What do your travel plans look like for 2024?
If spending a little longer in a place while working as a digital nomad is on the cards then we may have the inspiration you need to find your next favorite location.
South America is fast emerging as one of the best places for digital nomads to explore and keep things affordable, so we’ve examined five of the cheapest major cities that can help you do just that.
Medellin, Colombia
Last year was a coming-of-age year for Medellin as a destination for solo travelers and digital nomads.
This picturesque city lies in Colombia’s beautiful Aburra Valley at the very northern part of the Andes Mountains and is known as the city of eternal spring, thanks to its mild and pleasant year-round weather.
Its popularity as a digital nomad destination means costs have slightly increased in recent years, however you should be able to get by on around $1,500 per month or less by being savvy.
The city has a great community of digital nomads, memorable nightlife, and a high number of shared working spaces – it’s also well-known for fast and reliable internet connections.
And if you’re still on the fence, then maybe Medellin being named as one of Travel Off Path’s top digital nomad destinations for 2024 in our annual awards will persuade you?
Fortaleza, Brazil
This city sits on the northern coast of Brazil’s State of Ceara and is lined with a beautiful sandy beach and is known for its very vibrant nightlife.
The city has a tropical climate that offers temperatures between 75 and 85F pretty much all year round.
It also benefits from an affordable metro system, excellent internet and remote working spaces, and some wonderful green spaces to help you unwind, such as Parque do Coco.
One thing to remember about Brazil is that it’s not the easiest place for Americans to visit anymore – you must apply for a VIVIS visitor visa to stay for up to 90 days.
There is a digital nomad visa available to apply for that can allow you to stay for up to two years if you meet the relevant criteria, such as having proof of accommodation, proof of onward flight ticket, and proof of proper travel insurance.
If you can handle that level of administration, then you’ll be rewarded with a city that costs around $1,500 per month to live in as a digital nomad.
Lima, Peru
This one may be a bit of a curveball, but with estimated living costs as a digital nomad set at around the $1,300 per month bracket, it’s easy to see why the capital of Peru is gaining in popularity.
Peru is expecting a big year for travel in 2024, helped by its weak currency compared to the U.S. Dollar, its fascinating culture, amazing cuisine, and awe-inspiring nature.
You can get a glimpse of most of these things in Lima, alongside plenty of remote working spaces and stunning views out onto the Pacific Ocean.
Buses can cost less than $1 per journey in Lima, and the city also benefits from ride apps such as Uber if you want to get somewhere in a hurry.
Peru had some issues with protests and public disturbances in 2023, but things seem to have settled now, with the U.S. Department of State rating the country at Level 2 – not the safest place on this list, but fine to travel to if you are cautious and sensible.
Bogota, Colombia
Another Colombian destination – it’s almost as if this South American treasure is one of the best places to live as a digital nomad?
For around $1,300 per month, you can stay in Colombia’s capital for up to two years.
The country’s accessible digital nomad visa only requires you to earn around $700 per month to achieve a stay of this length – and Bogota is one of the best places to do just that.
It’s a bustling city thriving with Colombian culture, and despite not having the best reputation with regards to safety, it is very cheap, has great internet, offers ideal weather, and is generally LGBTQ+-friendly.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina is well-regarded as one of the top destinations for solo travelers for many reasons – not least the fact that it’s affordable and one of the safest countries in South America.
Latest data from Nomad List indicates that life as a digital nomad in the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires, should cost you around $1,000 per month, and the Global Peace Index rates Argentina as the second safest country in all of South America – second only to Uruguay.
The city is still emerging as a digital nomad destination; however, it has a solid community and excellent nightlife and dining options.
It’s a very walkable city, and when you do need it, the public transport is excellent – you can get around the city for less than $2 per day on the reliable buses.
Americans can stay in Argentina with no visa for up to 90 days, and if you want to stay longer, the Argentinian digital nomad visa is very easy to apply for and can help you stay for 180 days.
The monthly costs in this article are estimates based on the latest available data and are intended as a guide – in some cases it may cost more (or, most likely, less). Happy nomading!
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