Considering the digital nomad lifestyle? You’re in good company. Remote workers worldwide are choosing location independence, but the big question remains: where should you go? Finding cities to live in as a digital nomad that won’t drain your budget takes some research. We’ve compiled a list of 10 cities that offer solid amenities and affordable housing, all for under $2000 a month. Below, we’ll explore what each destination offers so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads, and for good reason. This coastal capital mixes historic charm with modern energy, from its tiled neighborhoods to its active nightlife. The best part? It’s surprisingly affordable.
You can find a comfortable apartment in Lisbon for around $500 per month, with plenty of coworking spaces and cafes equipped for remote work. Public transportation is reliable and inexpensive, so getting around without a car is easy.
If you want a European base that balances cost with culture, Lisbon delivers.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco belongs on any budget-conscious nomad’s shortlist. This Peruvian city is steeped in history and surrounded by mountains, offering a completely different pace from beach towns or capital cities.
You can rent a comfortable place for under $1,000 per month, and the cost of living is low across the board. Coworking spaces and cafes with decent WiFi are easy to find, and you’ll save considerably on food and transportation.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City has become a magnet for remote workers. The city offers low living costs, mild weather year-round, and a growing number of coworking spaces and tech startups.
Beyond work, Mexico City is packed with culture. You’ll find world-class museums, sprawling parks, and colonial architecture alongside a buzzing nightlife. The food scene alone is worth the move, from street tacos to upscale dining.
For an affordable Latin American hub with endless things to do, Mexico City is hard to beat.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok remains one of the most budget-friendly cities for digital nomads. Living costs are low, coworking spaces are plentiful, and the city’s public transit system makes getting around simple, even without a car.
There’s no shortage of things to do. Visit the Grand Palace, wander through weekend markets, or sample street food at any hour. Bangkok’s mix of tradition and chaos keeps things interesting.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur offers an excellent quality of life at a fraction of what you’d pay in Singapore or Hong Kong. The city is modern, well-connected, and packed with parks, museums, and restaurants.
The Petronas Towers dominate the skyline, but beyond the landmarks, you’ll find affordable apartments and low costs for food and transportation. Internet speeds are solid, and English is widely spoken.
For nomads who want a cosmopolitan Asian city without the premium price tag, Kuala Lumpur fits the bill.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town combines natural beauty with urban energy. The city sits between mountains and ocean, offering hiking, surfing, and beaches alongside a lively food and nightlife scene.
Costs are reasonable compared to major Western cities. You’ll find coworking spaces, reliable internet, and a growing remote work community. The time zone also works well for collaborating with European clients.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is best known as the gateway to Angkor Wat, but it’s also a practical base for digital nomads. The cost of living is very low, and the city has developed a solid infrastructure of coworking spaces and cafes with WiFi.
The local markets, temples, and friendly expat community make it easy to settle in. If you want to stretch your budget while living somewhere culturally rich, Siem Reap delivers.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has been a digital nomad favorite for years. This northern Thai city offers affordable living, a strong remote work community, and access to mountains and countryside.
Coworking spaces are everywhere, and the food is excellent and cheap. The laid-back atmosphere and year-round warm weather make it easy to stay productive while enjoying life outside of work.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful towns, with a preserved old quarter and nearby beaches. It’s smaller and quieter than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, which appeals to nomads who prefer a slower pace.
The cost of living is low, and you’ll find coworking spaces and cafes suitable for remote work. Hoi An’s charm lies in its walkability, lantern-lit streets, and affordable tailors.
Ubud, Bali
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Surrounded by rice terraces and jungle, this small town attracts artists, writers, and remote workers looking for a creative environment.
Accommodation is affordable, especially if you’re willing to cook. Coworking spaces and cafes with solid WiFi are common. The Balinese culture is strong here, with regular ceremonies and a welcoming local community.
If you want to live somewhere that feels different from typical cities, Ubud offers that.
Staying Connected While You Travel
Choosing the right city is only half the equation. Reliable internet is non-negotiable for digital nomads, whether you’re working from a cafe in Lisbon or a coworking space in Bangkok.
ConnectPls provides internet connectivity in over 200 countries through flexible monthly subscriptions. You can choose between eSIM, physical SIM, or portable WiFi depending on your devices and travel style. There are no contracts or paperwork, just straightforward billing that adapts to where you are.
Because coverage and connection quality vary by location, having a backup option keeps you online when local WiFi fails. With ConnectPls, you get consistent access whether you’re in Cape Town, Chiang Mai, or anywhere in between.
Which City Is Right for You?
Each of these cities offers something different. Lisbon and Cape Town give you a mix of culture and nature. Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are urban hubs with modern infrastructure. Cusco and Ubud lean more towards slower, community-focused living.
Your choice depends on what you value most: cost, climate, community, or proximity to nature. All ten cities keep monthly expenses under $2000 while providing the basics every digital nomad needs: affordable housing, good food, coworking spaces, and reliable internet.
Pick the city that matches your work style and lifestyle preferences, set up your connectivity with a flexible subscription like ConnectPls, and you’re ready to go. Check out our website to explore plans that work across borders without the hassle of local SIM cards or hunting for WiFi.
