The Best Cities for Digital Nomads: Cheap, Safe & Expat-Friendly

So, you’ve finally done it. You’ve escaped the soul-sucking office life, ditched the daily commute, and embraced the world of digital nomadism. You’re ready to sip cappuccinos in quaint cafés, work from sun-drenched terraces, and take Zoom calls with a scenic backdrop that’ll make your old coworkers green with envy. But where to go?

While everyone and their Wi-Fi-loving dog talks about Mexico, Colombia, and Thailand, let’s shake things up and explore some underrated yet equally amazing digital nomad hubs that are cheap, safe, and full of fellow remote workers.

1. Lisbon, Portugal – Europe’s Sunniest Nomad Haven

Why You’ll Love It:

Imagine starting your day with a pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) while soaking up the sun in one of Europe’s most charming capitals. Lisbon is where historic streets meet modern coworking spaces, and where affordable living meets a thriving expat scene.

Cost of Living: 💰💰💰 (Moderate)

While not the absolute cheapest on this list, you can still live well on $1,500-$2,000 per month if you stay outside the tourist zones.

Internet & Workspaces: 💻💻💻💻💻

Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, and coworking spaces like Second Home Lisbon and Outsite are perfect for networking with like-minded nomads.

Visa Options: 📜

Portugal’s D7 Visa and upcoming Digital Nomad Visa allow remote workers to stay long-term without unnecessary headaches.

Bonus:

• Cheap wine and seafood (because what’s work without a good post-work glass of vinho verde?).

• Incredible day trips to Sintra and Cascais.

2. Tbilisi, Georgia – The Underrated Nomad Gem

Why You’ll Love It:

Tbilisi is ridiculously affordable, full of character, and welcomes nomads with open arms (literally, there’s a one-year visa-free policy for most nationalities!). The city blends old-world charm with a growing startup scene, and did I mention the Georgian wine is divine?

Cost of Living: 💰 (Super Affordable)

You can live comfortably on $1,000 per month, including rent, food, and frequent indulgences in khinkali (Georgian dumplings).

Internet & Workspaces: 💻💻💻💻

While home internet is decent, coworking spaces like Terminal and Impact Hub Tbilisi offer blazing-fast connections and excellent work environments.

Visa Options: 📜📜📜📜📜

One of the best in the world! Most nationalities can stay for up to a year visa-free. No red tape, no stress.

Bonus:

• Low cost of living, meaning more money for weekend trips to the Caucasus mountains.

• Super friendly locals who love showing off their culture.

3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The Hustler’s Paradise

Why You’ll Love It:

If you thrive in fast-paced energy, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is where you’ll get things done. It’s buzzing with entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and some of the best coffee in the world (goodbye, overpriced Starbucks, hello, Vietnamese egg coffee!).

Cost of Living: 💰 (Super Affordable)

You can live well on $900-$1,500 per month, renting a modern apartment, eating out daily, and still affording a motorbike to zip around the city.

Internet & Workspaces: 💻💻💻💻

Internet speeds are fantastic, and coworking spaces like The Hive and Dreamplex cater to remote workers with great facilities.

Visa Options: 📜📜📜

Vietnam’s e-Visa allows 90-day stays, and longer-term options require some workarounds (but hey, nomads are creative, right?).

Bonus:

• Affordable food – A bowl of pho costs as little as $2.

• Endless street food adventures and motorbike culture.

4. Budapest, Hungary – Europe’s Best Kept Secret for Nomads

Why You’ll Love It:

Budapest is stunning, vibrant, and crazy affordable for Europe. Work from a riverside café, unwind in thermal baths, and party in ruin bars on the weekend.

Cost of Living: 💰💰 (Budget-Friendly)

You can live comfortably on $1,300-$1,800 per month, with rent taking up a small portion compared to Western Europe.

Internet & Workspaces: 💻💻💻💻

Reliable and fast internet everywhere. Coworking spaces like Kaptár and Loffice have strong nomad communities.

Visa Options: 📜📜📜

Hungary recently introduced a White Card (Digital Nomad Visa) allowing remote workers to stay for up to two years.

Bonus:

• One of the best café cultures in Europe.

• Affordable public transport and nightlife.

5. Cape Town, South Africa – The Most Scenic Nomad City

Why You’ll Love It:

Mountains, beaches, world-class wine, and affordable luxury—Cape Town is a dream for digital nomads. Imagine working from a beach café with Table Mountain as your backdrop.

Cost of Living: 💰💰 (Budget-Friendly)

You can live well on $1,500-$2,200 per month, renting a beautiful apartment with ocean views.

Internet & Workspaces: 💻💻💻

Internet has improved dramatically, and coworking spaces like Workshop17 and The Bureaux cater to remote workers.

Visa Options: 📜📜📜

South Africa is working on a Digital Nomad Visa, but for now, 90-day visas are easy to renew.

Bonus:

• Incredible nature & adventure sports (hiking, surfing, safaris).

• Wine tours that cost less than a cocktail in New York.

Final Thoughts: Where Will You Set Up Your Laptop?

Choosing the right digital nomad base comes down to what you value most—cheap living? Fast Wi-Fi? Epic food? All of the above? The world is full of amazing, affordable, and safe cities ready to welcome remote workers. So pack your bags, charge your laptop, and start living the digital nomad dream.

Which of these cities is calling your name? Drop a comment below and let’s talk nomad life!