Live on Less Than $1K Monthly? 10 Digital Nomad Locations Where It’s Possible

You’re not hallucinating. You read the title right. There are numerous places where digital nomads can live on less than $1K monthly.

Intrigued? It’s easy to understand why.

Persistent inflation of essential goods, rising housing costs, and the drama of tariffs have made finances difficult to navigate for many. If you work remotely and are open to living somewhere new, one of the best solutions is geographic arbitrage (read our guide on geographic arbitrage).

In this article, we’ll cover 10 locations where it’s possible to live on $1K per month. If a destination attracts you, start planning your move abroad — and get on the path to reaching your financial goals sooner.

Sanur, Bali

Average monthly living expenses in Sanur: $990 for a single person (Nomads.com data)

A laid-back coastal town in southeast Bali, Sanur offers incredible sunrises, beaches, and entertainment along the boardwalk. Attractions such as Sindhu Night Market, ICON BALI Mall, and Museum Le Mayeur offer things to do when you’re not working or enjoying the beach life. A quick boat ride can get you to the picturesque Nusa Islands as well. If you’re looking to live well and affordably in a tropical paradise, Sanur is an excellent option.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Average monthly living expenses in Hoi An: $916 for a single person (Nomads.com data)

Graceful and historic, Hoi An offers an atmosphere like no other, and doesn’t have the constant traffic that Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City do. Ancient Town is exceptionally well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the town’s past as a vital trading port. On days off work, everything from Vietnamese cooking classes to bike rides through the countryside is at your fingertips. You could even take one of the famed coconut basket boat rides. If you’re looking for a place to live on less than $1K monthly, Hoi An is among the top when it comes to quality of life.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Average monthly living expenses in Kathmandu: $1000 for a single person (Nomads.com data)

Kathmandu stimulates the senses at every turn, whether you’re cruising through traffic in a rickshaw or exploring ancient temples. The city is intoxicating, yet it provides plenty of space to find your peace. When you need serenity, take a stroll through the Garden of Dreams, a hike through nearby Shivapuri National Park, or sit in awe at Pashupatinah Temple. When you’re in the mood for fun, the city delights with eclectic shops, tasty restaurants, and buzzing bars and clubs. Indeed, Kathmandu, at the rooftop of the world, has a mix of hustle, fun, and spirituality that simply can’t be found elsewhere.

Weligama, Sri Lanka

Average monthly living expenses in Weligama: $615 for a single person (Nomads.com data)

With hip cafes, relaxing beaches, and great water-based activities, Weligama is an under-the-radar gem for digital nomads. A traditional fishing village that has maintained its roots, Weligama gives you the chance for a nice quality of life at a low price. You could rent a villa, work from cafes, and enjoy activities like surfing and snorkeling in your free time. The town is also just a short drive away from beautiful sites such as Yala National Park and cities such as Galle, one of the most popular towns in Sri Lanka.

Bogota, Colombia

Average monthly living expenses in Bogota: $975 for a single person (Numbeo data)

A cosmopolitan metropolis in South America, Bogota has it all, from fabulous restaurants to cultural landmarks such as the Museum of Gold and the historic La Candelaria district. Modern amenities are readily available, including solid public transportation and healthcare. Plus, the street art inspires across the city blocks. Bogota is cool, plain and simple. And it won’t break the bank to live there.

Alexandria, Egypt

Average monthly living expenses in Alexandria: $938 for a single person (Nomads.com data)

Journey to the legendary city founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. Still bustling thousands of years later, Alexandria remains the largest city along the Mediterranean Sea. From the sea views and buzzing nightlife to the historical and cultural sites, Alexandria has something for every type of expat. The tramway network makes getting around easy too. And when you need a bit to eat, delicious, fresh seafood awaits. When it comes to places where you can live on less than $1K monthly, this is a city that must be considered.

Chiang Rai, Thailand

Average monthly living expenses in Chiang Rai: $1000 for a single person (Nomads.com data)

While cities such as Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai get the headlines among digital nomads, Chiang Rai is a great city to unpack your bags and settle down. Located in the Golden Triangle region of Northern Thailand, Chiang Rai boasts famous sites such as the White Temple, relaxing spots such as Singha Park, night markets, and more. Outdoor recreation is also right at your doorstep, with mountains and lush nature surrounding the city. Indeed, Chiang Rai is among the best cities worldwide to live on less than $1K monthly.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Average monthly living expenses in Tashkent: $948 for a single person (Nomads.com data)

As Central Asia’s hub, an historic Silk Road city, and Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent makes a good first impression. The city feels like a place where everything happens. Whether you’re strolling around a busy bazaar or looking at Soviet-era architecture, one thing is for sure: You won’t be bored. With solid infrastructure such as the Tashkent Metro (a rapid transit system) and lots of new apartment complexes, it’s easy to settle in here. The city also has lots of great restaurants, cafes, and parks. In short, the capital of Uzbekistan is a nice choice if you’re trying to live on less than $1K monthly.

Recife, Brazil

Average monthly living expenses in Recife: $875 for a single person (Numbeo data)

As the largest city in the Northeast Region of Brazil, Recife is an historic port with picturesque canals, a vibrant dining scene, stunning high-rise buildings, and relaxing beaches. There’s so much to do year-round, and that’s why some say Recife is Brazil’s most underrated city. It’s one of the best cities to experience Carnival. Olinda, a colorful small colonial town, is a short drive away. And Recife Antigo, the historical section of town, offers nonstop entertainment. If you’re looking to live on less than $1K monthly in a happening town, Recife comes ready to please.

Cuenca, Ecuador

Average monthly living expenses in Cuenca: $895 for a single person (Numbeo data)

Famous for the Galapagos Islands and natural wonders, Ecuador has long attracted nature lovers and adventurers. The country also has some of the best places to live on less than $1K monthly, notably Cuenca, a city located in the Andes Mountains in southern Ecuador. Cuenca’s Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features iconic religious architecture such as the New Cathedral and Old Cathedral, as well as parks and museums. Dining, nightlife, and markets offer plenty to do during free time. When you want to get outside the city, Cajas National Park, a great hiking destination, and Ingapirca Archaeological Complex, Ecuador’s largest known Inca ruins, await.

Living successfully for less than $1K monthly

If you work remotely and/or are a digital nomad, destinations that offer great value and solid quality of life are exceptionally attractive. The five locations listed in this article cost expats, on average, less than $1K USD per month to live a decently comfortable life.

Of course, you can spend a bit more in these places to live a bit better. The point is it’s perfectly possible to keep your budget under four figures monthly.

So, if you’re searching for a new location to live comfortably and maximize your finances, look no further than places such as Sanur (Bali) and Kathmandu. These towns and cities are safe, fun, and unique, and have all the modern amenities you need (internet, transportation, medical care, etc).

For more resources on moving to a new location internationally, check out our other guides:

• Digital Nomad Housing Guide
• Budget Ideas for Digital Nomads
• Best Digital Nomad Cities
• Moving Overseas Checklist

Do you know of other destinations where you can live for under $1K monthly? Join the conversation on our Facebook page.

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 allPhoto Bangkok on Unsplash