Many people are itching to move abroad now that lockdowns and travel restrictions are mostly behind us. But the pandemic was harsh on bank accounts, making some locations inaccessible. Thankfully, there are affordable destinations where you can live and work as an expat or digital nomad that don’t match the costs of, say, London or Paris.
Let’s see the six of the cheapest places to live and work abroad for expatriates and digital nomads.
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1. Bucaramanga, Colombia
Bucaramanga, Colombia, is 3,146 feet up on the slopes of the Andean Cordillera Oriental. It was established in 1622 as a coffee and tobacco hot spot but quickly attracted more significant industries.
Today, the Bucaramanga continues to thrive, boasting fourteen universities and is home to 160 parks, a philharmonic orchestra, multiple museums, and ballet companies. The city also offers annual festivals such as the Abrapalabra.
Having the nickname ‘The City of Parks,’ it is not surprising that Bucaramanga is located near Chicamocha National Park. It is thus excellent for outdoor adventures like rock climbing, rappelling, paragliding, and river rafting. The climate in Bucaramanga is also suitable for these types of sports, with high temperatures averaging a pleasant 78°F, making it one of the most affordable places to live abroad.
With all its benefits, there are downsides to living in Bucaramanga. Firstly, it can be a relatively dangerous place to live. On top of that, the emergency services and hospitals are not particularly stellar, so you need to be extra careful. Finally, the internet speed is slow, so keep this in mind when you have a job that requires high-speed internet.
Cost Of Living
| Studio – 2 bedrooms | $300 – $700 |
| Air B&B | $15 – $30 per night |
| Cell | $20 |
| Internet | $12 – $18 |
| Groceries | $270 |
| Meal out (essential to fancy) | $3 – $8 |
| Public transport | $30 |
Job Opportunities
Stay current with Colombia’s visa system when looking at job opportunities. As of October 21, 2022, digital nomads now require a visa valid for up to two years.
Expats in Colombia often find work in the following sectors:
- Dredging
- Digital Services
- International transport
- Journalist
- Professor
- Scientist
- Teaching English (TEFL certificate)
Tips
The following tips will serve you well when living and working in Bucaramanga:
- Learn some Spanish. Many locals do not speak English.
- Try buying produce from local markets rather than a grocery store. The city’s central market has an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, meats, and seafood. For everything you can’t find localy, you can shop internationally.
- The crime stats of Bucaramanga differ depending on the neighborhood. Thus, living in a smaller accommodation in a safer community, like Cabecera de Llano, is better than having a prominent place in a financially disadvantaged area.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Next on the list of the cheapest places to live abroad is Chiang Mai (Chiengmai). It is the third largest city in Thailand, located in the northern mountainous area on the Ping River.
It was founded in 1292 as a royal residence, becoming the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom until 1558, making the area rich in history and ancient temples.
Modern Chiang Mai has a relaxed, almost village-like vibe, despite being the country’s second-largest economy. Tourism is its largest industry, along with education, aviation, and the medical sector. The surrounding area is also highly agricultural.
Expats love it for its hot weather year-round, excellent shopping and restaurants, and quality healthcare. Chiang Mai also has a vibrant social life and many cultural events, especially in neighborhoods like the Old City and Nimmanhaemin. Yet it still has to catch up to entertainment hubs like Bangkok.
Chiang Mai is also relatively safe, with a stable power grid and good internet, which is conducive for working online.
Cost Of Living
| Studio – 2 bedrooms | $200 – $500 |
| Air B&B | $23 – 40 per night |
| Cell | $20 – 25 |
| Internet | $12 – 20 |
| Groceries | $120 – $190 |
| Meal out (essential to fancy) | $1 – $20 |
| Public transport | $40 |
Job Opportunities
Before arriving in Thailand, ensure you have the proper visa. Since Thailand doesn’t have a digital nomad visa, there are specific work scenarios that you might find yourself in that require a work permit. It is thus best to do thorough research before taking your business to Thailand.
Expats in Thailand often find work in the following sectors:
- Digital Services
- Hotel and restaurant managers
- Multinational Position
- Professor
- Teaching English (TEFL certificate)
- Teaching
Tips
The following tips will serve you well when living and working in Chiang Mai:
- Renting a scooter or purchasing a bicycle will help you get around and explore the city.
- Joining a gym or seeking out fellow joggers on popular trails are great ways to meet people.
- Some landlords will insist you employ someone to clean your home. So, you should budget an extra $15-$20 a month for this expense.
3. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam (Ha Noi) is the nation’s capital and sits 85 miles from the South China Sea on the western bank of the Red River. The city is over 1000 years old, but the area’s history dates even further back. It has a tumulus past of being ruled by others, including the Chinese and the French.
Today, Hanoi is booming, with some claiming it is the world’s fastest-growing city. It is the heart of Vietnam for communication, transport, manufacturing, and agriculture. It also boasts art galleries, fantastic restaurants, and cafes, especially in the Old Quarter. Residents also enjoy gathering at Hoan Kiem Lake in the morning to exercise.
Hanoi’s seasons can be wet (June to November) and dry (December to May) rather than the typical summer and winter. Hanoi is a safe city with good walkability. And if your don’t mind the traffic, that can initially seem chaotic, it’s one of the cheapest places to live as an expat.
Cost Of Living
| Studio – 2 bedrooms | $200 – $850 |
| Air B&B | $20 – $53 |
| Cell | $5 – $10 |
| Internet | $9 – $12 |
| Groceries | $100 – $160 |
| Meal out (essential to fancy) | $2 – $5 |
| Public transport | $9 – $15 |
Job Opportunities
Working in Vietnam requires a visa. However, there has yet to be one for digital nomads. So, many arrive in Vietnam on a tourist visa.
Expats in Vietnam often find work in the following sectors:
- Digital Services
- Manufacturing
- Professor
- Teaching English (TEFL certificate)
- Teaching
Tips
The following tips will serve you well when living and working in Hanoi:
- It is ideal to live close to where you work. Public transport, while affordable, is incredibly crowded during commuting hours. Even if you have a motorcycle, it is not ideal to be stuck in traffic for long periods at these busy times.
- Clothing is quickly and inexpensively bought or made, but pack shoes unless you have tiny feet, as larger sizes can be challenging to find.
- Suppose you are from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. In that case, you can get a motorcycle license in your home country and swap it for a local one in Vietnam. Unfortunately, you cannot do the same with a car license. Still, a motorcycle will give you greater freedom, and you can even drive without a permit if your bike has a 50cc or smaller engine.
4. Puebla, Mexico
Puebla, Mexico, was founded in 1531 as Puebla de Los Angeles but was renamed Puebla de Zaragoza after the Battle of Puebla during the Mexican war on May 5, 1862. The date is now remembered as Cinco de Mayo, and the city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Puebla is only a two-hour drive from the nation’s capital. Despite having 3 million people and being the 4th largest city in the country, it has a relaxed vibe and rich culture and history. The city hosts many museums and the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, the Americas’ first public library. An apt landmark since Puebla is also known as a community of education with 25 universities.
But people flock to this city to eat. Its food is arguably the country’s finest and is where mole poblano was born. While you can drop $40 on a fancy dinner for two, you can also eat for $3-$4 at traditional places, that makes it one of the cheapest cities for digital nomads and expats.
The mild climate makes it a pleasure to live in Puebla. With average highs of 79°F, the sunny days won’t leave you desperate for air-con. Instead, there is Popocatépetl, a snowcapped volcano in the area, that you could comfortably hike without getting heat stroke. But just in case you do, do not be concerned: hospitals are pretty good here.
Other perks for foreigners include stable internet, power, and great nightlife, especially in Centro Historico. For a quieter atmosphere, visit La Paz if you want to miss the crowds. In general, you won’t miss anything from the US.
Cost Of Living
| Studio – 2 bedrooms | $250 – $650 |
| Air B&B | $20 – $65 per night |
| Cell | $10 – 15 |
| Internet | $25 – $30 |
| Groceries | $270 – 320 |
| Meal out (essential to fancy) | $4 – $20 |
| Public transport | $25 – $40 |
Job Opportunities
Those planning to work in Mexico must have the correct visas. Digital nomads should apply for a temporary resident visa, which is a type of work visa.
Expats in Mexico often find work in the following sectors:
- Automotive
- Chemical
- Digital Services
- Distribution
- Engineering
- Financial Services
- Hospitality
Tips
The following tips will serve you well when living and working in Puebla:
- Knowing at least some Spanish will make settling in a lot smoother and more enjoyable.
- Spend 1-2 nights in a particular area before renting long-term to ensure it’s the right vibe for you.
- You’ll save money by buying your fruit and vegetables in the open markets rather than the grocery stores. You can shop everything else online.
5. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is another cheap place to move abroad. It is Cambodia’s second-largest city and has a beautiful river and unique architecture, a blend of French colonial and Chinese styles. It is well known for Angkor Archaeological Park, the ancient stone city that houses Angkor Wat.
The city’s ancient history is fascinating, but there are lingering scars from the Khmer Rouge. Yet Siem Reap has progressed well since the early 90s, capitalizing on its allure to tourists with a new airport in the works. The upside of the visitor influx is that it also ensures that bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes are plentiful, especially in the Old Market area.
If you’re a digital nomad, it might be worth knowing that electricity is not always constant. The internet is also slow, which might impact work productivity. If this is not essential, you can take solace in Siem Reap’s hot sunny days, minimal risk, and good walkability.
Cost Of Living
| Studio – 2 bedrooms | $220 – $600 |
| Air B&B | $20 – $65 per night |
| Cell | $20 – $40 |
| Internet | $20 – $70 |
| Groceries | $200 – $275 |
| Meal out (essential to fancy) | $2 – $10 |
| Public transport | $35 – $75 |
Job Opportunities
Cambodia has a reputation for frequently changing its visa and work permit requirements. So ensure your information is current, even if you are a digital nomad.
Expats in Cambodia often find work in the following sectors:
- Digital Services
- Hospitality
- Starting your own business
- Teaching English (TEFL certificate)
Tips
The following tips will serve you well when living and working in Siem Reap:
- Tuk-tucks are relatively cheap and user-friendly, but if you plan on living in Siem Reap for more than a few months, it’s worth getting a bicycle. Just ensure to lock it when you park.
- When searching for a place to live, you should check if it has a backup generator, as power cuts occur, although they are typically short.
6. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud, Indonesia, is an island town of around 75,000 people in the central foothills. Its leading economy is agriculture, with abundant rice paddies and tourism. Bali has long attracted people from afar, especially from India and China. Hence Hinduism and Buddhism’s popularity in the area.
Ubud is away from the beaches and is better known for its art and culture. Of course, the temples are a huge draw, as is the Monkey Forest in Padangtegal.
The town is also popular with the wellness community. Yoga, for example, is ubiquitous. Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for on the food front, especially in Canggu, with many restaurants that accommodate dietary requirements.
Ubud’s weather is very mild, with a relatively small difference between average highs and lows. The town is small enough to get around on foot, has a fair nightlife, and offers remote workers good internet and a stable power source.
Cost Of Living
| Studio – 2 bedrooms | $500 – $1000 |
| Air B&B | $40 – $88 |
| Cell | $7 – $10 |
| Internet | $15 – $50 |
| Groceries | $120 – $215 |
| Meal out (essential to fancy) | $2.59 – $30 |
| Scooter | $50 |
Job Opportunities
Bali’s visas and permits were revamped in 2022 with long-term options for people with money in the bank. The original digital nomad options were stopped due to the pandemic, but more options are on the cards. Hence, ensure you are well informed before making your move.
Expats in Bali often find work in the following sectors:
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Hotel or Resort Manager
- Surf or scuba Instructor (not an option in Ubud, but it is in other parts of Bali)
- Teaching English (TEFL certificate)
- Yoga Instructor
Tips
The following tips will serve you well when living and working in Ubud:
- Get your IDP driving license to drive a scooter or motorcycle.
- Test a specific area before making it your long-term home. The town center, for example, isn’t for everyone. Many foreigners enjoy staying further out of town, like in Pererenan. However, this option is easier if you have an IDP license.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate your rent, especially if you stay for more than a month or two.
Conclusion
As the world is recovering from the pandemic, more and more digital nomads are looking to travel and live abroad. The key to sustaining such a lifestyle is finding fascinating, affordable cities that will offer memorable experiences without cleaning your bank account.