Laptops and Luxury: Top Destinations Where Americans can Live the High Life on a Digital Nomad Visa

With the rise of remote work, the dream of earning a Western wage while living the high life somewhere more affordable is no longer a fantasy. 

With the United States ranking among the top ten countries globally for the cost of living, why waste your paycheck on rent, groceries, and healthcare when you could be savoring tapas in Spain or lounging on the beach in Brazil?

A growing list of destinations are rolling out the welcome mat for remote workers, offering digital nomad visas that allow Americans to live and work. So if you’re ready to escape the daily grind, make your money go further, and enjoy the lifestyle that your salary should afford, these countries offer the affordability and quality of life you’ve been looking for.

Using data from trusted sources like the World Bank, Forbes, and Numbeo, we identified the top ten destinations where digital nomads can live, work, and still save money.

Earn in dollars, live in paradise: The top destinations for digital nomads

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1. Malaysia

Why settle for sky-high rents and eye-watering medical bills when you could be snacking on street food beneath the glittering skylines of Malaysia? One of Southeast Asia’s most under-appreciated destinations, it offers rent 78% lower than the US average and groceries at a fraction of the cost, making every dollar go further. English is widely spoken, internet speeds are solid, and its major airports make exploring Asia a breeze.

2. Colombia

Is your idea of Colombia inspired by Netflix’s Narcos? You might want to do your research. The South American paradise has shed this outdated image and is attracting a new wave of digital nomads, thanks to its thriving entrepreneurial scene, vibrant culture, and affordable prices. Rent, groceries, and healthcare come at a fraction of the cost compared to the US. While English isn’t widely spoken, Spanish-speaking Americans will have no trouble fitting in. 

3. Hungary 

Hungary is like a living museum, where Roman ruins, Gothic cathedrals, and Art Nouveau cafés share the same skyline. But that isn’t the only reason it’s a hotspot for backpackers. Its bustling cities are best known for their affordability – one of the cheapest rental markets in Europe, quality healthcare that won’t drain your savings, and groceries far cheaper than back home – which is music to the digital nomad’s ears.

The top destinations for Americans searching for cheap rent

If you’re seeking a European escape without breaking the bank, North Macedonia offers plenty of Balkan charm, mountain views, and some of the cheapest rents on the continent.

Or, if you’re craving sun and sand, Brazil’s vibrant culture, endless tropical coastlines, and surprisingly low housing costs may be your best bet.

But for the ultimate bargain hunter, you can’t beat Egypt. It tops the affordability list for rent, groceries, and dining out. Imagine swapping your cramped apartment for a view of the pyramids and having plenty left over after covering your bills to explore the country’s ancient wonders.

The top destinations for Americans seeking affordable healthcare

If extortionate healthcare costs have you questioning your ZIP code, you’ve got options. Plenty of places offer access to quality care at a reasonable cost.

The cheapest? You guessed it: Egypt. The sun-soaked country offers surprisingly affordable private care and English-speaking doctors well-accustomed to treating expats and tourists alike. Alternatively, Thailand pairs tropical paradise with top private care at a fraction of the cost.

Then there’s Turkey – Europe’s go-to destination for cheaper treatments. Modern facilities, experienced professionals, and prices that don’t make you choose between your physical or financial health.

The top destinations for Americans that need a reliable connection

If your laptop is your livelihood and a reliable connection is non-negotiable, you don’t have to choose between fast internet and affordable living. There are several global hotspots where you can save money and stay connected.

South Korea leads with internet speeds that blow past even the US average. Whether you’re setting up shop in bustling Seoul or swapping the States for a quiet coastal town, there’s little risk of getting stuck offline.

In Spain, fiber optic is as common as tapas and siestas, making it a top pick for remote workers seeking reliable Wi-Fi. Likewise, Portugal offers much the same – a laid-back lifestyle and leading digital infrastructure.

The top destinations for monolingual Americans

Are you worried your high school Spanish won’t cut it abroad, and do you and the Duolingo bird not get along? Don’t stress. There are plenty of affordable destinations where you won’t be lost in translation.

Croatia, for instance, ranks fifth in the world for English proficiency among countries where it isn’t the first language. Likewise, Portugal isn’t far behind, with most young people comfortable switching between English and Portuguese.

Greece also makes the grade, especially in big cities such as Athens, where tourists outnumber the locals.

The top destinations for globe-trotting Americans

If your goal is to trade extortionate rent and overpriced groceries for passport stamps and unforgettable adventures, location is everything.

Turkey boasts one of Europe’s most reasonable rental markets, but it isn’t just easy on the wallet. At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul’s major international airport offers flights to more than 120 countries, serving as a gateway to just about anywhere.

Similarly, South Korea serves as a launchpad into the entire Asia-Pacific region – from Tokyo to Sydney – without giving up the mod-cons of living in modern America.

And for jet-setters hoping to tick Europe off their bucket list without breaking the bank? Spain. With major airports in Madrid and Barcelona, and numerous low-cost carriers crisscrossing across the continent, you can put all that money you’ll save on rent to good use – visiting Rome one weekend and Paris the next.

Methodology

To create this rating, we looked at eight key factors tied to lifestyle and remote work: the minimum monthly salary requirement, rent index, grocery costs, restaurant prices, English proficiency, average healthcare spending, and average internet speed. All countries included offer a digital nomad visa for U.S. citizens.

Each factor was scored on a scale from zero to one, with one representing the most favorable result. The total score for each country was calculated by summing these individual values.