As the world becomes increasingly connected, digital nomads are looking for destinations that offer affordability, lifestyle benefits and investment opportunities.
Nomadic capitalista consultancy specializing in global mobility, has unveiled its list of the top 10 most affordable countries for digital nomads in 2025.
Using facts from the Nomad Capitalist videodata from International’s latest Expat Insider report and additional cost of living data from Numbeo, we researched these destinations to provide a comprehensive overview of their offerings.
Highlights
- 🌏 Vietnam tops the list as the most affordable country for digital nomads in 2024.
- 🇨🇴 Colombia is known for its low cost of living, but has higher taxes compared to other countries.
- 🇮🇩 Indonesia offers immigration options, but is not the most tax-friendly.
- 🇵🇦 Panama is tax friendly and uses the US dollar, which makes it attractive.
- 🇵🇭 The Philippines offers affordable residency programs for digital nomads and expats.
- 🇲🇽 Mexico offers a good lifestyle and potential for citizenship.
- 🇹🇭 Thailand is in eighth place, with a focus on investments for long-term stays and a good digital nomad visa.
10 cheapest countries in the world for digital nomads
1. Vietnam
Vietnam tops the list as the most affordable country for digital nomads. Known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and low cost of living, Vietnam attracts many digital nomads and investors. However, the options for long-term residence are limited.
- Average rent: $450/month (1 bedroom downtown apartment)
- Eating in restaurants: $2.50/meal (local)
- Groceries: $100/month
- Utilities: $50/month
- Source: Numbeo.com (Vietnam)
2. Colombia
Colombia, with its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, offers affordability and increasing accessibility for real estate investors. Popular cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cali offer varying levels of affordability.
- Average rent: $400/month (1 bedroom apartment downtown)
- Eating in restaurants: $3/meal (local)
- Groceries: $120/month
- Utilities: $60/month
- Source: Numbeo.com (Colombia)
3. Indonesia
Indonesia, and Bali in particular, remains a favorite among digital nomads. With programs like ‘My Second Home’, the country is opening up more immigration opportunities. However, taxes and longer stays can be a challenge.
- Average rent: $450/month (1 bedroom downtown apartment)
- Eating in restaurants: $2/meal (local)
- Groceries: $80/month
- Utilities: $50/month
- Source: Numbeo.com (Indonesia)
4.Panama
Panama is a tax-friendly destination with a stable economy. Although slightly more expensive than some other countries on this list, its use of the US dollar and robust infrastructure make it an attractive choice.
- Average rent: $700/month (1 bedroom apartment downtown)
- Eating in restaurants: $7/meal (local)
- Groceries: $150/month
- Utilities: $80/month
- Source: Numbeo.com (Panama)
5. Philippines
The Philippines is one of Asia’s most affordable countries for digital nomads, with new residency programs for digital nomads and retirees. The English-speaking population and tropical environment add to its appeal.
- Average rent: $400/month (1 bedroom apartment downtown)
- Eating in restaurants: $3/meal (local)
- Groceries: $100/month
- Utilities: $60/month
- Source: Numbeo.com (Philippines)
6. India
India’s diverse culture and low cost of living make it a fascinating option. However, nomads looking for a high standard of living may find costs in big cities higher than expected.
- Average rent: $300/month (1 bedroom apartment downtown)
- Eating in restaurants: $2/meal (local)
- Groceries: $80/month
- Utilities: $40/month
- Source: Numbeo (India)
7. Mexico
Mexico combines affordability with a strong appeal to North American digital nomads. Its proximity to the US and robust digital nomad community make it a top choice.
- Average rent: $500/month (1 bedroom apartment downtown)
- Eating in restaurants: $5/meal (local)
- Groceries: $120/month
- Utilities: $70/month
- Source: Numbeo.com (Mexico)
8.Thailand
Known for its bustling cities and serene islands, Thailand remains an affordable and popular destination. Immigration programs require investment, but the country offers a rich lifestyle and also a good digital nomad visa.
The Thai Digital Nomad Visa offers a fantastic opportunity for remote workers who want to live and work in the country. Introduced to attract long-term visitors, this visa allows digital nomads to stay in Thailand for up to 12 months, with the option to extend. Applicants must meet certain income requirements, demonstrating that they have a steady source of income from remote work.
- Average rent: $400/month (1 bedroom apartment downtown)
- Eating in restaurants: $2.50/meal (local)
- Groceries: $90/month
- Utilities: $50/month
- Source: Numbeo.com (Thailand)
9. Brazil
Brazil offers a mix of affordability and pathways to citizenship, although security concerns in some regions may deter potential residents. Coastal cities like Florianópolis are particularly attractive.
- Average rent: $300/month (1 bedroom apartment downtown)
- Eating in restaurants: $3.50/meal (local)
- Groceries: $100/month
- Utilities: $60/month
- Source: Numbeo.com (Brazil)
10. China
The inclusion of China highlights its affordability for foreign workers/expats working in multinational companies. However, the barriers for entrepreneurs remain high.
- Utilities: $70/month
- Average rent: $600/month (1 bedroom apartment downtown)
- Eating in restaurants: $3/meal (local)
- Groceries: $120/month
- Source: Numbeo.com (China)
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