Are you looking to travel budget friendly countries to Live? You don’t need a fortune to travel the world. With smart planning, the right destinations, and a little flexibility, you can live richly on a modest budget.
After six years of travel, my partner and I discovered that the key isn’t spending more—it’s choosing the right places. Below are 18 budget-friendly countries where $50 a day or less gives you more than just survival—it gives you comfort, culture, and community. This list is crafted especially for digital nomads and slow travelers who crave both value and depth.
Budget Friendly Countries to Live in 2025
Vietnam: Affordable, Friendly, and Flavorful
Average daily budget: ~$35
Best nomad cities: Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi
Vietnam is an all-time favorite for digital nomads, offering strong infrastructure, low living costs, and a mix of beaches, highlands, and historic cities.
Cultural Highlights:
Vietnamese society values respect and community. Daily life is centered around family, food, and tradition. Local markets brim with activity, and Vietnamese cuisine is both legendary and cheap—think $1 bowls of pho and $0.50 iced coffees.
Digital Nomad Life:
Wi-Fi is excellent, co-working spaces are affordable, and rental apartments can be as low as $300/month. Cities like Da Nang offer a relaxed coastal vibe with plenty of modern conveniences. The digital nomad visa situation is improving, and tourist visas are easy to extend.
Turkey: Europe Meets Asia, Affordably
Average daily budget: ~$40
Best nomad cities: Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir
Turkey is where ancient history and modern life collide. It’s one of the few places where you can explore Roman ruins, work from a beachside café, and enjoy world-class food—all in a single day.
Cultural Highlights:
Turkish people are incredibly hospitable. Meals are social affairs, and tea is offered freely. The call to prayer echoes through cities, and bazaars are perfect for sensory immersion. Don’t miss out on traditional dishes like gözleme, meze, and baklava.
Digital Nomad Life:
Istanbul and Izmir have vibrant co-working cultures, and the cost of living is very manageable. Coworking spaces like Kolektif House are modern and expat-friendly. Antalya offers a laid-back coastal environment with solid infrastructure.
Thailand: The Global Nomad Hub
Average daily budget: ~$30–$40
Best nomad cities: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket
Thailand has long been the beating heart of the digital nomad movement. The mix of modern cities, spiritual escapes, and breathtaking nature is hard to beat.
Cultural Highlights:
The Thai way of life is deeply influenced by Buddhism. Kindness, patience, and non-confrontation are core values. Thailand’s street food culture is unmatched—pad Thai, green curry, and satay are everywhere and cost just a couple of dollars.
Digital Nomad Life:
Chiang Mai is world-renowned among remote workers. You’ll find dozens of co-working spaces (Punspace, Yellow Co-working), fast internet, affordable monthly rentals (~$300), and endless opportunities to network. SIM cards with unlimited data are $10–$15/month.
Romania: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret
Average daily budget: ~$35
Best nomad cities: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov
Romania offers the history and charm of Europe—without the Western Europe price tag.
Cultural Highlights:
Expect medieval castles, charming villages, and hearty meals. Romanians are proud of their traditions, and the blend of Latin and Eastern European influences creates a unique experience.
Digital Nomad Life:
Bucharest boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe. Brasov is perfect for mountain lovers. Co-working spaces are growing, and long-stay apartments range from $300–$500/month in most cities.
Egypt: Ancient Culture at a Bargain
Average daily budget: ~$30
Best nomad cities: Cairo, Dahab, Luxor
Egypt offers surreal historic sites, low costs, and a warm welcome for travelers.
Cultural Highlights:
The land of the pharaohs still pulses with historical richness. Markets, mosques, and monuments tell stories thousands of years old. Hospitality is central to Egyptian culture, and bartering is part of everyday life.
Digital Nomad Life:
Cairo has co-working spaces like The Greek Campus. For a more laid-back experience, Dahab is a Red Sea town known for diving, snorkeling, and its small but active nomad community. SIM cards are cheap and 4G is widely available.
Peru: Mountains, Markets, and Magic
Average daily budget: ~$35
Best nomad cities: Cusco, Lima, Arequipa
From Machu Picchu to Amazon jungle lodges, Peru is adventure-packed and surprisingly affordable.
Cultural Highlights:
Peruvian culture is vibrant and colorful. The food is among the best in Latin America—ceviche, empanadas, and lomo saltado are just the beginning. Indigenous culture is still strong in the highlands.
Digital Nomad Life:
Cusco and Lima have growing remote work scenes. Cafés often have decent Wi-Fi, and co-working spaces like Comunal and Residencia are available. Budget accommodation is plentiful.
Colombia: Colorful, Welcoming, and Lively
Average daily budget: ~$30–$35
Best nomad cities: MedellÃn, Bogotá, Santa Marta
Colombia is Latin America’s rising star—safe, friendly, and full of cultural and natural diversity.
Cultural Highlights:
Colombians are passionate, hospitable, and proud of their culture. Music and dancing are integral to life. The food scene varies from coast to city—arepas, bandeja paisa, and exotic fruits abound.
Digital Nomad Life:
MedellÃn is a digital nomad haven, with great weather year-round and spaces like Selina and Circular. Internet is fast, rent is cheap (~$350/month), and Uber works in most cities.
Albania: Mediterranean Magic Without the Cost
Average daily budget: ~$30
Best nomad cities: Tirana, Sarandë, Berat
Albania combines mountain villages, pristine beaches, and a welcoming culture with some of the lowest prices in Europe.
Cultural Highlights:
Albanian culture is family-centered and proud of its traditions. The cuisine blends Balkan and Mediterranean flavors. The people are incredibly generous and love showing off their country to visitors.
Digital Nomad Life:
Tirana is developing its coworking ecosystem, while Sarandë offers incredible sea views for a fraction of the cost of Greece or Italy. Many cafés offer decent Wi-Fi, and rental prices are some of the lowest in Europe.
China: Historic, Futuristic, and Surprisingly Cheap
Average daily budget: ~$40
Best nomad cities: Beijing, Chengdu, Yangshuo
China’s contrasts are stunning—ancient temples meet bullet trains, and small villages neighbor mega-cities.
Cultural Highlights:
Mandarin-speaking locals value order, family, and tradition. Street food is vibrant and diverse—dumplings, noodles, roasted meats. Be respectful of customs and use a VPN to access Western apps and websites.
Digital Nomad Life:
Coworking exists in major cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen. Use apps like WeChat and Alipay for almost everything. Internet is fast, but access is restricted, so be sure to install your VPN before arriving.
Nicaragua: Wild, Cheap, and Underrated
Average daily budget: ~$25–$30
Best nomad cities: Granada, León, San Juan del Sur
Volcanoes, surf towns, and colonial cities make Nicaragua an adventure lover’s dream.
Cultural Highlights:
Nicaraguans are warm and welcoming. Life here is simple and centered around community, food, and nature. Try local favorites like gallo pinto and plantain chips.
Digital Nomad Life:
Granada and León have decent internet and a laid-back vibe. San Juan del Sur is known for surf, yoga, and a small but tight-knit expat scene. Rentals can be under $300/month, and coworking is emerging slowly.
India: Vibrant, Vast, and Incredibly Affordable
Average daily budget: ~$20–$30
Best nomad cities: Goa, Rishikesh, Jaipur, Udaipur
India is overwhelming in the best possible way. Every state feels like a different country.
Cultural Highlights:
Spirituality, color, and contrast define Indian life. You’ll encounter temples, festivals, street vendors, and ancient traditions everywhere you go. Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse and full of spice.
Digital Nomad Life:
Internet is fast and dirt cheap. Coworking spaces exist in most major cities. Goa and Rishikesh offer peaceful alternatives to big metros. Accommodations are some of the cheapest in the world—$200/month is common.
Indonesia: Not Just Bali
Average daily budget: ~$25–$35
Best nomad cities: Bali (Ubud, Canggu), Yogyakarta, Sumatra
Indonesia is vast and filled with stunning nature, deep spirituality, and delicious food.
Cultural Highlights:
Indonesians are kind, respectful, and laid-back. Balinese Hindu culture is especially unique. Daily offerings, rituals, and temple ceremonies are part of everyday life.
Digital Nomad Life:
Bali is a top digital nomad destination, with coworking hubs like Dojo, Outpost, and BWork. Internet is reliable, living costs are low, and the community is massive. Outside Bali, infrastructure thins but the rewards grow.
Mexico: Color, Culture, and Coworking
Average daily budget: ~$35–$40
Best nomad cities: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Mérida, Puerto Escondido
Mexico is rich in history, art, and diversity—urban cities, beach towns, mountains, and deserts are all within reach.
Cultural Highlights:
Mexican culture is warm and expressive. Family, food, and celebration are central. The food is incredible: tacos, mole, pozole, tamales, and fresh fruit galore.
Digital Nomad Life:
Mexico City and Oaxaca offer world-class coworking options, great food, and affordable rent. English is widely spoken in nomad hubs. SIM cards are easy to get and reliable.
Sri Lanka: Island Living with Soul
Average daily budget: ~$25–$30
Best nomad cities: Colombo, Weligama, Ella
Sri Lanka is a compact island with vast experiences—beaches, tea plantations, and ancient temples.
Cultural Highlights:
Buddhist values shape the peaceful and polite Sri Lankan society. Tea culture is strong, and the pace of life is calm. Rice and curry is the daily staple.
Digital Nomad Life:
Weligama is a growing surf and nomad hub. Internet is surprisingly good, and mobile data is cheap. Colombo offers urban comforts, while Ella and Kandy are ideal for nature-loving creatives.
Hungary: Budget-Friendly Europe
Average daily budget: ~$30–$40
Best nomad cities: Budapest, Debrecen, Pécs
Hungary gives you European charm, thermal spas, and historical sites at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.
Cultural Highlights:
Hungarians are proud and reserved but friendly. Enjoy hearty meals like goulash and chimney cakes, and explore castles, ruin bars, and museums.
Digital Nomad Life:
Budapest has blazing-fast internet and tons of coworking spaces. The city is also a Schengen hub for other European travel. Apartments cost ~$500/month for a one-bedroom.
Ecuador: Diverse and Incredibly Affordable
Average daily budget: ~$30
Best nomad cities: Cuenca, Quito, Baños
Ecuador packs a punch: Andes mountains, Amazon jungle, colonial cities, and beach towns—all in a small, easy-to-navigate country.
Cultural Highlights:
Ecuadorians are modest, respectful, and proud of their heritage. Food is simple but satisfying, and local markets are central to life.
Digital Nomad Life:
Cuenca is popular with expats and nomads. Internet is decent, and apartments are cheap. Baños is a perfect base for adventure lovers, with plenty of cafes to work from.
El Salvador: Safe, Scenic, and Undiscovered
Average daily budget: ~$25
Best nomad cities: San Salvador, El Tunco, Suchitoto
El Salvador is Central America’s comeback kid. It’s safe, stunning, and super affordable.
Cultural Highlights:
Salvadorans are proud of their food—especially pupusas. Life is simple, and there’s a strong sense of community. Local culture blends Indigenous, Spanish, and modern influences.
Digital Nomad Life:
El Tunco is a surf town with growing digital infrastructure. Coworking spots are limited but cafés are laptop-friendly. Internet is solid in most towns.
Philippines: Beach Bliss and Budget Living
Average daily budget: ~$30
Best nomad cities: Cebu, Siargao, El Nido
With 7,000+ islands, the Philippines offers jaw-dropping beaches, friendly locals, and a low cost of living.
Cultural Highlights:
Filipinos are warm, cheerful, and English-speaking. Catholicism plays a big role in daily life. Seafood is abundant, and local markets are full of tropical produce.
Digital Nomad Life:
Siargao and Cebu are top nomad picks. Internet is improving, and coworking spaces like Nomad Hub exist. SIM cards are cheap, and accommodation ranges from $250–$500/month.
READ: The Most Beautiful Place in the World: El Nido, Palawan
READ: 15 Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to the Philippines
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to choose between living well and living affordably. These 18 destinations prove that with the right location, $50/day can get you freedom, fulfillment, and even luxury.
Which destination will you explore first?
