Los Angeles might seem perfect for digital nomads, but the best alternative goes to Southeast Asia.
Cities such as Bangkok, Cebu, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur have turned into a center of remote workers. They seek a fun lifestyle at a low cost. These destinations offer more than just cheap living and strong nomad communities—they provide the perfect work-life balance that many are seeking.
Imagine wrapping up your workday with a sunset on the beach, exploring vibrant street markets, or joining a yoga class between meetings. In this region, you’ll find the ideal environment to live, work, and truly enjoy life. Here’s why making the switch might be your best move.
The Challenges of Living in Los Angeles
Living the digital nomad dream in Los Angeles sounds tempting—sunshine, the buzz of the entertainment industry, and endless dining options at your fingertips. But when you’re trying to build a sustainable lifestyle, the downsides can easily outweigh the glitz and glamor.
Cost of Living
Based on the report published by CBS News on August 7, 2024, Los Angeles ranks among the most expensive cities in the world. High rents, expensive food, and transportation costs are quite a big struggle for many emerging digital nomads. Most of them work long hours. They need to cover the basic costs of living, leaving very little time for leisure or travel. For anyone on a budget, finding a decent place usually means compromising on either location, space, or amenities.
Traffic and Commute
The infamous Los Angeles traffic during rush hours is not only a frustration but also a time killer. Public transport is limited, and the more limited it gets, owning a car just makes it add to expenses. Making short distances could take you hours on the road. It cuts the time you could be using in exploring new hobbies or relaxing.
Isolation
Even though LA is crowded, it can feel surprisingly isolated. A sense of community is definitely lacking for aspiring nomads in Los Angeles. Thus, it somehow leads to getting lost in the crowd. This city is so large that it can be difficult to meet people with similar interests. Furthermore, even when the networking events do occur, they are few and far between—quite literally expensive. For a person looking for connection and collaboration as a digital nomad, it would not be a pro to find LA disconnected.
Why Southeast Asia is The Perfect Place for Aspiring Nomads
Southeast Asia is becoming the most beloved region for digital nomads. With an affordable living cost, relaxed lifestyle, and open-minded society, it comes as no surprise that this region gets full of remote workers.
Affordable Living: A Game-Changer for Your Budget
What makes Southeast Asia so appealing is its overall affordability. The general affordability of Southeast Asia allows one to live quite comfortably on much less. It is a simple concept. You can work less, save more, and just enjoy life without worrying about how much you are spending. One can afford good locations, eat out frequently, and travel a lot without blowing the budget.
Accommodation
You can find modern apartments in cities like Bangkok and Baguio City for as low as $500 a month. Co-living spaces in Bali and Kuala Lumpur will provide you not only with a place to stay but also networking opportunities with fellow remote workers.
Furthermore, co-living options in Southeast Asia often come with coworking spaces, the internet, and even community events, effectively making them a one-stop shop for digital nomads and remote workers.
Food
Southeast Asia is big on affordable, tasty food. It is possible to dine out daily without hurting your pocket, as local dishes will only cost a few dollars. Feel like experiencing international cuisine? You will find more choices than you would at home and at far lower prices. What’s more is that there is a variety of food choices, so you will never end up with the same plate of food daily.
Transportation
Locating good transport services within your budget is rather easy. There are public transport services accessible with ease, including ride-hatching apps like Grab and Gojek. You can easily rent motorbikes in Bali or use tuk-tuks in Thailand for short, inexpensive commutes.
Transport throughout Southeast Asia feels like a breath of fresh air. Here, many cities have also invested in better public transport systems, making it easier and safer for nomads to explore new areas.
A Strong and Friendly Nomad Community
Southeast Asia hosts the biggest community of digital nomads. Whether it’s coworking spaces in Chiang Mai or beachside cafes in Bali, social hubs do not lack. That sense of community is probably one of the biggest draws for the region.
They afford that sense of community that is quite rare in LA. You can come there for meet-ups, skill-sharing sessions or just networking over coffee in local cafés. This very collaborative environment will help you make some friends, spot business opportunities and stay motivated. The digital nomad scene in Southeast Asia, as a result, is super-diverse and therefore easy to find your community: creatives, tech entrepreneurs, freelancers from literally everywhere in the world.
Now meet Alex. He is a graphic designer who moved from Los Angeles to Thailand. “Back in LA, most of my earnings went to rent, and I just felt like I was working to survive,” says Alex. “Everything changed when I moved to Chiang Mai. I found a community of fellow nomads, cut my costs, and finally had time for personal projects. It’s not just about the cost; it’s about the lifestyle.”
Easier Visa Options for Long-Term Stays
South-East Asian countries have embraced several types of visas that are attractive to digital nomads. Thailand offers the Smart Visa, allowing professionals to stay for up to four years with minimal hassle. Earlier in the year, it extended its Tourist Visa to 90 days and last June updated its policy to allow further 30-day extensions, so it’s easier for digital nomads to enjoy longer stays without the usual visa runs.
Indonesia is getting their Digital Nomad Visa on for Bali, targeting remote workers who would like to stay longer without hustle from complicated requirements. In addition, the country offers 60-day tourist visas, with an extension that can last up to 180 days—most certainly a good number of days for digital nomads to enjoy Bali’s lifestyle while working remotely.
Meanwhile, Malaysia allows long-term stay under its MM2H program. The DE Rantau Nomad Pass program was introduced last year and allows staying for one year, with an extension if necessary.
Furthermore, the Philippines allows various visa options. A standard tourist visa, initially at 30 days, can now be extended up to three years, thus giving digital nomads more than enough time to explore and work without the repeated process of renewals.
Lifestyle Perks: A healthy balance of work and leisure
Southeast Asia isn’t just about clocking in hours—it’s about living it up too. New cultures, new foods, and exciting sites can all be found without breaking the bank. Whether you are lying around in Thailand, walking around the Arts District in Kuala Lumpur, or partying on the Gili Islands, there is always something to do in a new place.
Another strong selling point of Southeast Asia is the work-life balance. Southeast Asian cities offer a way to live life a little slower. It is easy to find a place to unwind and enjoy your surroundings, making it great for creativity and productivity. Many people feel that its lower cost of living can make such a high-quality lifestyle accessible, apart from giving them an opportunity to pursue passion projects, travel more often, and maintain a better quality of life.
Southeast Asia Awaits! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prices and pace of life in LA, then it might be time to make a switch to Southeast Asia. With its low cost of living, strong local communities of nomads, easy visas, and amazing travel opportunities, the region has absolutely everything you need to thrive as a digital nomad.
Ready to trade in LA traffic for the laid-back tropical life? Check out our guides on living in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia to help get your move kick-started. For all other tips and guidance, check out the blogs and let your Southeast Asia adventure begin today!
