Interview Series: How I Live Comfortably on $800/Month as a Digital Nomad

How I Live Comfortably on $800/Month as a Digital Nomad

Think you need to be rich to travel full-time? Think again! I used to believe that only millionaires could afford the digital nomad lifestyle, but after years of living and working remotely, I’ve learned that it’s entirely possible to live well on just $800 a month. It’s all about choosing the right cities and making the most of the resources around you. In this post, I’ll share exactly how I manage to live comfortably in different parts of the world for $800/month—without resorting to ramen noodles every night or giving up any comforts.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the digital nomad life is that you need a big budget to live well and travel frequently. While some major cities may make you feel like a penny-pincher, there are tons of affordable places where $800 is more than enough to cover rent, food, transportation, and entertainment.

Let’s take a look at some of my favorite destinations where you can live comfortably, explore freely, and even enjoy a few splurges—all while sticking to a tight budget.

# Chiang Mai, Thailand – The Classic Nomad Paradise
Chiang Mai has long been the go-to city for digital nomads seeking both affordability and a high quality of life. The cost of living here is incredibly low, with rent for a decent, air-conditioned apartment starting at just $250 per month. You can grab a delicious bowl of Pad Thai on the street for as little as $1, and meals at local restaurants generally cost less than $3.

The city also boasts an incredible digital nomad community, making it easy to network, collaborate, and share tips. Whether you’re working from a coworking space like Punspace or sipping coffee at a local café, you’ll never feel disconnected from other remote workers. Plus, with plenty of temples to explore, street markets to visit, and day trips to nearby mountains, Chiang Mai is a fantastic base for your adventures. Check out resources like Nomad List for a full breakdown of the cost of living and community insights.

Rent: $250
Food: $150
Coworking: $50
Transport: $20
Entertainment: $50
Internet/Phone: $20

Medellín, Colombia – Affordable, Warm, and Full of Life
Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring, is an affordable, vibrant city where you can comfortably live on $800 a month. With its perfect year-round weather, Medellín offers a great balance of modern amenities, rich culture, and low-cost living. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a neighborhood like El Poblado or Laureles will run you around $300, and local meals often cost just $3-$5.

The expat community in Medellín is thriving, and you’ll find plenty of other digital nomads to share ideas and work with. Plus, there’s no shortage of things to do: whether you’re exploring the lively streets of Comuna 13, hiking to the top of Parque Arví, or enjoying the nightlife, you’ll always have something fun to keep you busy. For more insights into the cost of living and coworking spots in Medellín, check out The Remote Nomad.

Rent: $300
Food: $150
Coworking: $50
Transport: $30
Entertainment: $30
Internet/Phone: $20

Tbilisi, Georgia – A Hidden Gem with a Growing Digital Nomad Scene
Tbilisi, Georgia, is one of the best-kept secrets for digital nomads looking to live on a budget. Georgia’s visa-free stay for up to one year is perfect for remote workers, and the cost of living is incredibly low. A one-bedroom apartment in Tbilisi’s charming Old Town can be found for around $250 per month, and a meal at a local restaurant typically costs around $5.

The expat community in Tbilisi is small but welcoming, and coworking spaces like Startup Factory provide fast internet and a productive environment for work. In your free time, you can wander through Tbilisi’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern conveniences or take a short trip to nearby vineyards for wine tasting. It’s a beautiful city with so much to offer, and $800/month will give you a very comfortable life here. Find more information on Tbilisi and other Georgian cities at Georgia’s Official Tourism Website.

Rent: $250
Food: $150
Coworking: $40
Transport: $20
Entertainment: $30/ Internet/Phone: $20

# Da Nang, Vietnam – Beach Life and Budget Living
If you love the beach and need to stretch your budget as far as possible, Da Nang in Vietnam is the place to be. This coastal city offers fast internet, a low cost of living, and an ideal work-life balance. Rent for a comfortable one-bedroom apartment near the beach can be found for around $300 per month, and local meals cost as little as $1-$3. The expat community in Da Nang is growing, and you’ll meet other remote workers at cafes and coworking spaces like WorkCafe. Beyond work, you can enjoy the city’s stunning beaches, take day trips to the ancient city of Hoi An, or explore the Ba Na Hills. Da Nang offers an amazing mix of relaxation and productivity, making it perfect for nomads on a budget. For more tips on living in Vietnam, visit Vietnam Nomad.

Rent: $300
Food: $150
Coworking: $50
Transport: $20
Entertainment: $30
Internet/Phone: $20

Oaxaca, Mexico – A City Full of Culture, Cuisine, and Affordability
Oaxaca is one of the most affordable cities in Mexico, with a rich culture and amazing food. A fully furnished one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $250, and the street food is absolutely delicious and dirt cheap—tacos for $1 and full meals for just $3-$5.

Oaxaca has a small but growing digital nomad community, and the city is filled with plenty to keep you busy. Whether you’re exploring the local markets, hiking nearby mountains, or soaking in the vibrant art scene, there’s no shortage of things to do. The weather is perfect year-round, and the cultural experiences in Oaxaca are unparalleled. Living here on $800/month allows you to enjoy a high quality of life while embracing the rich traditions of Mexican culture. For more on life in Mexico as a nomad, check out the Digital Nomads Mexico site.

Rent: $250
Food: $150
Coworking: $50
Transport: $20
Entertainment: $30
Internet/Phone: $20

Bansko, Bulgaria – Budget-Friendly with Beautiful Scenery
Bansko offers a very affordable lifestyle for digital nomads who also love nature and outdoor activities. Located in the Pirín Mountains, this charming town combines a low cost of living with access to beautiful hiking trails and winter sports. Rent a cozy apartment for as little as $250, and enjoy meals at local restaurants for around $3-$5. The expat community is small but growing, with digital nomads working from local cafes and coworking spaces like Coworking Bansko. In your downtime, explore the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding mountains or spend time in the town’s historic old center. With rent and living expenses so low, $800/month will give you plenty of room to explore the outdoors and enjoy the peaceful life in Bansko. For more details about life in Bansko, visit Coworking Bansko.

Rent: $250
Food: $150
Coworking: $40
Transport: $20
Entertainment: $20
Internet/Phone: $20

Sarajevo, Bosnia – A Hidden European Gem
Sarajevo, Bosnia, is a fantastic budget destination in Europe where you can easily live on $800 a month. The city offers a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a very low cost of living. Rent a comfortable apartment for just $250 and enjoy meals for around $3-$5.

The expat community here is small but welcoming, and you’ll often find other nomads working from cafes and coworking spaces. When you’re not working, you can explore the historic old town, visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, or hike in the nearby mountains. The combination of low-cost living and unique cultural experiences makes Sarajevo an incredible place for digital nomads on a budget. Find more travel tips on Sarajevo at Visit Sarajevo.

Rent: $250
Food: $150
Coworking: $50
Transport: $20
Entertainment: $20
Internet/Phone: $20

Stretching Your $800 Even Further

The key to living on $800 as a digital nomad is to avoid tourist traps and embrace the local lifestyle. Rent a long-term apartment through local property listings or Facebook groups rather than Airbnbs, eat like a local at street markets, and use public transportation or walk to save on travel costs. Also, take advantage of budget flights through sites like Skyscanner or Hopper to find cheap deals for your next adventure.

How to Make $800 a Month While Traveling

You don’t need a high-paying job to support your travels on a budget. Here are a few digital nomad jobs that can easily make you $800 a month:

• Freelance writing or blogging – Sites like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to find clients.

• Virtual Assistant – Offer administrative help to busy entrepreneurs.

• Online tutoring – If you speak English, you can teach languages through platforms like iTalki and Cambly.

• Affiliate marketing – Promote products or services through your blog, YouTube, or social media.