Digital Nomad vs US Lifestyle: Which One Wins for Your Wallet in 2025?

In 2025, the debate between living as a digital nomad and staying in the US lifestyle is more relevant than ever.

With the rise of remote work, many are wondering: Which lifestyle is actually cheaper?

As a Creator CEO and multi-passionate entrepreneur, you wonder should you embrace the freedom of traveling the world, or is staying in the USA a more practical—and affordable—choice? Like anything else, you may choose to cut costs radically traveling the world, love lavish luxury, or marvel at a mixture of both like I do.

Having traveled across 12 countries in 2024, with an average monthly cost of $800 for stays - including private pools in Bali and affordable accommodations—I’ve experienced both worlds.

Here’s my digital nomad cost of living v USA cost breakdown to help you decide which path is the best fit for your wallet in 2025.

Digital Nomad Lifestyle: An Overview

Being a digital nomad means taking your work on the road. It’s the freedom to explore new countries, cultures, and community all while making a living remotely.

For me, in 2024, my digital nomad lifestyle was affordable and fulfilling. Staying in places like Bali, Vietnam, and Thailand, I averaged just $800 a month in living expenses (stays that included WiFI, electricity, and amenities)—an amount that would not cover rent in major US cities. When I lived in Atlanta in 2010-2020 and 2021-2022, my rent ranged from $1,100 to $1,600 for efficiency to two bedrooms not including electricity or WiFI.

While this digital nomad lifestyle offers incredible flexibility and adventure, it’s not without its challenges. iI requires me to maintain my mindset, create intentionally, minimize isolation, and seek community. Adapting to different time zones, navigating visa requirements, and staying productive all require intentionality and practicality.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living vs US Lifestyle

Now, let’s dive into the numbers to see which is cheaper: living as a digital nomad or staying in the USA?

Living Abroad as a Digital Nomad:

Accommodation: In places like Asia or Central America, you may find accommodations for as low as $500 a month—sometimes even less. I stayed in private villas and homes in Bali with private pools for this very cost or close to it.

In Thailand, I stayed in condos for less than $800 monthly similar in quality, style and amenities in USA. Airbnbs offer monthly stay discounts ranging 30-50% discounts depending on the host.
In contrast, a one-bedroom apartment in a major US city can easily cost $2,500 or more per month. That's one reason you see Hello Landing with fixed rent and fully furnished apartments businesses.

Food: Street food in countries like Thailand or Vietnam can cost as little as $2 per meal, and dining out is much more affordable than in the USA. In the US, dining out can quickly add up, with an average meal costing around $15–$30 per person.

Transportation: Flights between countries may add up, but budget airlines and buses make it affordable to travel internationally.
In the US, owning a car and dealing with gas prices, insurance, and parking may easily range $400-$1,000+ monthly.
Grab (Uber in Asia) is also much lower in cost e.g. rides with cars or bikes for $2-$5 being the norm vs USA $10-$25+ for the same distances.

Healthcare & Insurance: In my experience, healthcare and travel insurance while living abroad are far more affordable. While US health insurance costs an average of $400-$600 per month, travel insurance and healthcare in many digital nomad-friendly countries can range from $50 to $200 monthly.

Living in the USA:

Accommodation: The US cost of living in many cities is higher than global traveling. For example, rent in Atlanta or San Francisco averages around $3,000 per month. Even in smaller cities or towns, the cost is often higher than in most countries where digital nomads thrive.

Food: Eating out and groceries in the US can be much more expensive. Monthly grocery costs for a single person can range from $300 to $500, and dining out at restaurants adds another hefty expense to your budget.

Transportation: The cost of car ownership in the US can be high due to gas, insurance, and maintenance. Public transportation is cheaper but less accessible in many parts of the country, especially outside large cities.

Healthcare: US has some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. Health insurance premiums average $400-$600 per month, which is a significant monthly expense for many people.

Pros and Cons: Digital Nomad vs US Lifestyle

Digital Nomad Life:

Pros:

Affordable living in many countries: Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia offer low cost of living while still providing a high quality of life.
Exposure to new cultures: You’ll experience diverse cultures and unique perspectives that you simply can’t get from staying in one place.
Flexibility and freedom: Work from anywhere, set your own schedule, and travel as much or as little as you like.

Cons:

Visa and travel logistics: Managing visas and travel may be time-consuming and expensive.
Unstable living situations: There’s no permanent base or long-term stability, which may feel overwhelming for some.
Language and cultural barriers: Some places can be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak the language or understand the local culture.

US Lifestyle:

Pros:

Familiarity: The US offers stability, a familiar environment, and the ease of access to services.
Proximity to family and friends: Living in the US means being close to your support network and maintaining stronger connections with loved ones.
Reliable infrastructure: From transportation to healthcare, the infrastructure in the US is highly developed and reliable.

Cons:

Higher cost of living: In cities like Atlanta, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, rent and overall living expenses are significantly higher compared to many international destinations.
Less cultural exposure: Staying in one place means missing out on the richness of different cultures and lifestyles.
Limited travel freedom: The US can feel a bit isolating if you’re yearning for global adventures.

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Digital Nomad Budgeting Tips

Whether you decide to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle or stay in the USA, it’s important to make and manage money with wisdom.

Here are some tips to make the most of your financial resources:

Track your expenses: Use apps to keep an eye on your finances. no matter where you are.
Choose affordable destinations: Research countries that offer a low cost of living, such as Southeast Asia, parts of Europe, and Central and South America.
Negotiate remote work benefits: Many companies offer stipends for remote workers—use this to cover things like co-working spaces, wellness, or internet costs.
Build an emergency fund: Aim to save 3-6 months’ worth of expenses to provide peace of mind.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Wins for Your Wallet

So, which lifestyle is cheaper in 2025—digital nomad or US living?

Based on my own experiences and the cost breakdown, living as a digital nomad is often far more affordable than staying in the USA, especially in popular cities.

The ability to live in places where rent, food, and healthcare are far more affordable may save you a significant amount of money. Plus, the flexibility and adventure make it a rewarding lifestyle.

The choice is personal. If stability, access to healthcare, and proximity to family are important to you, staying in the USA might be the better option.

However, if you're looking to stretch your dollar further while experiencing the world, the digital nomad lifestyle could be your ticket to financial freedom and adventure.

Which lifestyle fits your goals in 2025?

Would you choose the digital nomad life, or stay in the USA?

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