You’ve heard the stories of people living in paradise for the price of a studio apartment back home.

It’s not just a fantasy.

With recent research suggesting around 48 million Americans are considering the digital nomad life, it’s clear the movement is booming.

One of the biggest perks of being a digital nomad is that you can often live more cheaply than you did back home. But where can you actually pull this off? Where can you have a great lifestyle and thrive on less than $2000 a month?

Let’s dive into eight countries that offer exactly that. As someone who’s spent the last seven years hopping between continents, I’ll also sprinkle in some personal insights along the way.

1. Thailand, the original digital nomad hotspot

I landed in Chiang Mai with a one-way ticket and a head full of dreams. It didn’t disappoint.

Thailand has been a favored gathering place for online entrepreneurs for ages, and for good reason.

You can live very well here for far less than $2000 a month – in fact, Chiang Mai’s cost of living can be under $1000.

Think delicious $1 street food, bustling night markets, and a vibrant expat scene. From the beaches of Phuket to the cafes of Bangkok, the lifestyle is equal parts exciting and affordable.

It’s almost impossible not to enjoy life in the Land of Smiles without breaking the bank.

2. Vietnam, a street food mecca for nomads

Do you love street food and strong coffee?

Vietnam might steal your heart (and it won’t steal your wallet).

In Ho Chi Minh City, I met digital nomads who dine out every day because it’s cheaper than cooking at home.

Vietnam’s incredibly low cost of living (around $950 a month in Saigon) means you can enjoy bánh mì and phở on the regular without worrying about your budget.

The country also has a fast-growing startup scene and plenty of hip cafes and co-working spaces where you can get your work done.

Between the vibrant city life, beautiful countryside, and kind locals, Vietnam offers a rich life for very little money.

3. Indonesia, Bali’s tropical paradise on a budget

“Bali is overrun with digital nomads for a reason,” a fellow traveler once told me. After spending a few months there myself, I couldn’t agree more.

This Indonesian island offers lush jungles, surf-ready beaches, and a community of remote workers to share them with.

Despite the postcard scenery, living in Bali can cost as little as $1200 a month in popular spots like Canggu.

I found a scooter, a co-working space near a rice field, and a routine of sunrise yoga – all without maxing out my credit card.

From health food cafes to late-night jam sessions, Bali manages to be both blissful and budget-friendly.

4. Mexico, where work and tacos mix

Could you picture logging off work and strolling to a street cart for tacos al pastor?

In Mexico, that’s a typical Tuesday.

Whether you base yourself in cosmopolitan Mexico City or a beach town like Playa del Carmen, you’ll find that your dollar goes a long way.

Mexico has some huge perks for digital nomads: you can stay for up to six months on a tourist visa with no hassle, and it’s just a quick flight from the U.S. when you need to pop back.

From vibrant markets to colonial towns, the country offers culture, fun, and sunshine – all without straining your budget (think well under $2000 a month).

5. Colombia, eternal spring on a budget

I’ll be honest: years ago, Colombia wasn’t on my radar due to its old reputation. But spending time in Medellín changed my mind completely.

Set in a valley with year-round spring-like weather, Medellín has evolved into a buzzing hub for remote workers.

The city has “left its dark past behind” and now boasts a lively digital nomad scene in neighborhoods like El Poblado. And yes, it’s cheap – I’m talking modern apartments and coworking memberships for a fraction of what you’d pay in the States, with total monthly expenses around $1000.

Between the mountain views, the coffee culture, and the warm Colombian hospitality, you get a high quality of life for a low cost.

6. Portugal, surf, sun, and affordability

Sure, Europe isn’t known for being cheap, but Portugal is a glorious exception.

In Lisbon, I found an incredible mix of history, modern coworking spaces, and a laid-back surf culture along the coast.

It’s one of the few places in Western Europe where you can live comfortably on about $2000 a month. The city offers “great value for money” with amazing food, a growing startup scene, and even world-class surfing nearby.

If big-city prices scare you, smaller towns like Porto or Lagos are even more affordable. From sipping wine at a local tasca to listening to fado music in the streets, Portugal lets you enjoy the good life on a budget.

7. Georgia, Europe meets Asia on a budget

Ever wanted to live somewhere a bit off the beaten path?

Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) might be your dark horse pick.

This place sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and it’s gaining popularity for its generous visa policy and low costs. Travelers from most countries can waltz in and stay for a full year without complicated paperwork – a digital nomad’s dream.

Tbilisi, the capital, has a growing expat community where people rave about the food, the wine, and the fact that a taxi across town costs less than a latte.

Plus, it might be especially beneficial if you’re a vegan or a vegetarian — recently, I read an article on VegOutMag that says Georgia is like a real paradise for plant-based eaters.

From snow-capped mountains to Black Sea beaches, Georgia packs a ton of lifestyle upside for not a lot of cash.

8. Bulgaria, an unlikely nomad hotspot

If you had told me I’d one day attend a nomad conference in a small Bulgarian ski town, I might have laughed.

Yet there I was in Bansko, surrounded by hundreds of fellow remote workers sharing ideas and taking in the mountain views.

The fact that over 800 nomads gathered there in one week shows how quickly this “hidden gem” has caught on.

Bulgaria offers a bit of everything: ski slopes and hiking trails, Black Sea beaches in the summer, and cities like Sofia with a lively nightlife – all at prices that make my bank account very happy.

It’s the kind of place that surprises you with how easy and fun life can be on a shoestring budget.

The bottom line

I’ve mentioned this before, but every digital nomad’s journey is unique. The countries I’ve listed are fantastic options, but the “best” place ultimately depends on what you value – be it community, climate, culture, or all of the above.

The great news is that you don’t need a massive bank account to live a rich life abroad.

For less than $2000 a month, you can find your own version of paradise and maybe even save money along the way.

The world is more accessible than ever, and if you’ve been dreaming about taking your life remote, consider this your sign. P

ack your bags, follow the Wi-Fi, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride. Safe travels and happy nomading!