Living as a digital nomad isn’t just about finding a cheap place to live — it’s about finding a place where your money goes further and your lifestyle feels rich. Here’s a breakdown of three popular nomad hubs that I (and many others) have explored: Bali (Indonesia), Lisbon (Portugal), and Medellín (Colombia).
Prices below reflect a moderate lifestyle — comfortable but not luxurious. You can live for less or more depending on your habits.
🇮🇩 Bali, Indonesia — Laid-back, spiritual, and surprisingly affordable
Monthly budget (approx.):
- Accommodation: $400–$800 (private villa or apartment)
- Food: $200–$300 (local warungs + some Western cafés)
- Coworking: $100–$150 (ex: Dojo, BWork, Outpost)
- Transportation: $40–$60 (scooter rental + gas)
- Extras (fitness, SIM card, occasional trips): $100–$200
- Total: $850–$1,500/month
Personal tips:
- Renting long-term (1–3 months) gets you big discounts.
- Eat local — warungs offer amazing food for $2–$4.
- Beware the rainy season (Nov–Mar), which can affect mobility and energy.
Vibe check: Great for creatives, yoga lovers, and spiritual seekers. Community is strong, but Wi-Fi can be spotty in rural areas.
🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal — Trendy, walkable, and EU-connected
Monthly budget (approx.):
- Accommodation: $800–$1,400 (central studio or shared flat)
- Food: $300–$500 (mix of groceries and dining out)
- Coworking: $150–$250 (Second Home, Impact Hub, etc.)
- Transportation: $50–$80 (metro pass + occasional Bolt)
- Extras (gyms, events, day trips): $150–$250
- Total: $1,500–$2,500/month
Personal tips:
- Live slightly outside the center (Alcântara, Arroios) for better prices.
- The coffee scene is excellent — but watch out for high tourist markups.
- If you're non-EU, look into the Portugal digital nomad visa.
Vibe check: Urban, creative, and historic. Great if you love city energy, ocean views, and weekend getaways across Europe.
🇨🇴 Medellín, Colombia — Affordable, modern, and always springtime
Monthly budget (approx.):
- Accommodation: $400–$700 (El Poblado or Laureles)
- Food: $200–$350 (local menus + casual restaurants)
- Coworking: $80–$130 (ex: Selina, Tinkko, Atom House)
- Transportation: $30–$50 (Metro + taxis or Rappi)
- Extras (language classes, gyms, salsa nights): $100–$200
- Total: $850–$1,400/month
Personal tips:
- Learning basic Spanish goes a long way here.
- El Poblado is popular but more expensive — Laureles is a great alternative.
- Medellín has a large digital nomad scene and surprisingly good infrastructure.
Vibe check: A vibrant mix of local culture and modern lifestyle. Feels alive, colorful, and full of entrepreneurial energy.
🧭 Final Thoughts
All three cities are digital nomad favorites — but your best choice depends on your lifestyle and values.
- Choose Bali if you want peace, nature, and a slower pace.
- Choose Lisbon if you want culture, quality of life, and EU access.
- Choose Medellín if you want affordability, great weather, and Latin American rhythm.
✨ Final Tip
Where you live affects how you feel — so choose not just based on cost, but on how a place supports your energy, creativity, and well-being.
