By: Nick Callos
What’s a great way to save more money? How can you beat inflation? An answer to both those questions is geoarbitrage, which is the act of moving to a place with a lower cost of living. Since you spend less on essentials, while earning the same income (or more), you can boost your savings and accelerate your path to financial freedom and retirement or semi-retirement.
As remote work has gone mainstream, with nearly 30% of workers working remotely, the geographic arbitrage opportunity is available for tens of millions of Americans and even more around the world. If you work remotely, geoarbitrage could be a great choice for you.
If you’re saying yes to geoarbitrage, you may be wondering where to go. Well..how about Asia?
From sparkling metropolises like Hong Kong and Tokyo to chilled-out beach towns such as Da Nang to the unspoiled beauty of the Mongolian countryside, Asia is a diverse continent that offers everything you could ever need. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual adventure or big city fun, you’ll find it in the East.
In our geoarbitrage guide, we go over all you need to know about geographic arbitrage, from researching destinations to leasing a property in your new hometown. Here, we’ll specifically explore the best geoarbitrage destinations in Asia.
Why You Should Choose Asia for Geoarbitrage
Asia is one of the best regions for geoarbitrage, thanks to lower costs of living in many cities, diversity of cultures and destinations, modern amenities in many areas, and ample entertainment activities (from happening nightlife spots to incredible hiking trips).
Just consider the possibilities of geoarbitrage in Asia: You could work for a company headquartered in New York City, making a big city wage. But you could live in a coastal province in Thailand, such as Krabi, with a rent or mortgage payment that’s one-fourth what you’d pay in NYC. Think of how much more money you’d save.
Sounds nice, right?
Now, let’s get to the best geoarbitrage cities in Asia. Read about the top locations and see which place catches your eye.
Bangkok, Thailand
Photo by Waranont (Joe) on Unsplash
Average Rent
- City Center: $667 (1-Bedroom) up to $1628 (3-Bedroom)
- Outside City Center: $305 (1-Bedroom) up to $906 (3-Bedroom)
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison:
According to Numbeo data, consumer prices, including rent, are 228% higher in New York City than in Bangkok. Making $80,000 annually in Bangkok will yield you a similar standard of living as making $262,000 annually in New York City.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in Asia:
You may not believe in magic, until you visit Bangkok. Whether you’re having a street food feast or finding inner peace at a monastery, Bangkok stimulates the senses and delights at every turn. A longtime favorite among digital nomads, Bangkok offers modern amenities, notably solid healthcare, internet, and transportation infrastructure, that make the city an easy transition for those seeking to capitalize off geoarbitrage. Cultural activities and entertainment options abound, too. The city also provides easy access to other top destinations in Southeast Asia.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Photo by Van Ambruce Ligutom on Pexels.
Average Rent
- Premium Area: $480 (480 sq. ft.) up to $880 (900 sq. ft.)
- Normal Area: $310 (480 sq. ft.) up to $460 (900 sq. ft.)
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison:
The cost of living is 248% higher in Singapore than in Kuala Lumpur, according to Numbeo data. Making $80,000 annually in Kuala Lumpur will yield you a similar standard of living as making $255,000 annually in Singapore.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in Asia:
Known as a melting pot of Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant, diverse city with incredible architecture, cuisine, and entertainment. The city provides the modern amenities you need while living abroad, such as high-quality medical facilities and a rapid metro system. English is widely spoken, making life an easy adjustment if you’ve yet to learn Malay, Mandarin and/or Tamil (the other main languages spoken). Kuala Lumpur is quite welcoming for expats too, offering digital nomad visas for remote workers. If you’re coming with a family, international schools are quite good and affordable as well. All in all, Kuala Lumpur’s overall cultural vibrancy and quality of living make it one of the best geoarbitrage cities in Asia.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Photo by Toomas Tartes on Unsplash
Average Rent: $300—$500 (1—2 Bedroom)
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison:
Consumer prices, including rent, are 248% higher in Dubai than in Hoi An, according to Numbeo data. Making $80,000 annually in Hoi An will yield you a similar standard of living as making $278,000 annually in Dubai.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in Asia:
If a laid-back, beach town experience is what you seek, then Hoi An is the answer. Featuring one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia, An Bang Beach, as well as a well-preserved Ancient Town (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hoi An boasts a mix of culture and relaxation that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s also close to Da Nang, a large city with everything you need. As soon as you touch down in Hoi An, you’ll realize why this place is becoming increasingly popular with expats. According to International Living, more than 1,000 expats now call Hoi An home (up from just 50 in the 2000s). Clearly, this town has a charm that’s attracting more people to come and settle down.
Tokyo, Japan
Photo by Guus Baggermans on Unsplash
Average Rent: $650—$2,425 (Studio to 3-Bedroom range)
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison:
Though costlier than other geoarbitrage destinations on this list, Tokyo has become more affordable over the years. Consumer prices, including rent, are 78% higher in London than in Tokyo, for example (Numbeo data). Making $80,000 annually in Tokyo will yield you a similar standard of living as making $142,000 in London.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in Asia:
In Tokyo, the past meets the future. The city dazzles with traditional culture, while displaying eye-opening innovation at every corner. Combine that with dynamic arts, cuisine, and entertainment scenes, and you have a metropolis that never ceases to amaze. Incredibly safe, convenient, and modern, Tokyo wins you over with its neon-lit high-rises and historical depth, and keeps you exploring with its unlimited opportunities and experiences. For your geoarbitrage relocation, if you seek adventure in one of the world’s most exciting cities, consider Tokyo.
Cebu City, Philippines
Photo by Zany Jadraque on Unsplash
Average Rent
- City Center: $495 (1-Bedroom) up to $575 (3-Bedroom)
- Outside City Center: $235 (1-Bedroom) up to $395 (3-Bedroom)
Consider This Cost of Living Comparison:
Consumer prices, including rent, are 221% higher in Los Angeles than in Cebu City (Numbeo data). Making $80,000 annually in Cebu City will yield you a similar standard of living as making $248,000 in London.
Why It’s Among the Best Geoarbitrage Cities in Asia:
More than two million visitors flock to the province of Cebu each year, and it’s easy to see why: the island features majestic white-sand beaches, spectacular diving, and lively dining and nightlife. It’s also quite affordable. The City of Cebu, as it’s officially called, is the capital of the province and offers all the urban amenities you could need — from good healthcare to retail shopping. Simply put, if you want the perfect blend of nature and city life, Cebu is among the top geoarbitrage destinations.
Finding the Best Geoarbitrage City in Asia
This list of the best geoarbitrage cities in Asia only covers some of the top budget-friendly towns and cities.
When deciding where to work remotely from, consider your preferences for entertainment, climate, activities, education, politics, and more, as well as your budget and how much you wish to save. The perfect geoarbitrage city will differ for everyone, and this article is meant to get you started.
For more inspiration, and to start planning your move, read our other geographic arbitrage resources:
- The Ultimate Guide to Geoarbitrage
- Using Geographic Arbitrage to Beat Inflation
- Digital Nomad Work Visas
About the Author
Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.
Featured image by Sora Sagano on Unsplash.
Frayed Passport is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.