7 Best Countries for US Remote Workers with Lower Cost of Living 2025
Discover 7 countries where US remote workers can reduce living costs by up to 70% while maintaining quality of life and work infrastructure in 2025.
7 Best Countries for US Remote Workers with Lower Cost of Living 2025
Why Remote Workers Are Fleeing High US Living Costs
The remote work revolution has liberated millions of Americans from expensive US cities. With median rent in San Francisco hitting $3,500+ monthly and New York following close behind, smart remote workers are discovering they can maintain their US salaries while living like royalty abroad.
The key is choosing destinations with three critical elements: digital nomad visa options, reliable internet infrastructure, and significantly lower living costs. Here are the seven best countries delivering all three in 2025.
1. Portugal: The European Gateway with 38% Lower Costs Similar to the Netherlands Digital Nomad Visa, this visa offers competitive benefits.
Portugal dominates the remote work scene for good reason. Living costs run 38-41% lower than the US average, with Lisbon rent averaging €800-1,200 monthly compared to $3,000+ in major US cities.
Visa Options:
- D7 Visa (passive income visa) for long-term residence
- Digital nomad visa launching in 2025
- EU citizenship pathway after 5 years
Why Portugal Works:
- English widely spoken in major cities
- Excellent healthcare system
- High safety rankings globally
- Strong expat communities in Lisbon's coworking spaces
- Time zone alignment with US East Coast (5-hour difference)
Monthly budget for comfortable living: $1,500-2,500 for singles, $2,500-3,500 for couples.
2. Mexico: 4-Year Visas with Familiar Culture If you're considering other European destinations, check out the France Digital Nomad Visa.
Mexico's Temporary Resident Visa offers the longest stay duration (up to 4 years) with relatively low income requirements. The cultural familiarity and proximity to the US make it ideal for remote workers needing occasional US visits.
Key Advantages:
- 50-70% lower living costs than major US cities
- Same time zones as US
- Established expat communities in Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta
- No foreign income taxation for temporary residents
Income Requirements:
- $2,595 monthly income OR
- $43,250 in bank savings
Popular destinations like Mexico City offer world-class dining, culture, and coworking spaces at fraction of US costs.
3. Colombia: Rock-Bottom Costs with Growing Tech Scene For a similar visa program, see our comprehensive Portugal D7 visa passive income guide.
Colombia, particularly Medellin, offers some of the world's lowest living costs for remote workers. Rent in smaller cities starts at $500 monthly, while Medellin averages $800-1,200 for quality apartments.
Digital Nomad Visa Details:
- Valid up to 2 years
- Income requirement: $684 monthly
- Growing coworking and startup ecosystem
- Year-round spring climate in Medellin
Cost Breakdown:
- Rent: $500-1,200/month
- Meals: $3-8 per restaurant meal
- Coffee: $1-2
- Monthly budget: $1,000-1,800 total
The country's improving security situation and expanding digital nomad infrastructure make it increasingly attractive.
4. Thailand: Tax Paradise with Tropical Lifestyle You might also be interested in our guide to the Best Tax Havens for Digital Nomads in 2025:.
Thailand's combination of ultra-low costs, tax advantages, and tropical paradise setting creates an irresistible package for remote workers.
Visa Options:
- Digital Nomad Visa (up to 5 years)
- Elite Visa for long-term residence
- Tourist visas with extensions
Financial Benefits:
- No tax on foreign income not remitted to Thailand
- Living costs 60-70% below US levels
- High-quality healthcare at low costs
Popular Bases:
- Bangkok: Urban amenities, excellent internet
- Chiang Mai: Lower costs, mountain setting
- Islands: Beach lifestyle, growing remote work infrastructure
Monthly budgets range from $800-1,500 depending on lifestyle and location choice.
5. Indonesia (Bali): The Digital Nomad Capital
Bali has become synonymous with digital nomad culture, offering an unbeatable combination of low costs, stunning scenery, and massive expat communities.
What Makes Bali Special:
- Monthly couple budget: ~$1,500
- Large English-speaking expat community
- Abundant coworking spaces and cafes
- Tropical climate year-round
- Easy visa extensions
Visa Options:
- B211A (Visit Visa): 30 days, extendable to 60
- B213 (Visit Visa): 60 days on arrival
- Upcoming digital nomad visa program
The island's infrastructure continues improving, with reliable internet now available throughout most areas popular with remote workers.
6. Vietnam: Asia's Hidden Gem
Vietnam offers incredible value for remote workers, with costs even lower than Thailand but rapidly improving infrastructure and growing expat communities.
Key Advantages:
- Extremely low living costs
- Improving digital infrastructure
- Rich culture and cuisine
- Strategic Asian location
Popular Destinations:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Business hub, modern amenities
- Hanoi: Cultural capital, cooler climate
- Da Nang: Beach city, growing expat scene
Visa options include tourist visas with extensions and emerging digital nomad programs.
7. Costa Rica: Pura Vida Meets Professional Life
Costa Rica's "pura vida" lifestyle attracts remote workers seeking work-life balance in a politically stable, environmentally conscious country.
Standout Features:
- Political stability and safety
- Environmental leadership
- Growing tech sector
- Proximity to US (direct flights)
- English widely spoken
Visa Programs:
- Tourist visa: 90 days
- Rentista visa: For those with passive income
- Pensionado visa: For retirees
The country's favorable business environment continues attracting international remote workers and digital companies.
Additional Emerging Destinations
Panama offers 9-18 month visas with no taxes on foreign income, making it attractive for tax-conscious remote workers.
Belize provides 6-month visas in an English-speaking environment, though with more limited infrastructure than other options.
Spain allows 90-day Schengen visits with digital nomad visa options launching in select regions.
Choosing Your Ideal Remote Work Destination
Consider these factors when selecting your base:
- Time Zone Alignment: Mexico and Costa Rica match US zones perfectly
- Visa Duration: Mexico offers longest stays (4 years)
- Cost Priorities: Colombia offers lowest absolute costs
- Infrastructure Needs: Portugal and Thailand lead in reliability
- Tax Implications: Consult professionals about foreign income obligations
Making the Move: Practical Next Steps
- Research visa requirements for your chosen destination
- Test with short visits before committing long-term
- Join expat communities online before arriving
- Secure international health insurance
- Set up international banking and tax planning
The best countries for digital nomads continue evolving as governments recognize remote workers' economic value. Early movers often secure the best housing, build stronger networks, and establish themselves before destinations become oversaturated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to pay US taxes while working remotely abroad? A: Yes, US citizens must file taxes regardless of residence location. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion allows excluding up to $120,000 of foreign-earned income in 2024, rising to $126,500 in 2025.
Q: What internet speeds can I expect in these countries? A: Portugal, Thailand, and Mexico offer 50-100+ Mbps in major cities. Colombia and Vietnam provide 20-50 Mbps typically. Always test speeds before committing to housing.
Q: How do healthcare costs compare to the US? A: Healthcare costs 60-80% less in most destinations. Portugal offers EU-quality care, Thailand has excellent medical tourism infrastructure, and Mexico provides familiar standards near the US border.
Q: Can I bring my family on these visas? A: Most digital nomad and temporary resident visas include dependent provisions. Portugal's D7 visa, Mexico's Temporary Resident Visa, and Thailand's new programs all accommodate families.
Q: What about banking and financial services? A: Major international banks operate in all recommended countries. Consider maintaining US accounts plus local banking for daily expenses. Wise, Revolut, and similar services simplify international money management.
Q: How safe are these destinations for US remote workers? A: Portugal ranks among the world's safest countries. Thailand, Costa Rica, and Mexico (in expat areas) maintain good safety records. Colombia has improved significantly, though location selection remains important.
Q: Do I need to learn local languages? A: English works well in Portugal's major cities, Bali, and Costa Rica. Basic Spanish helps enormously in Mexico and Colombia. Thai and Vietnamese aren't essential initially but improve experiences long-term.
Q: What's the best destination for first-time remote workers abroad? A: Portugal offers the easiest transition with familiar European standards, excellent infrastructure, and straightforward visa processes. Mexico provides cultural familiarity and time zone convenience for US-focused work.