indigenous, non-Western Pad Thai – the nightlife is as wild as the coastal nature, and it’s shorts weather all year round.
During the monsoon season, between July and October, it can rain heavily, while the dry season can be so unbearably hot that staying outside is a challenge for survival, but as a nomad there is never a shortage of cool cafes and coworking hubs to find shelter.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
