Cheapest Countries To Live in for Digital Nomads in 2022

system · October 27, 2021, 1:51pm

Originally published at: Cheapest Countries To Live in for Digital Nomads | Go VisaFree

Want to see the world without spending too much while you’re working remotely? We’ve got you covered. We’ve brought together a list of the cheapest countries around the world where you can continue to work remotely while enjoying a new culture.

For each country on this list, we’ve also added a section where you can see a comparison to the US and the UK. We’ve also added France to these comparison tables as it’s one of the most expensive countries in Europe, so it’ll give you a better perspective.

Here they are, in no particular order. Let’s start.

Cheapest Countries To Live in for Digital Nomads

Portugal

Living in Portugal has several benefits. A pleasant climate, access to the Atlantic Ocean, neighboring mountains, a low crime rate, and a low cost of living are among these advantages. Everyone in Portugal may find a place and an activity that they enjoy. Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, and seeing castles and fortifications are all possibilities. Surfing, fishing, and diving are popular activities among locals.

Thanks to incentives like Portugal Golden Visa, D7 Visa, and Digital Nomad Visa, Portugal has been seeing increasing attention from expats.

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	41.29% higher than in Portugal	40.76% higher than in Portugal	52.51% higher than in Portugal
Consumer Prices, including rent	56.42% higher than in Portugal	43.51% higher than in Portugal	43.87% higher than in Portugal
Rent Prices	96.53% higher than in Portugal	50.79% higher than in Portugal	20.93% higher than in Portugal
Restaurant Prices	69.87% higher than in Portugal	82.24% higher than in Portugal	78.30% higher than in Portugal
Groceries Prices	74.07% higher than in Portugal	42.30% higher than in Portugal	85.71% higher than in Portugal

Estonia

Estonia is a spacious country in Europe. It has a population of only 1.3 million people and a territory nearly equal to that of the Netherlands.

A forest or a lake is a 30-minute drive away in Estonia. Despite its size, it would take a lifetime to visit all of the country’s galleries, theaters, concerts, festivals, markets, fairs, and beaches.

The living atmosphere is really clean, comfortable, and secure. Estonia has the best overall air quality in the world, according to the World Health Organization.

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	30.05% higher than in Estonia	29.57% higher than in Estonia	40.39% higher than in Estonia
Consumer Prices, including rent	57.73% higher than in Estonia	44.71% higher than in Estonia	45.07% higher than in Estonia
Rent Prices	165% higher than in Estonia	103% higher than in Estonia	63.30% higher than in Estonia
Restaurant Prices	25.63% higher than in Estonia	34.78% higher than in Estonia	31.87% higher than in Estonia
Groceries Prices	64.81% higher than in Estonia	34.72% higher than in Estonia	75.83% higher than in Estonia

Hungary

Hungary’s culture is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western European influences. The country is blessed with diversified geography, with lush hills, vast plains, and green river valleys. The Danube River runs across Hungary and bisects Budapest, which is generally referred to as Europe’s most beautiful city.

Hungary is home to some of Europe’s friendliest people, and the country provides digital nomads seeking a balanced life abroad with both rich economic prospects and a relaxing pace of life.

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	74.18% higher than in Hungary	73.53% higher than in Hungary	88.02% higher than in Hungary
Consumer Prices, including rent	111.35% higher than in Hungary	93.91% higher than in Hungary	94.39% higher than in Hungary
Rent Prices	256.28% higher than in Hungary	173.36% higher than in Hungary	119.23% higher than in Hungary
Restaurant Prices	115.17% higher than in Hungary	130.85% higher than in Hungary	125.85% higher than in Hungary
Groceries Prices	101.62% higher than in Hungary	64.82% higher than in Hungary	115.10% higher than in Hungary

Montenegro

If you’ve always wanted to live somewhere different, somewhere with a different ambiance or feel, somewhere tranquil and beautiful at the same time, Montenegro might be the place for you.

Montenegro is a Balkan country bordered by Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, and Serbia in Southern Europe. The Adriatic coast, Bay of Kotor, and Balkan Mountains provide breathtaking views and exciting adventures. Montenegro also boasts a rich history, from the Old Town of Kotor to the Ostrog Monastery; there is plenty to learn and see here.

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	81.03% higher than in Montenegro	80.35% higher than in Montenegro	95.41% higher than in Montenegro
Consumer Prices, including rent	118.59% higher than in Montenegro	100.55% higher than in Montenegro	101.05% higher than in Montenegro
Rent Prices	261.65% higher than in Montenegro	177.48% higher than in Montenegro	122.53% higher than in Montenegro
Restaurant Prices	116.55% higher than in Montenegro	132.33% higher than in Montenegro	127.30% higher than in Montenegro
Groceries Prices	125.41% higher than in Montenegro	84.26% higher than in Montenegro	140.48% higher than in Montenegro

Bulgaria

Depending on whether you live in one of the cities or in one of the smaller towns and villages, Bulgaria can present you with very distinct experiences.

The temperature, beaches, stunning landscape, a laid-back lifestyle, friendly people who welcome expats, low costs, a stable economy, and rising work prospects are just a few of the advantages of living in Bulgaria.

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	83.41% higher than in Bulgaria	82.72% higher than in Bulgaria	97.98% higher than in Bulgaria
Consumer Prices, including rent	131% higher than in Bulgaria	112% higher than in Bulgaria	112% higher than in Bulgaria
Rent Prices	361% higher than in Bulgaria	253% higher than in Bulgaria	183% higher than in Bulgaria
Restaurant Prices	126% higher than in Bulgaria	142% higher than in Bulgaria	137% higher than in Bulgaria
Groceries Prices	107% higher than in Bulgaria	69.24% higher than in Bulgaria	120% higher than in Bulgaria

Romania

Consider Romania as your next destination, which gives way to hills, forests, farmlands, and rustic villages along the western edge of the Black Sea. Bucharest, Romania’s capital, is located on the Dambovita River and is the most popular location for foreigners looking to relocate to the country.

Romania is a relatively safe country, but newcomers quickly discover that it has a lot more to offer, especially as it develops as a digital nomad destination and a corporate hub in Eastern Europe.

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	137.96% higher than in Romania	95.25% higher than in Romania	111.56% higher than in Romania
Consumer Prices, including rent	144.98% higher than in Romania	118.32% higher than in Romania	118.87% higher than in Romania
Rent Prices	302.14% higher than in Romania	208.55% higher than in Romania	147.45% higher than in Romania
Restaurant Prices	128.74% higher than in Romania	145.41% higher than in Romania	140.10% higher than in Romania
Groceries Prices	119.88% higher than in Romania	79.74% higher than in Romania	134.58% higher than in Romania

Slovakia

Slovakia is one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union. It is highly accommodating to expats as a member of the Schengen area.

Slovakia, despite its tiny size, has a rich cultural past as well as a vast natural endowment of high mountains and deep forests. If you’re a history fan, foodie, and nature lover, you’ll find many attractions. If you’re looking for a blend of global culture and unique tourist experiences, this diverse country will leave an indelible impression on you.

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	52.78% higher than in Slovakia	52.21% higher than in Slovakia	64.92% higher than in Slovakia
Consumer Prices, including rent	76.25% higher than in Slovakia	61.70% higher than in Slovakia	62.11% higher than in Slovakia
Rent Prices	149.24% higher than in Slovakia	91.23% higher than in Slovakia	53.36% higher than in Slovakia
Restaurant Prices	89.96% higher than in Slovakia	103.80% higher than in Slovakia	99.39% higher than in Slovakia
Groceries Prices	71.36% higher than in Slovakia	40.08% higher than in Slovakia	82.82% higher than in Slovakia

Georgia

Georgia is a developing country with an Association Agreement with the European Union and a rapidly growing economy. It’s one of the most well-known remote work centers in the world, attracting digital nomads.

Georgia is a friendly country. It’s still relatively unknown to many people, yet it boasts beautiful scenery filled with Unesco-listed castles and monasteries. Tbilisi, the capital city, has been seeing a lot of attention from digital nomads recently.

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	141.42% higher than in Georgia	140.51% higher than in Georgia	160.59% higher than in Georgia
Consumer Prices, including rent	188.39% higher than in Georgia	164.59% higher than in Georgia	165.25% higher than in Georgia
Rent Prices	358.47% higher than in Georgia	251.77% higher than in Georgia	182.11% higher than in Georgia
Restaurant Prices	163.80% higher than in Georgia	183.02% higher than in Georgia	176.90% higher than in Georgia
Groceries Prices	176.25% higher than in Georgia	125.82% higher than in Georgia	194.71% higher than in Georgia

Serbia

Serbia has a pleasant continental climate and is located in Central/Southeast Europe. Low living costs, fast internet, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and coworking spaces are just a few of the advantages of living in Serbia. Add to that a vibrant nightlife, culinary scene, and cafe culture.

Serbia’s geographical location makes it easier to travel to other Balkan countries (Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro), as well as major European cities (Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, etc).

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	91.93% higher than in Serbia	91.21% higher than in Serbia	107.18% higher than in Serbia
Consumer Prices, incl. rent	139.94% higher than in Serbia	120.14% higher than in Serbia	120.69% higher than in Serbia
Rent Prices	358.62% higher than in Serbia	251.88% higher than in Serbia	182.20% higher than in Serbia
Restaurant Prices	135.65% higher than in Serbia	152.82% higher than in Serbia	147.35% higher than in Serbia
Groceries Prices	145.53% higher than in Serbia	100.71% higher than in Serbia	161.95% higher than in Serbia

Turkey

Turkey is a magnificent country that would take many lifetimes to properly appreciate. Throughout history, this region has been the epicenter of countless ancient civilizations. Turkey is a land of numerous tastes and flavors, with the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Eastern European cuisines all influencing its food.

In Turkey, you have little trouble filling your free time. Consider taking a trip to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the Pamukkale White Calcium Pools, or the Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys, all of which are popular tourist destinations.

Comparison to other countries

	United States	United Kingdom	France
Consumer Prices, excluding rent	137.48% higher than in Turkey	136.59% higher than in Turkey	156.34% higher than in Turkey
Consumer Prices, incl. rent	198.46% higher than in Turkey	173.82% higher than in Turkey	174.51% higher than in Turkey
Rent Prices	484.65% higher than in Turkey	348.58% higher than in Turkey	259.75% higher than in Turkey
Restaurant Prices	247% higher than in Turkey	272.29% higher than in Turkey	264.24% higher than in Turkey
Groceries Prices	181.97% higher than in Turkey	130.50% higher than in Turkey	200.82% higher than in Turkey

Conclusion

There you have it. We’ve tried to give you an insight into the cheapest countries where you can start living as a digital nomad. Note that figures on the cost of living are based on the data from Numbeo, and are subject to change in time. Before you make a decision, make sure you check out the current figures and alternatives. If you want to make a comparison, you might also want to check the Most Expensive Cities in Europe article.

Have you ever lived in the above countries? Let us know about your experience. If not, check out our Digital Nomad Visa Countries article and see which countries offer you an easy process of relocation. Good luck!