From Rain to Riches: 10 Places Brits Can Live Large on a Digital Nomad Visa

From London’s boardrooms to Manchester’s and Edinburgh’s cutting-edge hubs, the United Kingdom boasts one of the world’s most attractive job markets. Yet, working in one of the UK’s much-loved cities comes at a cost. While an average Londoner takes home £3,141 monthly, rent alone swallows up two-thirds.

If you’re sick of splitting a shoebox with strangers and living pay cheque to pay cheque, maybe it’s time to consider moving. If you work from a laptop, you can work from anywhere, and countries such as Malaysia, Hungary, and Portugal offer a far cheaper place to call home. There, you can actually enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Using data from leading sources such as the World Bank, Forbes, and Numbeo, Gamblizard calculated the top ten destinations where digital nomads can live, work, and save.

Click the image to download the full table

1. Malaysia

For Brits seeking an escape from sky-high costs without compromising on the quality of life, Malaysia might be the perfect place. Imagine swapping your cramped flat for a skyline view of Kuala Lumpur for a fraction of the cost and with the bonus of year-round sun. While Malaysians may live life on the conservative side, English is widely spoken, healthcare is affordable and accessible, internet speeds are solid, and Bali and Bangkok are just a short flight away.

2. Colombia

From Medellín’s buzzing art scene to Cartagena’s colonial streets, Colombia is a dream destination for those seeking a rich lifestyle on a modest budget. On average, rent in the South American paradise is 72% cheaper than in the UK, and dining out doesn’t break the bank. While English is not a go-to language there, picking up some Spanish is a small price for the sunshine, salsa, and savings.

3. Hungary

If staying close to home is a deal-breaker, then Hungary could be the perfect move. There’s a good reason it’s so beloved by backpackers – from thermal baths to cosy cafés along the Danube, you can do a lot with a little. And online contractors have the luxury of enjoying a long-term visit. Cheap rent, cheap food, cheap beer, and cheap flights back to the UK when you’re missing your friends and family. What’s not to love?

4. Brazil

From the bustling São Paulo to the golden beaches of Rio de Janeiro and the European-influenced Curitiba, Brazil caters to all. No matter what you’re searching for, you’re bound to find your paradise. With rent 76% cheaper on average, you’ll have plenty left over to make the most of your new tropical lifestyle. You won’t hear much English spoken, yet with a sense of adventure and a dash of Duolingo, you’ll feel right at home.

5. Romania

With vibrant cities bordering unspoiled nature – and internet speeds that rival London’s – Romania is an underrated gem among Britain’s digital nomads seeking an escape close to home. Picture spending your weekends exploring the Gothic charm of Transylvania or café-hopping across Bucharest while enjoying some of the cheapest rents in Europe, great food at affordable prices, and healthcare that doesn’t leave your bank account suffering.

6. Egypt

Egypt tops the list for low rents, cheap groceries, and affordable healthcare, but low costs don’t mean poor quality of life. Working from home with a view overlooking an ancient wonder, weekend trips to the Red Sea, and Nile-side meals without sweating over the bill is totally possible. True, it’s mostly the local language you’ll hear, but Egypt’s lack of income requirement is attracting a growing expat community, which should make settling in easier.

7. Portugal

Portugal may not be the cheapest place on the work-from-anywhere map, but that’s the price you pay for a higher quality of life. World-class healthcare, low crime rates, and internet speeds that top even the UK’s average. With its warm climate and laid-back lifestyle, in many ways, you’re not just relocating; you’re upgrading. And while rent may not be as cheap as in Colombia or Egypt, you’re still cutting your costs by 25% on average.

8. Argentina

Given its European roots, Argentina feels like Europe with a twist, sharing its Latin charm, cobbled streets, and grand architecture (while skipping the sky-high living costs that rule out many European countries). Rent, on average, is 65% cheaper than in the UK, and a meal out at Argentina’s world-famous steakhouses will probably cost less than your usual Pret lunch.

9. South Africa

South Africa offers adventure and affordability rolled into one. From ocean-view flats to beachside cafés, your work days will be less dull, and your weekends will be spent soaking up the sun and spotting the wildlife on safaris. And the cost of your rent, groceries, entertainment, and even healthcare will likely add up to less than a one-bed flat in London, leaving you with more spare cash to splash on actually enjoying your free time.

10. Croatia

Turquoise waters overlooked by medieval castles… For digital nomads seeking a fairytale destination, Croatia might be it. Living costs are around a third cheaper than in the UK, and dining out won’t drain your wallet, letting you fully embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle. And if you’re worried about homesickness, you’ll be just a stone’s throw (and cheap flight) away.

A digital nomad visa might be your ticket to a life where your office is anywhere, and your money goes further. Whether you choose to sample street food in Asia or soak up the sun in South America, there are plenty of options where the Wi-Fi is reliable, rent is cheap, and having fun isn’t out of your budget.

Methodology

To create this rating, Gamblizard examined eight key indicators related to lifestyle and remote working conditions: minimum monthly salary requirements, rent index, grocery index, restaurant index, English proficiency level, average healthcare spending, and average internet speeds for countries with a digital nomad Visa programme available for UK citizens.

To calculate the final score for each country, we converted each factor into a numerical value ranging from zero to one, where one was the highest result. We then added these values together for a total score.