There are thousands of lists online all claiming to have found the best digital nomad hotspots in Europe, but when it comes down to it, most of them are just too expensive for remote workers to actually achieve what they’ve set out to do – have fun and live comfortably while still being able to save.
That’s why, if you actually want to find a place that’ll allow you to do all that, it’s best to steer clear of these rankings claiming to know the best destinations for you based on criteria you don’t even care about and look at the actual numbers – what’s the cheapest city you can comfortably live in?
The team over at Finansvalp already found the answers for you, releasing a data-backed list of the top 10 European capitals with the lowest cost of living, and among expected contenders like Warsaw or Budapest, there was one underrated hub that immediately caught our eye.
Here’s why Chisinau, Moldova is one of the best, cheapest destinations for digital nomads in Europe right now:
How Much Does A Month Of Living In Chisinau, Moldova Cost?
So let’s get right into what you probably came here for in the first place – how much do you need to spend in a month to live comfortably in the Moldovan capital?
Starting with rent, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center will set you back a little over $400 a month, and if you choose to live somewhere a bit farther away, you’re looking at something closer to the $300 mark – generally speaking, though, spending that extra $100 for the location alone is worth it.
Groceries are pretty cheap, too, especially local produce.
Potatoes, apples, and onions, for example, each cost roughly $0.3 per pound, and even fruits like bananas and oranges are still well under $1 per pound, so you’ll be able to get all of your micronutrients in for a very, very reasonable price.
Eating-out prices follow a similar trend.
Most fast food meals rarely cost over $7, while two people going to a sit-down restaurant for a proper lunch or dinner are looking at a $30-something bill.
From our rough calculations, a person living alone in the city could be very comfortable spending $900 a month.
More Than Just A Budget-Friendly Pick
The thing about Chisinau is that it’s not just a cheap place where, obviously, you’ll save, but there’s nothing to see or do.
This is a truly fascinating city, complete with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife that’s guaranteed to keep you entertained.
The National Museum of Fine Arts, the Triumphal Arch, the Nativity Cathedral, Valea Morilor Park, and the Botanical Garden (just to name a few) are all must-sees.
Beyond all that, the internet in Moldova is not only cheap (monthly subscriptions cost between $6-$8) but impressively fast, too, at an average of 105 Megabits per second, so you can rest assured that you’ll get all of your work done in time.
You Can Stay In Moldova Visa-Free For 90 Days, And Getting A Residence Permit Is Easy
OK, so it’s obvious that Chisinau is an excellent-value destination where you can have a great time while still maxing out your savings, but how easy it is to get there and once you do, how long can you stay?
I’ve got good news and bad news for you.
Let’s start with the bad news first – Moldova doesn’t offer digital nomad visas, so you’ll have to jump through a couple of extra hoops if you want to stay in Chisinau long-term.
The good news is that U.S. travelers can stay in Moldova for up to 90 days (or 3 months) visa-free.
That way, you’ll get a feel of how you like the place without committing to anything.
And if you do end up wanting to stay a little longer, you can always apply for a residence permit, for which you need to submit an application at least 30 days before your visa-free stay in the country expires.
You can learn more about the actual process here, but anecdotal evidence shows that most U.S. citizens have a pretty easy time obtaining the permit, so you should be good to go.
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