For digital nomads, finding an affordable yet vibrant place to live is essential. Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Italy stand out as top destinations, offering a mix of cultural richness, a pleasant climate, and a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of Europe. This guide explores some of the best cities for digital nomads, with practical tips on housing, dining, and entertainment to make living in these locations both enjoyable and budget-friendly.
Portugal: A Digital Nomad’s Paradise
Best Cities for Affordability & Culture
Porto – A picturesque city offering stunning architecture, riverside views, and a cost of living lower than Lisbon.
Braga – A quieter yet vibrant city with a growing digital nomad community and lower rental costs.
Madeira – Home to the famous Digital Nomad Village in Ponta do Sol, an excellent choice for remote workers seeking a unique island experience.
Cost-Saving Tips
Affordable Housing – Renting a one-bedroom flat in Porto costs between €700-€900 per month, with co-living spaces offering more budget-friendly options.
Budget Dining – Traditional Portuguese eateries (tascas) serve meals for as little as €5-€10, and fresh produce markets provide cost-effective groceries.
Low-Cost Entertainment – Free walking tours, public beaches, and cultural festivals offer great experiences without high costs.
House Sitting – Platforms like TrustedHousesitters provide opportunities for free accommodation in exchange for pet or home care.
Spain: Budget-Friendly Cities for Nomads
Top Locations for Digital Nomads
Valencia – More affordable than Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia boasts excellent co-working spaces and an active international community.
Seville – A city full of history and charm, where the cost of living remains relatively low compared to other Spanish cities.
Granada – Famous for its free tapas culture, allowing nomads to enjoy delicious food at little to no extra cost.
How to Live Affordably in Spain
Finding Accommodation – A one-bedroom apartment in Valencia ranges from €600-€900 per month, with shared housing offering more savings.
Eating on a Budget – Take advantage of the “menu del día” lunch specials, which offer a three-course meal for around €10.
Entertainment on a Budget – Many museums have free entry days, and the numerous city parks provide great spaces to relax and socialise without spending money.
House Sitting – An increasingly popular way to secure free accommodation, particularly in major Spanish cities.
Thessaloniki – A lively yet affordable city with great food, a youthful atmosphere, and a strong nomad presence.
Crete – Offers a mix of stunning landscapes, low-cost living, and a relaxed island lifestyle.
Athens (Certain Suburbs) – While central Athens can be expensive, areas like Pangrati and Koukaki offer more reasonable rental prices.
How to Save Money in Greece
Affordable Rentals – A one-bedroom flat in Thessaloniki costs between €400-€700 per month, making it one of the most budget-friendly European cities.
Cheap Dining – Greek tavernas serve generous portions for as little as €8, and local markets provide fresh and affordable produce.
Low-Cost Activities – Enjoy free beaches, historic ruins, and hiking trails without spending much.
House Sitting – A fantastic way to explore Greece while cutting accommodation costs.
Italy: Affordable Alternatives to Major Cities
Best Cities for Budget-Friendly Living
Bologna – A university city with a strong digital nomad scene, great food, and lower living costs than Milan or Rome.
Naples – One of Italy’s most affordable major cities, famous for its history, vibrant street life, and world-renowned pizza.
Palermo (Sicily) – A hidden gem offering low-cost housing, incredible food, and beautiful Mediterranean scenery.
Saving Money in Italy
Affordable Rent – In Bologna, a one-bedroom flat costs between €600-€900 per month, while Naples offers even cheaper options from €500-€800.
Inexpensive Food – Enjoy street food, such as Naples’ famous pizza, for as little as €5.
Budget-Friendly Transport – Italy’s regional trains provide a cost-effective way to explore the country.
House Sitting – Digital nomads can significantly reduce living costs by looking after homes and pets while travelling.
Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Italy provide incredible opportunities for digital nomads seeking an affordable yet enriching lifestyle. By choosing budget-friendly cities, leveraging local dining options, and utilising house sitting opportunities, nomads can experience the best of Europe without overspending. Whether you prefer the vibrant culture of Valencia, the scenic beauty of Porto, or the relaxed island vibes of Crete, these destinations cater to a range of preferences while remaining cost-effective.
Right in time for my birthday, I received a lovely email! Turns out Cooper and I have inspired the fab team at Freelancer Magazinewith our podcast, Freedom and Four Paws
This means the world to us, because recording each episode was so motivating – our guests, all sourced from this community, had such powerful, wild and wise stories to tell about how they’ve made travel and remote work a full-time reality.
It’s something we’re passionate about sharing and discussing too, and we are excited that it resonates with so many people.
Freedom and Four Paws is named in honour of the freedom we in this travel-curious community seek, and the collective love of animals we share – many of us being house + pet sitters and/or pet parents. If you’re not in the Facebook Group yet but would like to join the conversation, you can do so here.
So far on the podcast, we’ve published two series covering topics like:
How to get paid for house sitting
Off-grid travel
Solo travel and house sitting
Budget travel
Long term travel
How to make the most of your digital nomad community
We’re planning future episodes too, so if there’s a burning question you have that you think would make a great topic, or you feel called to share your own story, please reach out, we’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch by completing the contact form on this site :)
We’re so excited to share this – TLL featured on The Offbeat Life podcast! I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the lovely Debbie Archangeles, founder of The Offbeat Life for a chat on her popular podcast. Guests on The Offbeat Life share similar values to Cooper and I. They seek ways to bring more global experiences into their lives, weaving work, travel and lifestyle into an immersion of other cultures.
In this episode, Debbie and I talk about ways to take your work on the road. We highlight great tips for anyone dreaming of an ‘offbeat life’ adventure! In particular, becoming a digital nomad, remote worker or expat abroad.
How can you travel longer, live and work from anywhere?
Have a listen to Cooper’s and my story, hopefully we can share advice that motivates you to take the leap!
Extended podcast interview: How to avoid the top mistakes newbie house sitters make!
We talk a lot about house sitting on this site and on our YouTube channel. Much of the advice we share is based on our own experiences, but also on the conversation that comes out of our Facebook Group of over 17,000+ travel-curious community.
Debbie and I had a great chat about house sitting too.
Why?
Because house sitting is a fantastic enabler of a freedom filled lifestyle that suits remote workers and digital nomads to a T! This sentiment is everything that inspires our own podcast, Freedom and Four Paws.
In our Offbeat Life chat, I cover the top mistakes newbie house sitters make – find out how to avoid them, listen on:
I recently picked up a copy of Daniel Pink’s excellent read, When. An excellent book that explores the science of perfect timing. How do we get it perfect? Can we manifest a ‘right time, right place’ scenario?
Among its numerous lessons, the book teaches how to get the most out of your morning coffee and breaks during the workday. Plus, the importance of understanding your own chronotype (that is when you are most energetic and lethargic each day).
Interest piqued?
Do we overemphasise endings?
One concept, in particular, made me think: his discussion about how as a society we tend to overemphasise the importance of endings.
Studies show that when we face an ending of some sort (including people falling into an age that has a 9 on the end of it, me when I wrote this). This tendency is to display extreme behaviour like choosing to take unnecessary risks or sabotaging relationships.
The psychology of it indicates we are innately grasping for a happy ending. And not just happy, but purposeful.
When references films like Pixar’s Up that perfectly capture the essence of this human condition. These movies make us cry while feeling sentimental at the same time.
Pink explains that in knowing this about ourselves, we can take steps to make our endings more gratifying.
Have a chat with your future self
A beautiful example of how to do this, is sending a message to your future self.
This might be a letter, vlog, blog or audio recording. Whatever format, put it away for five years.
The proposition made me a little teary.
What would I tell my future self?
I think I would start by saying I hope she lets loved ones know they are valued – always (and that she’s continued to do better on that front, as I intend to do from now on).
I want her to live without regret, anger and bitterness – good lives are wasted on such things.
I do hope she drinks less wine (possibly).
There should be dogs, everywhere.
And music, plus adventure.
I’d say that I hope she’s invested in creativity and travel; to remember that life has taught that things do get better; bring the light, be the light and look for it in others.
That’s all served me well so far. Finally, I would include a quote from tinybuddha.com, because it’s perfect:
‘Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and the thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself’.
This is the abridged version, and I’m not sure what I’ll think of it in 2023.
Perhaps I’ll be moved by the experience and progress made. Or sadly by naivety, disappointments not yet known, and challenges overcome.
Your time is now
When advocates that action like this serves to bridge the gap between past and present, this is one of the best ways to find substance in our own lives.
‘Living in the moment’ is all the rage (and it’s no secret that I fly the mindfulness flag, it’s important).
However, Pink made me think about the feeling of satisfaction that’s possible when ‘me now’ feels close to ‘me’ past and future.
This exercise removes the detachment we feel from the future self and enables us to make better choices that help her/him when that future arrives.
‘Time’ is complicated in terms of life, love and the dreams we envision, and many of us know a soul or two who have detrimentally gotten lost in it.
I hope I can impart to you some timeless insight which I took from Pink’s work; that is, by taking control of our time, and understanding how our past, present and future relate, we can vastly improve our experiences now.
Think I’ll include that wisdom in my note to future me too. But for now, over to you…
Daniel Brown shares five of his best tips for the adventurous lone traveller. If you’re heading off on a solo journey soon, read on. Here we cover trip planning, keeping your important documents and valuables safe, battery power and tech, dining solo and more…
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Even though the trend of solo travelling is becoming more popular, it is agreeable that venturing alone without a companion is daunting. Luckily, there are clever tricks anyone yearning to be a lone traveller can make use of to feel more comfortable along the way.
I believe everyone can benefit from trying on the ‘lone traveller’ hat at some point in life.
Many swear that travelling solo can be likened to experiencing religious enlightenment!
Not only are you able to fully rely on your own judgements and ideas, but as a lone traveller, you can do whatever you please all throughout your journey.
A pretty liberating thought!
Of course, with all the freedoms of being a lone traveller, come the drawbacks. Some of these, concern safety and overall wellbeing.
To make things easier, following are my practical tips which will empower you to book your solo trip.
You might also enjoy our feature in Get it Magazine on how to choose your own solo adventure, including interviews with two of our fave bloggers. Read it here
Plan ahead
The very first tip after you have decided to venture out solo, is to remember to take some time and extra effort to plan the whole trip as thoroughly as possible.
Spontaneous travel is great, but when a co-pilot is not there to help you out, you will want to have a plan to fall back on.
Make a list of all the must-have items you cannot travel without. But remember, you’ll need to pack light. Heavy bags and luggage will slow you down, and it may be uncomfortable to carry extra through a crowded airport or bus station.
Next, double check the bookings, such as the taxi, the means of transportation and accommodation.
Something I was taught is to try and memorise maps as accurately as possible. It’s helpful so you don’t have to be reading a map in public (potentially looking lost), or if Google Maps fails, as sometimes it does.
Plan, book, and get ready for the time of your life. You inevitably make friends, whether you’re heading off on long term travel, a wellbeing retreat or city tours.
Make copies of your documents
The most important thing you should bring with you when travelling is a case which contains all your personal documents. These will include your passport and photo ID. It is certain that there is nothing as stressful as getting your documents lost or stolen.
To make sure that your most important documents are safe and easily accessible, it is recommended to scan them before leaving home. The best way to do this is to make copies and store them online, for example, in Dropbox. Make sure your connections are safe though. In another article we talk about using a VPN to make sure your privacy is protected when travelling, surfing the web and accessing personal files.
If you know where document back-ups are, you can rest assured that in the worst-case, there is a quick solution to save the day.
Accessible tech
It’s important to invest in quality equipment to keep you connected and safe on your journey. Don’t forget local power adaptors for the places your’e visiting, a portable WiFi hub can be helpful, and back-up battery power is essential.
A new favourite of ours is the slim and sleek Zippo HeatBank that doubles as a hand warmer in cold weather. Pretty neat, and lasts for ages (choose three or six hour packs).
Keep your valuables safe
Another common fear when travelling alone is getting your belongings stolen. No one can fully relax and enjoy time swimming, for example, without letting go of the fear that a stranger will slip away with your personal possessions.
You could carry with you quality waterproof containers that can go into water. These double as food containers when you’re travelling and saving on buying out all the time. Alternatively, you can leave your money and valuables in the hotel room, but use a safety deposit box if possible.
With hotels, it is important to take extra precautions. It is not uncommon for things to be lost even when they are in the drawers, seemingly safe. A smart tip to ward off thieves from your room is to hang up a “do not disturb” sign after leaving your room.
Coming to London? You might be interested in the chic but great value Point A Hotel in Shoreditch. Take a look at our review
Also, by leaving the television turned on, anyone is able to trick potential thieves into thinking that you have not left in the first place.
The best bet to keep your money and fancy jewellery safe is to only carry enough money with you for food, taxi, accommodation and tours. Leave all the luxurious bling-bling behind.
As a matter of fact, it is best to not put on fancy necklaces, rings and earrings. Don’t attract unnecessary attention – better safe than sorry.
Do not be afraid of solo dining
Many people are anxious to dine alone. It’s common to feel like sitting solo in a restaurant makes you seem desperate or ‘sad’. But, it’s not uncommon to witness people sitting by themselves, enjoying a coffee or a meal and reading a book.
So, let go of the irrational fear and embrace solo dining! If it is too uncomfortable to go to a fancy dinner, consider a smaller coffee place or coworking cafe and opt for a counter seat or a seat at the bar.
To keep yourself occupied, take some reading materials with you or maybe a laptop to do some research about the local must-see things.
All in all, travelling alone can be a truly empowering and a unique experience. At the end of your trip, you will certainly feel like a changed person full of new experiences and interesting stories.
We’d love to hear your stories and tips – drop us a line in the comments below.
2019 is the year we truly start to take care of ourselves on our time off, which is why creative travel and wellness holidays are the thing of ‘now’ in the travel industry.
Once upon a time, a vacation meant drinks, lots of food, tours and shopping. But many of us are tiring a little, even on our trips.
Recently, there’s been a shift in the reasons many of us choose to get away – we want to switch off from the pressures of modern-day life.
Why creative travel and wellness holidays?
The new kind of break, the one that will continue to rise as one of the most sought-after in 2019, is the ‘wellness escape’. It’s an enriching life experience – a creative travel or wellness holiday – where we return home feeling great about ourselves.
Wellness has become a booming industry, evidenced by the fact Lonely Planet has just published a gorgeous hard-cover guide on the topic, Wellness Escapes.
Get creative booking your travel this year
The publication presents an inspiring breadth of offerings around the globe.
These include:
Yoga retreats (we’ve published a story about a retreat in Turkey if you’re interested)
Meditation
Fitness and wellness festivals around the world
Creativity workshops and personal growth opportunities
Health spas and nutrition getaways
Akin to other collectable Lonely Planet guides like Culture Trails and Everyday Adventures (released in 2018, be inspired by those titles here), Wellness Escapes is an item any wanderluster will want on the coffee table.
Wellness Escapes features a worldwide guide on the best, coolest and most energising creative travel, wellness holidays, meditation centres, health spas, fitness events (including LoveFit in the UK) and much more.
It’s a whole lot of love in one delicious book. Be inspired, get creative and healthy now.
Inspired creative travel trends and holiday tips
For more on wellness trends and creative travel of 2019, have a read of my feature on the topic published in the January issue of Get it Magazine.
Hi, we’re Sarah & Cooper. Welcome to Travel Live Learn! We’re Aussie expats currently living in the UK (for the third time!) with our adorable Westie, London. Our mission? To inspire you to embrace a life of adventure—whether it’s travelling longer, relocating to the UK or Europe, or exploring the freedom of remote work and digital nomadism. Enjoy your time on our site! We'd love to stay in touch: subscribe for our weekly stories, updates and remote work job opportunities direct to your inbox.
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