Top 14 Affordable Cities in Southeast Asia for Digital Nomads

Southeast Asia may be the single best region in the world for digital nomads. The cheap cost of living, incredible food and great nightlife attracts travelers from across the world. No wonder it attracts plenty of Digital Nomads worldwide as well.

Ready to hop into the exciting Digital Nomad journey? Check out our Digital Nomad Checklist and the top 20 best countries (around the world) for digital nomads.

Affordable Cities in Southeast Asia for Digital Nomads

We made a compilation of the best and most affordable cities in Southeast Asia. We have included cost of living, internet speed (because we need that) and things to do in each cities. We made sure to factor in more than just affordability—but the right balance of cost, connectivity and cultural experiences. So, without further delay, let’s dive into it.

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Average monthly cost of living: $800 – $1,200
• Internet speeds: 25-100 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Vibrant digital nomad community, low cost of living, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to nature.

Located in the northern regions of Thailand, Chiang Mai has a blend of affordability, modern amenities, and natural beauty. It is known as the “center of Thai handicrafts” and has several beautiful temples, picturesque mountains and scenic views making it a top choice for digital nomads.

3. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

• Average monthly cost of living: $700 – $1,200
• Internet speeds: 25-100 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Bustling street life, affordable street food, dynamic coworking spaces, and growing startup scene.

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and provides an exciting urban experience with a low cost of living. Though the traffic may seem chaotic, which is true in almost all busy Asian cities, Ho Chi Minh City is considered generally safe and continues to attract plenty of digital nomads and expats.

4. Bali, Indonesia

• Average monthly cost of living: $800 – $1,200
• Internet speeds: 10-50 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Stunning beaches, lush landscapes, vibrant expat community, and affordable coworking spaces.

Bali offers a tropical paradise with a laid-back lifestyle for digital nomads. If you also love to stay close to the beach, there are surely plenty of options for you. Check out places such as Ubud, Uluwatu, Seminyak and Amed.

5. Lombok, Indonesia

• Average monthly cost of living: $600 – $1,000
• Internet speeds: 10-50 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Pristine beaches and landscapes, affordable living, less busier than Bali.

Lombok is a peaceful alternative to its bustling neighbor, Bali. Located west of Bali, Lombok has several affordable living options and a slower pace of life for digital nomads. Checkout Kuta at the southern part of the island and the several Gili islands.

6. Penang, Malaysia

• Average monthly cost of living: $700 – $1,200
• Internet speeds: 10-100 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Rich multicultural heritage, delicious street food, affordable living costs, and modern infrastructure.

Penang attracts several foodie digital nomads. You will surely find plenty of cheap options for food. This and with the several beautiful architectural pieces, Penang creates a unique and affordable destination for digital nomads.

7. Cebu, Philippines

• Average monthly cost of living: $600 – $1,000
• Internet speeds: 20-50 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Beautiful beaches, vibrant expat community, affordable living, and rich cultural heritage.

Cebu combines the charm of island life with the conveniences of urban living. With its lower cost of living, digital nomads can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while exploring stunning beaches and waterfalls and historical landmarks.

8. Da Nang, Vietnam

• Average monthly cost of living: $600 – $1,000
• Internet speeds: 25-100 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Beautiful beaches, laid-back lifestyle, affordable living costs, and emerging digital nomad scene.

Da Nang, located in central Vietnam provides a relaxed coastal vibe, yet close to modern infrastructure, several historical spots, and amazing restaurants. If you want to learn more, here is our blog post of Da Nang and the best things to do around.

9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Average monthly cost of living: $800 – $1,200
• Internet speeds: 25-100 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Modern city amenities, diverse food scene, affordable accommodation options, and excellent transportation.

As one of the most livable cities in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a lower cost of living compared to other major cities, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. English is quite prevenient, and the cuisine is incredible, which is why it’s many expat’s favorite place to have a home base in Southeast Asia.

Make sure to equip yourself with the the helpful apps and tips in traveling around Southeast Asia (some are only available in certain countries)

10. Bangkok, Thailand

• Average monthly cost of living: $800 – $1,200
• Internet speeds: 25-100 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Vibrant city life, delicious street food, diverse neighborhoods, and affordable coworking spaces.

Bangkok offers a blends of modernism and history. It’s a great spot for digital nomads due to the ease of using English and the established tourism industry. If you’re looking for a bustling Asian capital with plenty to do, Bangkok makes for a great home base.

11. Phuket, Thailand

• Average monthly cost of living: $700 – $1,200
• Internet speeds: 30-100 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Bustling city life, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Despite being a popular tourist destination and its bustling atmosphere, Phuket provides affordable living options, access to beautiful beaches, lively nightlife scene and several culinary options from delicious street food to high-end dining. Check out the Old Phuket Town and its lovely atmosphere.

12. Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Average monthly cost of living: $600 – $1,000
• Internet speeds: 10-50 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Proximity to Angkor Wat, low cost of living, laid-back atmosphere, and growing digital nomad community.

As your gateway to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap also provides access to a lot of historical temple ruins. Though not as touristy as the other spots, there are still plenty of amenities around and the low crime rate makes it a livable place for digital nomads.

13. Hoi An, Vietnam

• Average monthly cost of living: $500 – $900
• Internet speeds: 20-100 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Historic charm, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living.

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved ancient town with charming lantern-lit streets and vibrant markets. There are also several tailoring shops and plenty of delicious street food for digital nomads. Despite these, the cost of living is remarkably low and there are plenty of things to do making it easier to maintaining a budget-friendly lifestyle.

14. Yangon, Myanmar

• Average monthly cost of living: $500 – $900
• Internet speeds: 5-30 Mbps
• Best thing about the city: Rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, affordable living costs, and vibrant street life.

Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, provides an authentic and affordable experience for digital nomads. There are several colonial-era buildings including churches and pagodas. The city is also surprisingly green, thanks to its lakes, large parks and tropical trees.

Final Words

And that is a wrap of the 14 most affordable cities in Southeast Asia. We loved writing this post so much and we hope you had a few takeaways, notes and pointers in planning your digital nomad journey or your next destination.

In case you missed it, here is the Digital Nomad Checklist to help you prepare in this exciting journey. You can also check out the top 20 best countries for Digital Nomads, the 20 cheapest countries for Digital Nomads.

Safe travels and see you on your next adventure!