We asked remote workers and Local Friends on Roavi who actually live in these cities to rank them honestly.
The Rankings#
1. Medellín, Colombia — Perfect weather, $1,200-1,800/month, fast coworking internet, massive expat community.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina — Absurdly cheap for dollar earners. World-class food and culture. Café culture perfect for laptop work.
3. Mexico City, Mexico — Enormous variety. Roma Norte and Condesa are nomad heaven. Direct flights everywhere.
4. Lisbon, Portugal — EU timezone, NHR tax benefits, surf culture. Getting expensive though.
5. Bangkok, Thailand — Cheapest comfortable option. $1-3 meals. Coworking on every block.
6. Santo Domingo, DR — Emerging. Underpriced, Caribbean vibes, growing coworking scene, direct US flights.
Every city here earns its place partly on what a dollar buys in it. If you are picking on cost first and city second, where the US dollar goes furthest ranks fifteen countries by what a day actually costs.
If Colombia is on your shortlist, the best time to visit Colombia shows how the weather differs between the coast and the Andes.
Remote work is one of the travel trends real travellers are following in 2026.
The Local Friend Factor#
The difference between "I visited" and "I understand" a city is usually a local connection. A Local Friend helps you find an apartment, navigate SIM cards, find the right coworking space, and build a social life beyond the expat bubble.
For the full list with real daily budgets: the cheapest countries to travel in 2026.
Also worth reading: How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2026: The Realistic Beginner's Guide.