For Filipino workers looking to live the digital nomad lifestyle, finding destinations that offer a low cost of living, strong internet connectivity, and great work life balance is important.
Whether you’re considering places in Southeast Asia or exploring Latin America, here are some of the cheapest countries where Filipino remote workers can stretch their money and live comfortably.
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1. Thailand
Chiang Mai remains one of the best places to consider, especially for those in Southeast Asia. It offers a mix of affordability, reliable internet, and a welcoming community of expats.
Whether you’re a remote staff member or a freelancer, the cost of living in Chiang Mai is low, with affordable housing, cheap food, and great coworking spaces.
The vibrant nightlife adds to the city’s charm, making it an ideal choice for a balance between work and exploration.
- Cost of Living: $800–$1,500/month
- Rent: $300–$700 for a 1-bedroom in Chiang Mai or Bangkok
- Internet Speeds: 100–500 Mbps (fiber internet widely available)
- Surfing: Phuket and Koh Phangan have seasonal waves
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos can enter visa-free for 30 days. Thailand also offers a Long-Term Resident Visa for remote workers
2. Philippines
Known for its beautiful natural surroundings and beaches, Puerto Princesa is not only a tourist destination but also a fantastic option for Filipino digital nomads.
It offers an affordable lifestyle with access to modern conveniences. Plus, it’s a great place for Filipino nomads to unwind after a busy workday.
- Cost of Living: $800–$1,500/month
- Rent: $300–$800 for a 1-bedroom in Manila or Cebu
- Internet Speeds: 50–300 Mbps (fiber available but spotty in some areas)
- Surfing: Siargao, La Union, and Baler are top surf spots
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos don’t need a visa, but foreigners can extend a tourist visa for up to 36 months
3. South Africa
For those wanting to explore beyond Asia, Cape Town is a top pick!
While it’s further from the Philippines, Cape Town offers a mix of affordability and a stunning environment, with mountain views and beaches.
With a growing community of expats and remote workers, it offers many visa options and plenty of coworking spaces with fast internet, making it an attractive destination.
- Cost of Living: $1,200–$2,000/month
- Rent: $600–$1,200 for a 1-bedroom in Cape Town
- Internet Speeds: 50–200 Mbps (fiber is available but expensive)
- Surfing: Jeffrey’s Bay is one of the best surf spots in the world
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos need a visa, but South Africa has plans for a Digital Nomad Visa
4. Dominican Republic
If you’re considering Latin America, the Dominican Republic is one of the cheapest countries for remote workers.
Known for its beaches and tropical climate, it also has a welcoming remote work community.
The low cost of living, coupled with decent internet connectivity, makes it a great place for those looking for an adventure.
- Cost of Living: $1,000–$1,800/month
- Rent: $400–$1,000 for a 1-bedroom in Santo Domingo or Cabarete
- Internet Speeds: 50–200 Mbps
- Surfing: Cabarete and Playa Encuentro are top surf spots
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos need a visa, but the Dominican Republic offers a 1-year Remote Work Visa
5. Spain
For a mix of European lifestyle and affordability, the Canary Islands are a hidden gem.
These Spanish islands are part of Latin America’s digital nomad community and offer affordable living, great weather, and beautiful scenery.
It has become a hotspot for remote workers due to the good internet, affordable housing, and numerous visa options for longer stays.
From the beautiful beaches of Puerto Princesa to the vibrant streets of Chiang Mai, there are plenty of affordable destinations where Filipino remote workers can thrive.
- Cost of Living: $1,500–$2,500/month
- Rent: $800–$1,500 for a 1-bedroom in Barcelona or Madrid
- Internet Speeds: 100–600 Mbps (fast fiber available)
- Surfing: San Sebastián, Cantabria, and the Canary Islands have great waves
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos need a Schengen visa, but Spain offers a Digital Nomad Visa for up to 5 years
6. Colombia
Colombia is a vibrant, affordable destination with great weather, co-working spaces, and a growing nomad community. Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” is a favorite due to its pleasant climate and strong infrastructure.
- Cost of Living: $1,000–$1,500/month
- Rent: $400–$800 for a 1-bedroom apartment in Medellín
- Internet Speeds: 50–300 Mbps (fiber is common in major cities)
- Surfing: Cartagena and Santa Marta have beach spots, but the best waves are in Nuquí on the Pacific Coast
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos can enter visa-free for 90 days, extendable to 180 days
7. Vietnam
Vietnam offers an incredibly low cost of living, high-speed internet, and lively cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, plus relaxing beach towns like Da Nang.
- Cost of Living: $700–$1,200/month
- Rent: $300–$600 for a 1-bedroom apartment in Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City
- Internet Speeds: 50–200 Mbps (fast in cities, can be spotty in rural areas)
- Surfing: Da Nang and Mui Ne have decent waves year-round
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos can enter visa-free for 21 days. For longer stays, a 3-month or 6-month e-visa is required
8. Portugal
Portugal is a top digital nomad hub, especially in Lisbon and Porto, with a warm climate, co-working spaces, and a friendly community.
- Cost of Living: $1,500–$2,500/month
- Rent: $800–$1,500 for a 1-bedroom in Lisbon
- Internet Speeds: 100–500 Mbps (fast and reliable)
- Surfing: World-class waves in Peniche, Ericeira, and the Algarve
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos need a Schengen visa for up to 90 days. Portugal also has a digital nomad visa for long-term stays
9. Argentina
Argentina, especially Buenos Aires, has a European feel with South American prices, great steak, tango, and a lively coffee shop scene.
- Cost of Living: $800–$1,500/month
- Rent: $300–$800 for a 1-bedroom in Buenos Aires
- Internet Speeds: 50–300 Mbps
- Surfing: Mar del Plata is Argentina’s surf capital
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos can enter visa-free for 90 days. Argentina also has a digital nomad visa
10. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an underrated gem with fast internet, affordable living, and a growing nomad scene in Sofia and Bansko.
- Cost of Living: $900–$1,500/month
- Rent: $400–$800 for a 1-bedroom in Sofia
- Internet Speeds: 100–500 Mbps (one of the fastest in Europe)
- Surfing: Not a surfing destination, but the Black Sea has beaches
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos need a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days
11. Morocco
Morocco blends rich culture, affordable living, and fast internet. Cities like Marrakech and Taghazout are great for remote workers.
- Cost of Living: $900–$1,500/month
- Rent: $300–$800 for a 1-bedroom in Marrakech
- Internet Speeds: 50–200 Mbps (improving but can be inconsistent)
- Surfing: Taghazout is one of the best surf spots in Africa
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos need a visa, but Morocco has a one-year digital nomad visa
12. Mexico City
Mexico City is a cultural and foodie destination with strong Wi-Fi, affordable rent, and a huge digital nomad scene.
- Cost of Living: $1,200–$2,000/month
- Rent: $600–$1,200 for a 1-bedroom in Condesa/Roma
- Internet Speeds: 100–300 Mbps (fiber available)
- Surfing: No beaches in Mexico City, but nearby Puerto Escondido has world-class surf
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos need a visa, but Mexico offers a six-month tourist visa and a temporary resident visa for up to four years
13. Albania
Albania is a hidden gem with a low cost of living, beautiful coastline, and fast internet, especially in Tirana and Saranda.
- Cost of Living: $800–$1,400/month
- Rent: $300–$700 for a 1-bedroom in Tirana
- Internet Speeds: 50–300 Mbps (improving rapidly)
- Surfing: Not a major surf destination, but the Albanian Riviera has stunning beaches
- Tourist Visa: Filipinos can stay visa-free for one year, making it one of the best deals for digital nomads
With growing opportunities in remote hiring, remote talent from the Philippines can find budget-friendly locations in both Southeast Asia and Latin America to work and live comfortably.
Start your next adventure today by exploring these cheap destinations for Filipino travelers, where you can enjoy both work and play while keeping your budget intact!
FAQ
Some of the best countries for digital nomads include Greece, Malta, Croatia, Costa Rica, and Indonesia (Bali). Digital nomads can enjoy an affordable cost of living in places like Thailand, Mauritius, and Georgia.
This population, known as digital nomads, has been steadily growing since the pandemic, particularly among Gen Zers and Millennials.
40 million people in the world right now are digital nomads. 37% of digital nomads are Millennials. 62% of digital nomads identify as male. 46% of digital nomads are American.