Finding Inexpensive Accommodation as a Digital Nomad

8 min readMar 19, 2023

Digital nomads are a growing demographic of people, who are able to work remotely, often from different locations and time zones around the world. This changing way of working presents some challenges, one of which is finding affordable accommodation as a digital nomad.

As a digital nomad, there are a few different ways you can look for inexpensive accommodation. The best way to find accommodation will vary depending on your specific needs and budget.

Below are a few of my favorite options for finding affordable accommodation living as a digital nomad in a new country, which we will dive into deeper further in this article:

Look for subletting opportunities on online apartment rental or Facebook groups
Utilize the app Couchsurfing or Warm Showers (for bikers) for countless free accommodations in your new city, with the added bonus of meeting locals!
Hostels are a great option for meeting other like-minded travelers and digital nomads and are also a great affordable option for accommodation (just make sure to bring a lock for your things!)
If you are staying somewhere longer term (at least a few months) search online local housing websites for long-term rental properties, which may have lower rates than short-term rentals.
Contact a local real estate agent who can help you find a good price for a longer-term rental. Beware there may be an agent fee, but this will be well worth it if you find accommodation with a lower-than-usual rental fee
Use well-established websites such as Airbnb, Expedia, and Hotels.com to find short-term rentals. This is often a more affordable option than staying in a hotel, and you can usually find places with all the amenities you need, such as a kitchen, washing machine, iron, etc.
Be sure to research your destination and accommodation at least a few weeks before your visit… as prices can skyrocket closer to your arrival date

By doing your research and being willing to be flexible with your accommodation options (and dates, if possible!), you will find great options that tick everything off your hotel must-have checklist.

Below, I dive deeper into some of my favorite accommodation tips and resources. Be sure to check them out, and happy deal-searching!

Book longer stays with Airbnb

As a digital nomad, one of the best ways to find inexpensive accommodation is to book longer stays via Airbnb. By booking a longer stay, you can get a discount on your nightly rate.

You can often negotiate with hosts to get an even better deal. When you are looking for a place to stay, be sure to search for listings that have a minimum stay of 30 days. This will help you find the best deals on Airbnb. When negotiating with hosts for a better price, be cautious about paying them off the app.

When you pay your host off the app, if something breaks or goes wrong, they may not help or come to fix the problem quickly, you as the renter are not protected.

Make sure to read the reviews carefully before you book. This will help you find a place that is comfortable and has all the amenities you need. Once you find a place you like, be sure to book it for at least a month to get a good deal on the price… I’ve even had 50% off the original price just for booking a month-long stay!

You can also book at least 7 nights to get a smaller discount, but if you want to maximize your discount and stay in your new city, be sure to book for at least 30 days.

House sitting

House sitting is another excellent option that can give you a chance to live like a local and explore a new place, oftentimes for free.

House sitting is a great option for digital nomads and travelers alike, as it lets you stay in someone else’s home for free, while you take care of the owner’s home while they are away, feed and walk their pets, water their plants… whatever needs to be done in the homeowner’s absence.

Websites like TrustedHousesitters, HouseCarers, and MindMyHouse feature listings of people looking for house sitters for extended periods. Digital nomads can find these websites handy as they may help to find inexpensive accommodation for digital nomads.

When house sitting, be sure to keep in mind that the homeowners will often want to meet you beforehand, as you will be staying in their home for an extended period of time. They will often video call you beforehand to make sure you have experience and can manage their home while they are away on holiday.

Home Exchange

Home Exchange is one of my new favorite apps for booking accommodation! This only works if you own or rent a house or apartment, but if you do, you can stay in homes around the world for free.

With Home Exchange, you can list your home on their website, and others do the same. Once agreed upon, you will stay in someone else’s home for a set amount of time, and they will stay in yours.

Of course, it’s expected that you both keep the other’s home clean and tidy while visiting, but this allows for you to visit a new country without paying a single cent for accommodation… be sure to check out Home Exchange using my affiliate link (thank you!) and be sure to check out my other favorite resources here.

Use Trip.com for Affordable Accommodation in Asia

My personal favorite way to find affordable and quality accommodation for digital nomads in Asia is to book flights and hotels through Trip.com. Trip.com easily has the best deals I have found, specifically for flights and accommodations in Asia. This Chinese-created app allows you to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and even train tickets directly via their app… all while earning great reward points to redeem on future travel.

Hotels.com

Another option is Hotels.com, which offers great deals on hotels, from luxury to budget. They even offer one night free when you book 10 nights. That’s a great deal to me!

Co-Living Spaces

Co-living spaces have become a popular option for digital nomads, as they offer affordable living arrangements that promote community and networking with like-minded individuals. Most co-living spaces offer a great environment, co-working, cafés, shared and single accommodation, and even activities like yoga or dance lessons. You can find such spaces on websites like Selina, Roam, and Outsite.

Hostels

Hostels are still a budget-friendly accommodation option, and they often have communal spaces where you can connect with other digital nomads.

Hostels are a great place to meet like-minded digital nomads and travelers, and many hostels have a bar, lounge, café, or some sort of accommodation where it makes it easy to meet others.

Websites for booking hostels include Hostelworld, Booking.com, and HostelsClub.

Couch-surfing

A great option for budget-conscious digital nomads and travelers is Couchsurfing. This online community connects travelers to hosts who can provide a place to stay for free.

A benefit of Couch-surfing is that you can meet locals who know the city well. No money is exchanged, as the locals want to meet foreigners from around the world, and as a traveler, you have a new friend and a place to stay for free.

Another great option if you are a biker is called Warm Showers. Warm Showers is equivalent to Couch-surfing, but for those who bicycle and need a free place to stay along their journey.

Work Exchanges

You can find free accommodation by volunteering or performing work exchanges in another country.

Websites like Workaway, HelpX, and WWOOF connect volunteers with hosts who need help with various tasks, in exchange for accommodation, food, and sometimes a stipend.

This is a great way to see a new country, connect with locals, and experience the true local culture.

Long-term Rentals

Finally, opt for long-term rentals, as they can save you even more money in the long run. Websites like Nestpick and Spotahome have detailed listings of apartments that are available for monthly rentals.

Long-term rentals are a great way to make your money go further, whether from an Airbnb or renting from a local real estate agent, staying in one place longer can help you save money, meet more friends, and experience more of the local culture.

Ask for Recommendations

If you are a digital nomad, and you’re in search of affordable accommodation, be sure to connect with other digital nomads in online communities, such as Facebook, and ask for recommendations.

Through this, you will get the best suggestions, as most of the members of this community will provide you with detailed information about different hotels based on their own first-hand experience. What a great way to get the inside scoop!

Conclusion

When finding affordable accommodation as a digital nomad, be sure you are collecting points that will allow you to get free stays on your future bookings.

Try to get bookings that have the internet speeds in the listing, or you may be stuck with lousy internet, and therefore, a lousy stay altogether.

Use these tips to ensure you book the best accommodation that works for you in your new country. Happy searching!

Learn More

If you want to learn more about becoming a digital nomad, creating a business you are passionate about, global taxes, and entrepreneurship, check out the links below: