Source – financialpost.com
- “…Inflation has been a huge cause for concern these last few months and as more individuals are moving to remote work post-pandemic, many are exploring the possibility of living and working abroad. Not only can this digital nomad lifestyle be an incredible life experience, but it can also help you stretch your income if you choose somewhere with a lower cost of living”
Want to save money by living abroad? Here are three destinations to consider
These countries offer a low cost of living that can be enticing for remote workers
Hannah Logan
Inflation has been a huge cause for concern these last few months and as more individuals are moving to remote work post-pandemic, many are exploring the possibility of living and working abroad.
Not only can this digital nomad lifestyle be an incredible life experience, but it can also help you stretch your income if you choose somewhere with a lower cost of living.
Plenty of destinations offer short-term working holiday visas. For those looking for affordable destinations that offer long-term opportunities, here are three countries to consider.
Portugal
For individuals who want a well-connected European base, Portugal is a top pick. Affordable cost of living, warm climate, and proximity to North America are all big draws. There are also multiple ways to obtain residency, which is a very attractive factor for individuals who want to stay long-term.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages at around $940 per month, a monthly transit pass is about $52, and you can find local beer for $2.20. Keep in mind that this is a country average and bigger cities, like Lisbon, will be more expensive. It’s also worth noting that the cost of electricity and fuel is higher in Portugal than in many other European countries. So, while some living costs may seem cheap, others will likely cost more than you are used to.
Other downsides of life in Portugal include over tourism which can be very apparent in cities like Lisbon and Porto, especially during the summer months. Large import fees for anything coming outside of the EU, the slow pace of life, and the language difference. While English is widely spoken, learning Portuguese is a must if you plan on staying long-term, especially for navigating bureaucratic processes such as visa applications.
Brittany Kulick has been in Lisbon for over a year now and is working toward residency. She loves the variety that the country offers.
“Portugal has it all-from beaches to cities to quaint medieval villages, there’s so much to explore,” she says.
However, a word of advice for self-employed freelancers, the tax situation can be tricky to navigate. Citizens of Canada and the U.S. and spend up to 90 days in Portugal on a tourist visa. But if you would like to become a resident there are several options including the Golden Visa Program where you invest in Portugal or a D7 visa, which allows you to apply for residency after five years.
Costa Rica
Central America is a popular place for travellers and digital nomads thanks to low costs, stunning scenery and adventure opportunities. Longer-term stays here just got easier as well thanks to Costa Rica’s rentista visa for digital nomads.
If you are self-employed and can prove that you make a fixed income of at least US$2,500 per month, this visa will allow you to open a business or freelance in the country. The rentista visa is valid for two years and can be renewed as long as you continue to meet requirements. Once you have been living in Costa Rica with a residence permit (issued through the rentista visa) you can apply for permanent residency.
So, what is the cost of living in Costa Rica? A one-bedroom apartment in a central area will cost, on average, about $635/month, public transportation for a month will be about $46, and a domestic beer is around $3. While this may seem very affordable, digital nomad Sky Fisher warns that Costa Rica is only cheap if you are willing to live like the locals. For individuals who come to Costa Rica and want to live in a gated condo community and keep up with their North-American lifestyle, it’s going to be tough to save money.
That being said, if you are looking for a laid-back “Pura Vida” (simple life), then Costa Rica is the place to go. From beaches to volcanos, cloud forests and more, Costa Rica has an island feel that keeps digital nomads, like Sky, wanting to stay a little longer.
Georgia
Georgia has recently become a popular destination for digital nomads. Mountains, historic cities, and wine regions make this an attractive destination, but perhaps the biggest draw of Georgia is the relatively low cost of living. A single-bedroom apartment in the heart of the Tbilisi city centre can cost as little as $700 per month, a monthly public transit pass will only put you back about $18, and a local beer is around $2.50.
While Georgia can be an affordable place to live, you also need to keep in mind that the post-Soviet country comes with some downsides. Most notably, the infrastructure is dated and the quality of apartments and accommodation options are below what most North Americans are used to. While Georgia does have universal health care, the health care is a recent development, starting in 2013. Many expats opt for private insurance.
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