Yes, it’s real—and no, it’s not just for influencers.
A few years ago, I was commuting 45 minutes each way, paying $2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and wondering if life was always going to feel like one long to-do list.
Now? I sip coffee on a balcony overlooking the ocean, take calls barefoot, and wrap up my day with a sunset swim—all while spending less per month than most people do on rent alone.
Building a remote work life in paradise sounds like the kind of dream people scroll past on social media sunset photos, laptops by the beach, and impossibly cheap living costs. For years, I assumed it was all exaggerated or reserved for influencers with sponsorship deals. But once I finally stepped out of my routine and tested the waters myself, I realized the lifestyle was far more accessible than it looked. Not glamorous or unrealistic just intentional and surprisingly achievable.
Before I made the leap, my monthly expenses at home felt like a treadmill I couldn’t step off. Rent, utilities, subscriptions, commuting, eating out it all added up fast, and the idea of lowering my cost of living by moving abroad seemed reckless. But the more I researched, the more I saw people with average incomes creating lives that felt freer, calmer, and cheaper than anything I’d experienced. I wasn’t chasing luxury; I was chasing a life that made sense.
What ultimately pushed me wasn’t a desire to escape my country it was realizing that remote work gave me a chance to build a lifestyle centered around well-being rather than constant hustle. The moment I compared what I was spending at home to what life in a slower, more affordable destination could offer, the choice suddenly felt obvious. Why not pay less and live more?
The transition wasn’t perfect or instantaneous. It took planning, trial periods, and a lot of recalibrating. But what shocked me most was how quickly my daily stress dissolved once I found a place where my income stretched further. When you no longer feel pressured by bills, commutes, or constant noise, you start noticing the things that make life rich sunrise walks, fresh local food, quiet evenings, and the steady hum of a simpler routine.
This is the story of how I traded high costs for high quality of life and built a remote-work lifestyle in a place that feels like paradise all for just $1,200 a month. Whether you’re dreaming of doing the same or simply curious about how it works, this breakdown will show you that the life you want might not be as far away, or as expensive, as you think.
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Quick Easy Tips
Track your expenses before moving so you know exactly what lifestyle you’re aiming for.
Choose destinations with reliable internet and coworking options—comfort matters.
Start with a one- or two-month trial instead of moving long-term immediately.
Learn basic phrases in the local language—it goes a long way.
Keep your work hours consistent so travel and leisure don’t overwhelm productivity.
One of the biggest debates around remote living abroad is whether it’s ethical. Some argue that digital nomads drive up rent and overwhelm local communities. While that can be true in certain hotspots, the counterargument is that many choose lesser-known destinations where their income supports local businesses without contributing to displacement. It all comes down to choosing responsibly.
There’s also a controversial perception that living abroad cheaply is only possible if you “sacrifice” comfort. But comfort is subjective. Some people genuinely prefer slower living, smaller homes, simpler routines, and fewer material pressures. What looks like sacrifice to someone else might feel like freedom to you. The assumption that happiness equals high expenses is a very American idea—and not necessarily a universal one.
Another point of tension is the idea that remote living abroad is unrealistic unless you’re wealthy or already successful. The truth is that many people living this lifestyle aren’t earning six figures—they’re earning modest remote salaries but choosing countries where their money goes further. It’s less about income, more about smart location choices. The controversy often reveals more about cultural expectations than about what’s actually possible.
Where I Live Now (And Why I Chose It)
I currently live in Canggu, Bali, but I’ve also spent time in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Medellín, Colombia, and Lisbon, Portugal. All are affordable, scenic, and filled with digital nomads just like me.
What I look for in a “paradise” base:
Fast Wi-Fi
Affordable apartments or guesthouses
Walkable or scooter-friendly
Friendly expat and local community
Ocean or mountains nearby for weekend escapes
My Remote Job: What I Actually Do
I work as a freelance content strategist and writer. I started with a few clients on Upwork and Fiverr, then transitioned to long-term gigs with U.S.-based businesses.
20–30 hours per week
Client meetings in the early morning (due to time zones)
Deep work mid-morning, then beach or cafe time in the afternoon
Other jobs that work well for this lifestyle:
Web development or UX/UI design
Digital marketing or SEO
Online teaching or coaching
Customer support or virtual assistant work
E-commerce or dropshipping
Tip: You don’t have to be a tech wizard—just offer a service people need, and do it reliably.
My Monthly Budget (Bali Edition)
Rent (private villa, Wi-Fi, pool) $500
Food (eating out daily + groceries) $250
Coworking Space / Wi-Fi upgrades $50
Transportation (scooter + fuel) $50
Health insurance / travel insurance $75
SIM card / phone data $15
Gym + Yoga classes $40
Fun / extras (massages, excursions) $120
Total: ~$1,200
Bonus: I pay zero income tax in Indonesia as a non-resident under 183 days. Your country’s tax rules will vary, so check first.
How I Made the Move (Without Going Broke)
Built a remote income stream before leaving
I didn’t move until I had 3 months of savings and one consistent client.
Started in a low-cost country
Places like Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, and Indonesia are ideal for first-time digital nomads.
Joined online communities
Facebook groups like “Digital Nomads Around the World” helped with finding housing, local tips, and instant friends.
Used sites like NomadList and Airbnb
Great for researching cost, Wi-Fi speeds, and reviews before committing to a place.
What People Don’t Tell You About Remote Work Abroad
You still have to work—this isn’t a vacation.
Time zones can be tough. (6 AM calls happen.)
Loneliness is real if you don’t seek out community.
Visas matter—some countries offer digital nomad visas, others don’t.
But the upsides? Incredible:
More free time and flexibility
Better mental and physical health
Deep cultural immersion
Friends from all over the world
I’ve learned more about myself in 1 year abroad than I did in 5 years at home.
Final Thoughts: Paradise Is a Choice (And a Strategy)
Working remotely in paradise doesn’t mean quitting your job and hoping for the best. It means setting up a life that supports freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—on your terms.
If you’re curious about this life, start small:
Take a “workcation” for a month
Try remote-friendly Airbnb rentals
Test-run coworking spaces in different cities
And don’t wait until it’s “the perfect time”
Because the perfect time? It’s now.
Living in paradise for $1,200 a month sounds like a fantasy until you realize how doable it becomes once you rethink your priorities, your work habits, and your expectations of comfort. Remote work opens doors that past generations never had, and once you learn to take advantage of it, your lifestyle starts expanding instead of shrinking. The secret isn’t luck—it’s intention, planning, and the willingness to step outside your normal routine.
What surprised me most wasn’t how affordable the move was, but how quickly life slowed down in all the best ways. Days feel longer, stress feels lighter, and small things—sunrise coffee, beach walks, local markets—start to matter far more than buying new things or living for weekends. It’s a lifestyle built less on consumption and more on presence, something I never realized I was missing until my cost of living dropped and my quality of life surged.
In the end, building a remote life abroad isn’t about escaping reality. It’s about choosing a reality that actually fits you. If you’re willing to rethink what “normal” should look like, you might find that paradise isn’t as far away—or as expensive—as you’ve always assumed.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.
Ant
Wednesday 14th of May 2025
Thought about it- actually lived in Bali for two years with family. Here are my thoughts on this: 1. This lifestyle and especially in Canggu, works best for singles-maybe for couples. Not for families. 2. Canggu is now very overcrowded. After COVID restrictions were lifted, the local Balinese government let as many tourists in as possible to offer financial relief for local businesses that had suffered during the pandemic lockdown. Canggu was already overcrowded in 2018 when I lived in Bali. Now, it’s crazy. 3. Canggu is full of entitled Westerners with superiority complex. I went to Canggu to visit. The attitude of young Westerners was suffocating. They’re everywhere, with little Balinese people and grace to see. 4. I think the writer’s budget is unreal, as in “not realistic”, especially for accommodation, food and drinks in Canggu. $12 drinks, like at home in your country? Yep. $500 per month for villa in Canggu? Nowadays? Doubt it. 5. Visas are a pain in the butt to organise 6. You MUST get yourself private health insurance that gives you access to one of the two Western hospitals in Bali 7. This kind of life works best if you’re young and want to chill for a few years. Coming back to the normal life in your country will be hard. Can you plan your life to live in Bali forever? What about visas? Healthcare? What if you have children one day? Will you be happy sending them to the local schools? There are private Western schools but they will cost you quite a bit. 8. Final word: it’s not as idyllic as it sounds. Oh, there are earthquakes too. Have you heard of the Ring of Fire? 9. Really, really final word: I love Bali, but not everywhere, and not Canggu. Good luck!