5 Best Cheap Digital Nomad Destinations For 2023

Want to travel and work on a budget? Even if you’re planning for 2023, you can find many cheap digital nomad destinations where you can live, work, and explore without breaking the bank. Whether you’re interested in scenic cities or vibrant beach towns, there’s an affordable destination for every remote worker.

Price isn’t the only consideration. Ideally, a good digital nomad destination should have fast WiFi, suitable visa options, and a community of travelers and remote workers to help you with the transition. Even with these factors in mind, there are some great towns and cities for working travelers. Here are 5 of the best cheap digital nomad destinations for 2023.

1. Krakow, Poland

Krakow has long been considered one of the best cheap digital nomad destinations. With low crime rates, fast WiFi, and a large community of remote workers, you’ll find everything you need and more. It’s also beautifully scenic with a historic old town, pristine lakes, and mountains just a short drive away.

Food prices are shockingly low in Krakow by European standards. A meal at a sit-down restaurant can be as low as 35.00 zł (7.09 USD) whereas a fast food meal can be found for half that price. With a range of cuisines spanning from Mexican to Korean to traditional Polish dishes, you won’t be short on options.

Beer and wine are also surprisingly cheap. Not to mention you’ll find a wide range of affordable Polish vodkas to sample. That means you won’t burn a hole in your wallet on a night out. As for the daytime, you’ll find plenty of relaxing coffee shops with fast, free WiFi to handle your daily work needs.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Thailand is an excellent country for business and entertainment. Many tourists flock to the capital Bangkok or one of the many beautiful islands, such as Phuket and Koh Samui. However, Chiang Mai has become one of the most peaceful, affordable, and enjoyable destinations for digital nomads around the world.

Rent in Chiang Mai is much cheaper than you’d find in Bangkok. It’s also easy to get around thanks to cheap ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt. Food and coffee are also incredibly affordable. You can use food delivery apps like Foodpanda or grab a meal from a street food stall for 80 Baht or less (around 2.10 USD).

Many digital nomads find that they can live on an incredibly tight budget here without giving up on entertainment. From cheap bars to vibrant street markets to astonishing temples, there’s always something fun to explore. Cheap flights and hotels around the country also make it easy to take a weekend trip to the islands whenever you please.

3. Athens, Greece

Many people think of luxurious island hotels when they think of Greece. As such, it might surprise you to find out that it’s one of the most budget-friendly countries for digital nomads. You can avoid fancy hotels and find clean, well-equipped Airbnbs in the capital for as little as 600 Euros (583 USD).

The great thing about living in Athens is that you’ll be surrounded by incredible sites. You can explore Philopappos Hill, Mt. Lycabettus, Areopagus Hill, and the National Garden without spending anything. Even if you want to visit famous sites like the Acropolis, tickets are surprisingly affordable - especially during the low season.

As for food, you can grab a souvlaki or gyros pita wrap for as little as 3 Euros (2.92 USD). Other delicious Greek meals can be found for around twice that price, including mixed grills and Greek salads. Greek coffee is also cheap and affordable. Plus, if you tire of the busy city, you can take a budget flight to a stunning Greek island like Crete, Corfu, or Rhodes.

4. Ubud, Indonesia

The Indonesian island of Bali is a hotspot for all kinds of travelers. Not only will you find tons of backpackers here, but it’s become one of the most popular cheap digital nomad destinations in Asia. Many tourists flock to beach resort towns like Canggu and Kuta, but Ubud gives you the best bang for your buck in Bali.

Accommodation in Ubud is astoundingly cheap for long-term travelers. On Airbnb, you can find apartments or even entire villas with private swimming pools for less than 400 USD a month. Hotel rooms are just as affordable, and hostel beds will barely cost you anything. Transport is also cheap - you can rent a motorcycle or scooter for 75,000 IDR (4.85 USD) per day or less.

Since transport and accommodation costs are so low, you’ll have plenty of money to spend on food, drinks, and activities. With that said, you won’t need to spend much. Food is perfectly affordable and you can traverse the island and explore various beautiful trails and waterfalls for free. You can also take a trip to the nearby beach towns with ease.

5. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Looking for a friendly, affordable, and safe destination in Mexico? Puerto Vallarta is perfect for you. This beach resort town in Jalisco gives you the ideal mix of Mexican culture and luxurious living on a budget. With fast WiFi, many digital nomads, and plenty of coworking spaces, it’s great for remote professionals.

You can find apartments in beachside neighborhoods like Zona Romantica and 5 De Deciembre. Alternatively, you can splash out for a luxury apartment or hotel in the Zona Hotelera. Cheap hostels are also available throughout the city, so enticing accommodations are available for every budget.

Food is cheap whether you’re dining in or grabbing world-class street food from a local stall. A night out is also affordable thanks to cheap beers and tequila shots. As for affordable activities, you can hike nearby trails, relax on the beach, or simply explore the city and soak up the culture. You might even want to attend a local digital nomad meetup.

Conclusion

Cheap digital nomad destinations allow remote workers to save money while they earn. They also allow you to live an adventurous life even on a budget. While these are five of the best choices for 2023, other top locations include Split (Croatia), Medellin (Colombia), Da Nang (Vietnam), Tbilisi (Georgia), and The Bahamas.

If you’re planning on living the digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll need the right gear. Invest in a secure laptop bag or travel sling to make carrying your work equipment easy. Fortunately, you can find a range of premium travel bags and accessories at ALPAKA.