Cheapest Countries To Live in for Digital Nomads in 2022

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 VisaD7 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!