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Digital Nomad Housing: How to Find Safe and Affordable Rentals

BySherry Arkfeld

Thinking about full-time travel and wondering where you’ll live? Housing is one of the biggest challenges for digital nomads.

You want something safe, comfortable, and affordable, but also flexible enough to match your travel style.

When I became a digital nomad in 2022, I spent months researching every possible housing option.

Since then, I’ve tested everything from Airbnb apartments to housesitting gigs and have learned a lot about what works (and what doesn’t) when you’re constantly on the move.

This guide breaks down what to look for, where to find it, and tips for avoiding expensive mistakes.

A cobblestone street in Campeche lined with colorful colonial-style buildings stretches into the distance. Parked cars sit along the narrow road, and balconies overlook the quiet scene.
I loved living on this colorful street in Campeche.

What to Consider When Choosing Digital Nomad Housing

Location

Where you stay shapes your entire experience. A perfect apartment in the wrong neighborhood can ruin a trip, while a simple room in the right spot can make life easier than you imagined.

When I lived in Campeche, I found a tiny house on a colorful street just a block from the main square.

It wasn’t fancy, but I could walk to everything I needed: markets, cafes, and even a local vet for my dog. That convenience changed my entire day-to-day routine.

Look for places near grocery stores, cafes, and co-working spaces. If you’re traveling with a pet, check for vets and pet supply stores too.

Having these things close by saves time and keeps you from relying on expensive taxis or rideshares.

A busy street in Mexico City with many people walking on the sidewalk. The buildings are old and beautiful. One building has many flags in front of it.

Internet and Infrastructure

Strong Wi-Fi isn’t optional when you work online. I’ve had trips where the apartment looked perfect but the internet barely loaded email.

Now I always confirm the speed before booking and read reviews to see if anyone else has had issues.

Even if the Wi-Fi is good, plan for backup options. In Cancun, I used co-working spaces when storms knocked out service in my rental.

In smaller towns, I’ve relied on local cafes that welcome laptop workers.

It’s also worth checking how easy it is to get around. Are buses reliable? Is the airport close? Details like that can save headaches later.

Cost of Living

Housing is just one part of your budget. Food, transportation, and even fun stuff like museums or snorkeling trips vary wildly depending on where you are.

I use Nomads.com for quick cost estimates, but I always cross-check in Facebook groups to see what people actually spend.

Locals and other nomads can tell you what groceries cost or if a certain neighborhood is overpriced.

The image shows a street view of an Irish pub with a large green awning reading “The Clover Irish Pub and Restaurant.” The building has tall windows and decorative stonework, with rainbow and Irish flags hanging outside. The sidewalk and street are wet from rain, and a white vehicle is parked nearby.

Safety

Safety is personal. What feels safe to me might not feel safe to you. Before I move anywhere, I check crime maps and search local Facebook groups for recent posts about safety.

Nomads.com also has safety information on places all over the world. They provide statistics, plus info from people who are actually there, including whether there is a lot of racism or intolerance toward certain groups.

Culture and Lifestyle

Some people thrive in big cities with endless events. Others need quiet beaches or mountain towns. Be honest about what makes you happy long term.

I loved Cancun’s energy for a while but eventually moved to Cozumel for the slower pace and community vibe. Think about what you want out of each stop before you commit.

Time Zones

The image shows a white wall with hand-painted floral designs in blue and green, surrounding the words “Casa de las Flores.” The house number “240” is displayed in red and black tiles. A black metal gate is visible beneath the artwork, leading into the property.

If you have regular meetings, time zones can be brutal. I taught English online in China for a while and had 4 a.m. classes. It worked for a few months, but it wasn’t sustainable.

Now I choose destinations that keep me within a few hours of my clients whenever possible.

Getting the Best Price

Housing will probably be your biggest expense as a digital nomad, so finding ways to stretch your budget makes a huge difference.

The good news is you don’t always have to pay the listed price. With a little research and some negotiation, you can often get a better deal, especially if you’re staying longer than a week or two.

Watch for Hidden Costs

Utilities, cleaning fees, and deposits add up fast. Airbnb service fees can easily add hundreds to a monthly stay.

If electricity is included, be sure to verify if it’s unlimited. I’ve seen rentals where you have to pay for electricity over a certain amount.

If you negotiate directly with an owner (which I do often), ask what’s included and get it in writing.

The image shows a two-story white house with blue trim and decorative arched windows. The upper floor features a curved balcony with white balusters and a round rooftop terrace. The ground level has two arched doors and a window framed in blue tile.

Negotiating for Better Rates

When searching for housing, don’t hesitate to negotiate the price or explore different options.

Reach out to landlords or property owners to see if they are open to negotiation, especially for longer-term stays.

I have saved as much as half off the cost quoted on Airbnb. This is easiest to do if you’re already in the same city. I simply message the host through Airbnb and ask to see the apartment or house in person.

Once I meet with the host, I ask if they book outside the app. So far they have always agreed.

Just be sure to get your agreement in writing since you won’t have the protections you’d get by booking through Airbnb or VRBO.

It’s still going to be a bit risky, so be sure to research the host/landlord to make sure they don’t have complaints against them. I use Facebook groups for the city to search for any issues people have had.

If you’re not in the same city as the place you’re looking to rent, ask in Facebook groups. Many rental owners are in the local groups so you can find good deals there.

Another method is to book through Airbnb/VRBO for a couple of days, then negotiate for a lower price once you get there. I haven’t done this myself, but I’ve heard of others having good success.

Types of Digital Nomad Accommodations

There’s no one-size-fits-all option. What works for a solo traveler might not work for someone with kids or a dog. Here are the most common types and what I’ve learned using each.

Short-Term Rentals

Airbnb, Booking.com, or VRBO are the easiest ways to start. They give you privacy and flexibility, and you can filter for pet-friendly places. The downside is cost, especially in tourist hotspots.

I use these when I’m exploring a new city and don’t know how long I’ll stay.

Find a Short Term Rental
ChatGPT said: The image shows a modern high-rise apartment building with gray exterior walls and large reflective windows. The structure has multiple levels with varied window sizes and balconies. A bright blue sky with scattered clouds is visible in the background.

Coliving Spaces

Coliving is part housing, part built-in community. You get a private room but share kitchens, lounges, and sometimes even co-working areas.

I’ve met lifelong friends in coliving spaces, but they’re not for everyone. If you like privacy, it can feel crowded.

My favorite resource is Coliving.com because it lists options all over the world.

Find a Coliving Home
The image shows a modern open-plan office with white desks and chairs arranged in clusters. The ceiling features an exposed black grid design with recessed lighting. There are potted plants, whiteboards, and shelves adding a casual and collaborative workspace vibe.

Remote Work-Friendly Hotels

Some hotels are finally catching on that nomads want kitchenettes and good Wi-Fi.

Extended-stay hotels are perfect when you need predictable service and a workspace but don’t want to hunt for an apartment.

Find an Extended Stay Hotel

Digital Nomad Communities and Retreats

These combine housing, co-working, and social events into one package. They’re ideal if you’re new to nomad life and want structure. They can cost more, but everything’s included.

House Sitting or Pet Sitting

Sites like TrustedHousesitters connect you with homeowners who need someone to watch their pets or property. You get free housing in exchange for caretaking. It’s a win-win if your schedule is flexible.

You may need to pay an annual membership fee, but it more than pays for itself. You can learn more about getting started as a housesitter here.

Find a Housesitting Gig

Hostels

Hostels aren’t just for twenty-something backpackers anymore. Many have private rooms and decent Wi-Fi. They’re cheap, social, and perfect for short stays. The trade-off is less privacy and sometimes noisy roommates.

Find a Hostel
The image shows a simple dorm-style bedroom with four wooden bunk beds placed along the walls. Each bed has white bedding with a colorful geometric-patterned blanket at the foot. The room features a wooden herringbone floor and a window at the far end with closed blinds.

Tips for Finding the Right Accommodations

Most people start with Airbnb, but there are so many other ways to find housing. My favorites:

  • Facebook groups: Search for “apartments in [city]” or “digital nomads [city].” You’ll find local landlords and real-time updates about housing scams or good deals.
  • Word of mouth: Chat with people at co-working spaces, gyms, or even cafes. Locals know about places before they’re listed online.
  • Nomad-specific sites: Coliving.com for community living, TrustedHousesitters for house-sitting, and Nomads.com for overall city info.
The image shows a high-rise balcony with glass railings overlooking the ocean and several tall modern buildings. The sky is bright blue with scattered clouds, and sunlight reflects off the water. The balcony has clean white walls and flooring, giving it a sleek, minimalistic look.

Wrap-Up: Digital Nomad Accommodations

Finding housing as a digital nomad feels intimidating at first, but it gets easier.

Start with short-term rentals until you figure out what you need. Talk to locals, ask in Facebook groups, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.

The more you move, the better you’ll get at spotting red flags and finding the gems.

With a little planning and a lot of flexibility, you can create a home base anywhere in the world.

Ladies, join my free, private Facebook group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads. It’s a safe place to connect, learn, and thrive as a digital nomad. You don’t need to be over 50 but you do need to be a woman.

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Sherry Arkfeld is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and copywriter living her dream of being able to work from anywhere in the world while exploring new places with her little dog, Shelby. Sherry is passionate about sharing her experiences to help other travelers and digital nomads. Sherry and Shelby are currently traveling slowly around Mexico with plans to eventually go (almost) everywhere.