Live on Less Than $1K Monthly? 5 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 5 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.

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