How To Be A Digital Nomad On The Cheap

• Digital nomads should utilize home sharing and house swapping platforms, such as Love Home Swap, HomeExchange, and Airbnb, to find affordable accommodations.
• House-sitting is also a great option; websites like TrustedHousesitters give access to free accommodation while providing home and pet care services.
• Traveling remote workers can choose budget-friendly lodging options like hostels, and prioritize destinations with lower living costs while carefully budgeting for other expenses to maintain a sustainable digital nomad lifestyle.

Embarking on a digital nomad lifestyle can be quite an exciting adventure, offering the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. 

However, one of the primary concerns for many aspiring digital nomads is how to sustain this lifestyle affordably. With careful planning and strategic choices, it’s entirely possible to live as a digital nomad without breaking the bank. 

Here’s a guide for strategies to succeeding as a digital nomad on the cheap:

Embrace Home Sharing Platforms

One of the most significant expenses for digital nomads is accommodation. Traditional hotel stays are not only impersonal but can also quickly deplete your budget. This is where home-sharing sites come into play, offering more affordable and authentic living experiences. 

House swapping is a way for people to trade homes for a short period, and it’s become more popular and can be cheaper than booking a hotel (or even free). Especially for people who work online and like to move around, this can allow them to travel and live in different locations without overextending their budget.

Because of websites that facilitate house swapping, it’s now easier for travelers and people who work from anywhere to find a credible home to swap. They even offer swaps that don’t have to be at the same time. Some sites like Love Home Swap and HomeExchange charge a small fee for membership but give access to a lot of places to stay all over the world. Another site, Kindred, lets people earn points when they swap their home, and they can use those points to stay in other homes later on. SwapDesk also claims to be 90% cheaper than Airbnb. 

Other accommodation platforms such as Airbnb, Agoda Homes, Homestay, Vrbo, Plum Guide, Sonder, and Blueground provide a wide range of options for every budget and taste. These platforms offer the opportunity to stay in fully furnished apartments, houses, or even rooms in local homes, often with amenities that cater specifically to the needs of digital nomads, such as reliable internet connections. Digital nomads should look specifically for spaces on these platforms that offer extended, monthly stays that some owners post at a lower price than shorter per-night bookings. 

For those looking to explore Southeast Asia, Agoda Homes comes highly recommended due to its extensive listings in the region. Meanwhile, Homestay offers a more personal touch by connecting travelers with local hosts, providing a unique insight into the local culture and lifestyle. For longer stays, platforms like Blueground specialize in fully furnished, move-in-ready apartments with flexible lease terms, ideal for digital nomads seeking stability without long-term commitments.

Leverage House-Sitting Websites

Another innovative way to save on accommodation costs is through house-sitting. House-sitting websites like TrustedHousesitters connect users with homeowners who need someone to look after their home and pets while they’re away. This arrangement provides free accommodation in exchange for house and pet sitting duties. It’s a win-win situation: homeowners enjoy peace of mind knowing their home and pets are cared for, while digital nomads get to live rent-free in various locations around the world.

TrustedHousesitters is renowned for its security measures, including mandatory background checks for sitters in the U.S., ensuring a safe and trustworthy environment for both parties. The platform offers a vast array of house-sitting opportunities globally, making it an excellent option for digital nomads looking to explore different destinations without the hefty accommodation costs.

Try Out Hostels

Hostels can be a particularly advantageous option due to their relatively lower costs compared to hotels and rental apartments. Additionally, hostels cater to a community-oriented ethos that can be beneficial for networking and social interaction. 

This cost-sharing arrangement often extends beyond lodging to include shared kitchen facilities, which can help reduce food expenses by allowing guests to cook their own meals. Furthermore, many hostels offer discounts for longer stays, which aligns well with the lifestyle of digital nomads who may wish to stay in one location for an extended period.

Prioritize Budgeting and Planning

To truly embrace the digital nomad lifestyle on a budget, careful planning and budgeting are essential. Start by identifying destinations with a lower cost of living where your money stretches further. The average monthly spending for a digital nomad is between $1,000 and $2,000, but this can vary significantly depending on the location and your lifestyle choices.

Crafting a digital nomad budget requires prioritizing expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and internet access. Opting for home-sharing sites and house-sitting can dramatically reduce your accommodation costs — one of the biggest expenses for digital nomads — allowing you to allocate more funds towards experiences, travel, or savings.

Becoming a digital nomad on the cheap is entirely feasible with the right strategies and resources. With these tips, you’re well on your way to exploring the world, one destination at a time, without compromising on comfort or breaking the bank.