Affordable living abroad is becoming a reality for remote workers. Find out which countries you can live comfortably on 500 euros and how to prepare for a move

In a world where prices in megacities are constantly rising, more and more people are looking for an alternative – countries with an affordable cost of living, a mild climate and stable internet. The format of remote work has allowed thousands of specialists to change their approach to life: not to adapt to expenses, but to choose a place where there are fewer of them.

In 2025-2026, the trend of digital nomadism only intensified. And if a few years ago a budget of 1000 euros was considered minimal, today there are destinations where even 500 euros per month is enough for a comfortable life.

We will tell you what these countries are and what advantages they have in this article.

Are you planning to work remotely and travel the world? It is important not only to choose a country, but also to prepare documents correctly. Visa requirements, rules of stay and nuances of registration can differ significantly depending on the destination.

That is why it is worth using a proven solution – a guide for digital nomads from Visit World. This is a convenient tool that will help you avoid mistakes and save time.

Choose your country and get a ready-made guide today!

Why are cheap countries becoming the new norm?

A few years ago, the idea of ​​moving to another country to save money seemed more like an experiment. Today, it is a completely pragmatic decision. Due to the rising cost of living in large European cities, more and more remote workers are starting to count not only income, but also expenses.

That is why the focus is shifting to countries where you can afford more for the same money. In Southeast Asia or Georgia, the cost of housing, food and transport remains much lower than in the EU, while the basic infrastructure for work - the Internet, co-working spaces, services - has long met global standards.

Today, digital nomads can combine work and travel with virtually no housing costs. We have already told you how to live for free in different countries of the world.

Community also plays an important role: entire “ecosystems” of digital nomads have formed in popular locations, where it is easy to find both new acquaintances and professional contacts. As a result, moving ceases to be a risk and turns into a well-thought-out life strategy.

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Thailand

Thailand has been maintaining its status as one of the best destinations for digital nomads for many years. Chiang Mai and Krabi are especially popular - it is easy to find a balance between work, rest and expenses here.

Even with a budget of about 500 euros per month, you can cover basic needs and live without a constant feeling of savings.

Average expenses look like this:

- Housing - 150-200 euros (studio or small house);

- Food - 120-150 euros (mostly local cuisine);

- Internet and coworking spaces - 30-40 euros;

- Living expenses – 50–70 euros.

It is important that in the tourist regions of Thailand a full-fledged infrastructure for remote work has already been formed – from stable Wi-Fi to communities of freelancers who have lived here for years.

Indonesia

Indonesia, and especially Bali, attracts not only tourists, but also those who work online. It is a place where the lifestyle looks more expensive than it actually costs. In popular areas such as Ubud or Canggu, expenses can remain within the same budget:

- Accommodation – from 200 euros (often with a pool or terrace);

- Food – 100-150 euros;

- Coworking – 40-60 euros;

- Transport and small expenses – 50-80 euros.

At the same time, you get not just basic comfort, but a certain “lifestyle”: working in the middle of nature, a large international community and the opportunity to easily find a balance between productivity and relaxation.

Read also, TOP-10 countries for digital nomads according to Global Citizen Solutions.

Laos

Laos remains a less obvious choice, but that’s where it comes in. There are no crowds of tourists or a noisy nightlife – instead, there is a slow pace and very affordable prices.

A budget of 500 euros will cover almost all basic expenses:

- Accommodation – 100-150 euros;

- Food – 80-120 euros;

- Transport – minimal;

- Leisure and travel – 50-70 euros.

Living near the Mekong, mountainous landscapes and a sense of remoteness from the global hustle and bustle make Laos ideal for those who want to focus on work and themselves.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a different format: more dynamic, urban, but still budget-friendly. In cities like Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, expenses can look like this:

- Accommodation – 200-300 euros;

- Food – 120–180 euros;

- Transport and Internet – 40–60 euros.

Despite slightly higher prices, Vietnam wins due to infrastructure: there are more opportunities for work, entertainment and development here than in the same Laos or small cities of Thailand.

Georgia

Georgia is increasingly being chosen as a “soft start” in digital nomadism. The country attracts with a combination of affordable prices, a loyal visa policy and understandable infrastructure for foreigners. In Tbilisi, you can live quite comfortably even with a moderate budget:

- Accommodation – 250-350 euros;

- Food – 150-200 euros;

- Other expenses – 100-150 euros.

Although total expenses may slightly exceed the conventional 500 euros, the country still remains an affordable alternative to most European capitals. At the same time, it is easy to adapt here: a developed service sector, a large number of foreigners and a comfortable urban environment make moving less stressful.

How much does a digital nomad really need to live?

The figure of 500 euros often sounds like a conditional guideline, but in practice it is quite achievable - under certain conditions. In most popular destinations, housing takes up the largest part of the budget, and this is where opportunities for savings open up: long-term rentals, living outside tourist centers or shared housing.

Food also does not require large expenses if you adapt to the local cuisine. Street food in Asia or small local cafes are often not only cheaper, but also of higher quality than tourist restaurants. Internet and mobile communication costs are usually minimal, and in many establishments Wi-Fi is included in the basic service.

However, it is worth understanding: 500 euros is more about basic comfort than luxury. If you add travel, entertainment, or unforeseen expenses, the budget should be increased to at least 700–1000 euros.

What to consider before moving?

Moving to a cheaper country may seem like a simple decision, but there are a number of practical issues behind it that are better to think about in advance. First of all, the legality of stay. Visa rules change quite often, and what worked for acquaintances may not always work in your case.

An equally important aspect is taxes. Some countries are loyal to foreign freelancers, while others may require registration or payment of local fees even when working for foreign companies.

Also, do not underestimate everyday things: the quality of the Internet outside large cities, access to medicine, the safety of the area where you live. These are the details that often determine whether a new country will become a comfortable home, and not just a pretty picture for Instagram.

Moving to a new country is always a challenge, especially if you plan to work remotely. Each country has its own rules: in some cases a tourist visa is enough, while in others a special permit for digital nomads is required.

The Digital Nomad Guide from Visit World is a comprehensive solution that includes step-by-step instructions, a list of documents, requirements for the applicant, and even the nuances of filling out the application form. You will receive up-to-date information specifically for your citizenship and the selected country.

The document is sent to your email in PDF format in just a few minutes, allowing you to quickly move from planning to action.

Prepare for your move correctly - order the guide now.

Reminder! Dreaming of spending the winter in a warm country and working remotely without legal risks? Which countries in 2026 are suitable for Digital Nomads, offer stable internet, comfortable climate, and visas for digital nomads - we tell you at the link.

Photo – Freepik.com

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