Discover ten surprisingly affordable cities around the world where vegan digital nomads can live, work, and eat well without compromising their values—or their wallets.

Let’s be honest: finding a city that ticks all the boxes—affordable, good Wi-Fi, safe, walkable, and full of cruelty-free food—isn’t easy.

Especially if you’re trying to stretch your dollars while working remotely and sticking to a vegan lifestyle.

But here’s the good news: I’ve been collecting mental notes (and Google Maps stars) from my own travels, and I’ve found some seriously underrated gems. These aren’t just places where you can live on a budget—they’re also places where veganism isn’t treated like a strange foreign concept.

Some are obvious picks, others might surprise you. But all of them? They make it easier to live well, work well, and eat like a plant-based king or queen.

Let’s dive in.

Why Chiang Mai keeps popping up on every digital nomad list

If you’ve ever scrolled through digital nomad forums, you’ve probably seen Chiang Mai come up again and again—and there’s a reason for that.

It’s ridiculously affordable. We’re talking $1 street food, $300/month apartments, and co-working spaces with fiber internet and unlimited coffee for less than your old gym membership.

But here’s what sold me: the vegan scene is unreal.

From tofu larb to coconut curries to smoothie bowls with dragonfruit you’ll never find at your local supermarket, there’s no shortage of options.

Even the night markets have stalls labeled “vegan” in English. That’s not something I take for granted when traveling.

Why Lisbon feels like a low-key vegan paradise

I didn’t expect Portugal to be this vegan-friendly—but Lisbon changed my mind fast.

Traditional cuisine is meat-heavy, sure, but the city has seen a huge rise in plant-based cafés and zero-waste groceries in the past five years.

And while Western Europe isn’t always known for being budget-friendly, Lisbon is still one of the more affordable capitals.

You can split a sunny apartment with roommates for under €500, use the cheap metro system, and work from cafés that welcome laptops (and serve oat milk without rolling their eyes).

Bali, but not the influencer version

Bali is more than infinity pools and smoothie bowls on Instagram.

Once you get past the touristy parts of Canggu and Seminyak, there’s a quieter, more affordable side. Places like Ubud or even Amed on the northeast coast offer slower vibes and longer stays—without breaking the bank.

And the vegan options? Everywhere.

Locals have long embraced plant-based cooking thanks to religious and cultural traditions. Tempeh, tofu, fresh vegetables, coconut—it’s all part of the everyday diet. You don’t have to search hard to eat well.

Tbilisi is the wild card I didn’t expect to love

Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) wasn’t on my radar until a fellow digital nomad raved about it over dinner in Lisbon.

Tbilisi is quirky, warm, and super welcoming to foreigners. And yes, it’s incredibly affordable—think $2 wine, $1 khinkali (which you can find in vegan versions), and charming Airbnb rentals that go for $200–$300/month.

While veganism isn’t mainstream here, there’s a growing expat scene and a handful of vegan cafés popping up.

The produce is fresh, the bread is addictive, and if you cook at home, it’s one of the easiest places to stay healthy on a budget.

Mexico City is more vegan-friendly than you think

I used to think Mexico City was all tacos al pastor and cheese-covered enchiladas.

But after a month living in the Roma Norte area, I realized how wrong I was.

The vegan food scene here is exploding. From jackfruit tacos to vegan tamales to fully plant-based panaderías (bakeries), there’s innovation and tradition merging in the best way.

Rent is more affordable than in most U.S. cities, and the public transport—while chaotic at times—is cheap and reliable. Bonus points for some of the best specialty coffee I’ve had anywhere in the world.

Budapest delivers big value for plant-based travelers

This was one of those cities I initially booked for two weeks and ended up staying for two months.

Why? Because it checked every box.

It’s got fast internet, beautiful architecture, thermal baths for off-hours relaxation, and vegan food that ranges from cheap falafel spots to full-on vegan fine dining.

As noted by travel site HappyCow, Budapest has one of the highest concentrations of vegan restaurants per capita in Europe.

Rent is surprisingly affordable for a European capital—especially if you stay on the Pest side.

Ho Chi Minh City offers energy, affordability, and tofu galore

If you thrive on fast-paced environments, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) delivers.

And it’s a dream for budget-conscious vegans.

Vietnamese cuisine naturally leans into herbs, vegetables, and tofu. Plus, due to the Buddhist population, there are “chay” restaurants all over the city—these are vegetarian by default, and many are fully vegan.

Internet is fast, SIM cards are cheap, and apartments come fully furnished for $300–$400/month.

It’s noisy and chaotic, sure. But if you love vibrant energy and can handle a few scooters honking every hour, it’s a great spot to work and eat well.

Canggu is still a go-to, with caveats

Let me be honest: Canggu is no longer cheap by Southeast Asia standards.

Prices have gone up thanks to Instagram tourism. But if you’re strategic—sharing housing, staying a bit inland, cooking occasionally—it’s still manageable.

And the vegan food?

Phenomenal.

You can find everything from raw cheesecakes to tempeh poke bowls to jackfruit tacos, all beautifully plated in airy cafés where digital nomads camp out all day.

This is a place where no one will look twice if you order a turmeric latte and open up your laptop for four hours.

Medellín is a South American gem

Set in the mountains of Colombia, Medellín has become a haven for remote workers.

The weather is spring-like year-round, the cost of living is low, and the infrastructure for working online is solid.

But what surprised me most? The vegan options are seriously creative.

As Claudia Lucía, founder of Medellín Vegan Tours, has said: “Veganism is growing fast in Medellín—not just with tourists, but with locals who are redefining what Colombian food can look like.”

From plantain arepas to lentil-based empanadas, there’s a lot more than just salad here.

Kraków is the underrated star of Central Europe

Poland probably isn’t the first country you think of when it comes to vegan-friendly destinations.

But Kraków proved me wrong.

It has a youthful energy thanks to the university scene, and the vegan community here is tight-knit and passionate.

Restaurants proudly label themselves as “wegańska,” and you can find pierogi stuffed with mushrooms and sauerkraut, dairy-free desserts, and beetroot stews without animal stock.

Rent is reasonable, and public transport works well. It’s not quite as cheap as Southeast Asia, but compared to Western Europe, it’s a steal.

Final thoughts

If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between eating the way you believe and living the life you dream of—don’t.

You can be a digital nomad on a budget and stay vegan.

It takes a bit of research, a dash of flexibility, and maybe a few awkward menu translations, but it’s more than possible.

In fact, some of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had abroad came from unexpected street meals, local vegan communities, and the freedom that comes from living lightly—both on the planet and on your wallet.