If you’re working from home or managing a business but aren’t rich, the location where you decide to open your laptop can significantly affect your monthly expenses. Luckily, several of the top digital nomad hotspots are places where you can genuinely make your dollars or euros go further. In many instances, you’ll find yourself spending half or less compared to staying in your home country.
As the writer of *The World’s Cheapest Destinations*, now in its 5th edition, I possess valuable insights into the most affordable travel spots globally. As the author of *A Better Life for Half the Price*, now in its 2nd edition, I’ve also consulted with numerous expats regarding their living expenses. Some have settled down, while others travel around, spending a few months here and there as digital nomads.
I fall somewhere in between, holding a base in Mexico but also spending several months a year in various locations. This arrangement is sometimes called a hub and spoke system and can be significantly less exhausting than living continuously from a backpack or suitcase. At times nomadic, at times anchored to a home base.
Two years back, I spent over four months in Europe and a month in Thailand. Last year, I remained in Europe for two months and spent a few weeks in varied regions of Mexico, while also visiting Costa Rica, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Panama, where I continued working at least a few days.
Costs can differ drastically based on your choices. A standard train or bus ride from Oslo to Trondheim will set you back at least $85, whereas a [VIP bus from Bangkok to Phuket](https://siamtickets.com/vip-bus-bangkok-to-phuket/) can be available for as low as $36 over a longer distance.
A beer in a bar in Singapore might run you $8, while in Prague or Sofia, it will likely be around $2.50. (And it might taste better too.) Groceries that cost a dollar per kilo in Mexico or Colombia can be three times that in the USA or Canada.
Keeping this in mind, here are some favored digital nomad spots where the necessary “table stakes” are already established, but the living costs are quite low if you’re raking in US dollars, euros, or pounds sterling. Since most of my audience hails from North America, I typically tailor information for them. However, UK passport holders can discover further details in this article: [https://www.ontrailvisa.co.uk/news/british-digital-nomads](https://www.ontrailvisa.co.uk/news/british-digital-nomads)
What are the essentials, the necessary items for individuals working remotely? Different traveling professionals have varying needs, but some are consistent. To appeal to those who can work from anywhere, you typically require the following:
1) High-speed internet
2) Affordable short-term accommodations
3) Good dining and drinking options
4) Some fellow like-minded individuals to socialize with who speak a common international language.
Pleasant weather is beneficial, plenty of activities when you’re not working is helpful, and the ability to stay longer than a month is crucial—although Bali manages to attract the veggie yoga crowd in thousands without that factor.
Some might argue that co-working spaces are vital, though many dedicated remote business owners rarely set foot in one, myself included. I’ve observed that they are far more appealing to solo travelers seeking companionship than to those with a partner or family.
Nonetheless, the co-working spaces and the other characteristics are available in these 9 appealing countries, plus prices that anyone just starting to launch their business can manage.
## Thailand, the Original Digital Nomad Hotspot
It’s challenging to discuss the history of backpackers and digital nomads without revisiting Thailand. One podcast for remote entrepreneurs refers to Chiang Mai as “the freshman dorm of online business ownership.” It has been a preferred meeting point for people initiating an online venture for as long as such ventures have existed.
Today, remote workers and business proprietors have also expanded to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui, and a few other islands in a country where you can reside almost anywhere and enjoy fast internet. What Thailand offers that many other places lack is an abundance of *fun*. Beaches, lively nightlife, dynamic cities, and fantastic cuisine… it’s hard to be in Thailand without having a good time.
The main downside amidst all the enjoyment and affordable prices has traditionally been the hassle of staying. Border runs have been a common requirement for 20 years and that becomes tiresome after some time, as leaving every two or three months just to get a visa stamp can wear you out. Fortunately, [it’s becoming simpler to live in Thailand now](https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/2024/12/11/live