Values are approximate and will vary by lifestyle and market conditions. Research up-to-date prices before relocating.
The Nomad Lifestyle
Remote work has unlocked the ability to live and travel in a wide range of destinations. Cost of living varies dramatically from one city to another, and small differences add up over months. This tool highlights those differences so you can make informed choices about your next base of operations.
Comparative Formula
To estimate a total monthly cost, add rent, food, coworking fees, transportation, visa expenses, and insurance for each city. The savings are where and are the combined costs for cities A and B. Positive values indicate City B is more expensive; negative values mean City A costs more.
Example Comparison
Suppose City A costs $800 for rent, $300 for coworking, $150 for transportation, $100 for visas and insurance, and $700 for food and other expenses, totaling dollars. City B might charge $500 for rent, $250 for coworking, $120 for transportation, $100 for visas and insurance, and $800 for food and other expenses, totaling . The savings formula yields . In other words, you’d save about $280 per month in City B.
Quality-of-Life Factors
While cost matters, also consider climate, community, safety, and internet reliability. Lower rent might not be worth it if you can’t find co-working spaces or high-speed connections. Research visa requirements and local culture before booking long-term stays. The calculator gives a financial snapshot, but lifestyle fit is equally important.
Adjusting to Exchange Rates
If you’re comparing cities that use different currencies, convert to your base currency first. Online exchange-rate tools update daily. Input those converted values here for an apples-to-apples comparison. Revisiting the numbers regularly helps you stay on budget as exchange rates fluctuate.
Tracking Your Budget
After you move, keep an expense log to compare your actual costs with these estimates. It’s common for spending patterns to change once you settle in. Tracking helps you refine your budget for future destinations and decide whether you’re getting good value out of a location.
Community Insights
Online nomad forums and local Facebook groups are excellent resources for real-world cost data. This tool pairs well with those insights, giving you a quick calculation to see how numbers line up. Every city has hidden costs or unexpected bargains, and community advice fills in those gaps.
Using the Calculator
Enter rent and living expenses for two cities, then hit compare. The result tells you which location is cheaper and by how much per month. Copy the text to share in chats or planning documents. Recalculate as often as your travel plans change.
Looking Ahead
Long-term nomads often rotate among a few favorite hubs. By tracking cost differences, you can decide how long to stay in each place or when it’s worth splurging on a pricier but exciting new destination. The more you compare, the better you’ll understand which factors truly matter to your lifestyle and career.
Health and Travel Insurance
When comparing destinations, research the cost of international health coverage and travel insurance. Premiums and access to medical care differ widely around the world. Budgeting for these expenses ensures peace of mind while exploring new places.
Remember to factor in visas and local taxes. Some destinations require monthly visa runs or charge temporary residence fees that impact your budget.