7 Places Similar to Bali but Cheaper in 2026

For years, Bali was the default answer whenever somebody asked where digital nomads should go. Cheap villas, tropical weather, coworking spaces, surf culture, and a huge international community made it feel like the perfect remote work destination.

The problem is that Bali’s popularity became its biggest challenge.

Over the past few years, rental prices have climbed, traffic has worsened, popular cafés have become crowded, and many neighbourhoods that once felt relaxed now feel overwhelmed by tourism. Areas like Canggu and Ubud remain attractive, but they are no longer the budget-friendly paradise many remote workers first discovered. Concerns about the impact of digital nomads on local communities and housing affordability have become increasingly common, with publications such as Condé Nast Traveler’s analysis of digital nomad destinations highlighting similar challenges in popular remote work hubs around the world.

That doesn’t mean Bali has become a bad destination. It simply means many travellers are now looking for alternatives to Bali that offer a similar lifestyle with fewer crowds and lower costs.

If you’re searching for places similar to Bali but cheaper, there are still plenty of destinations where you can find tropical weather, good internet, affordable living, and a growing digital nomad community without paying Bali prices.

Why Digital Nomads Are Looking for Alternatives to Bali

One of the biggest travel trends of 2026 is that remote workers are spreading out.

Instead of moving to the same handful of famous destinations, many nomads are exploring smaller cities, emerging hubs, and countries that offer a better balance between affordability and quality of life.

Part of this shift is financial. Rent prices in some areas of Bali have doubled compared to what many nomads paid before the pandemic. Competition for accommodation has increased, and finding a quiet long-term rental is no longer as easy as it once was.

Another factor is lifestyle. Some travellers simply feel Bali has become too crowded. The cafés are busier, the roads are more congested, and the sense of discovery that originally attracted people has become harder to find.

This is why conversations about alternatives to Bali for digital nomads have become increasingly common.

So, is Bali still worth it in 2026?

For many people, yes. Bali remains one of the world’s most established remote work destinations. But it is no longer the obvious answer for everyone, especially those looking for lower costs and a slower pace of life.

Many remote workers are now following a broader trend of leaving expensive cities and expensive destinations altogether in search of better value.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

For more than a decade, Chiang Mai has quietly remained one of the strongest competitors to Bali.

While it lacks beaches, it offers many of the qualities remote workers actually care about: reliable internet, excellent cafés, affordable apartments, and a large international community.

One reason Chiang Mai remains popular is that it is still noticeably cheaper than Bali in many categories. Rent, local food, transportation, and coworking memberships often cost less than equivalent options in Canggu or Ubud.

The city also offers a calmer rhythm of life. Traffic exists, but it feels manageable compared to Bali’s most crowded areas. There are dozens of coworking spaces, strong café culture, and easy access to mountains and nature.

For digital nomads who spend most of their time working rather than surfing, Chiang Mai continues to be one of the most practical choices in Asia.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Da Nang has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s biggest digital nomad success stories.

The city combines beaches, modern infrastructure, fast internet, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living. Unlike Bali, it feels like a functioning city first and a nomad destination second.

One reason many people consider Da Nang among the strongest Bali alternatives with lower cost of living is housing. Long-term rentals remain relatively affordable, especially compared to the most popular areas of Bali.

The city also benefits from excellent food, improving public infrastructure, and easy access to nearby destinations such as Hoi An and Hue.

For remote workers who want beaches without Bali’s crowds, Da Nang is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Siargao, Philippines

If your favourite part of Bali is the surf culture, scooters, beach cafés, and island atmosphere, Siargao deserves attention.

This small Philippine island is often described as one of the closest places like Bali before Bali became famous.

The pace is slower. Development remains limited compared to Bali. The beaches feel less crowded. Life revolves around surfing, nature, and community rather than constant growth.

Internet reliability still trails behind destinations like Thailand and Vietnam, which may be a concern for some remote workers. However, many travellers see this as part of the appeal.

Siargao feels less commercial and more relaxed than many established nomad hubs.

Lombok, Indonesia

For travellers who love Indonesia but want to escape Bali’s popularity, Lombok may be the most obvious answer.

The island sits directly next to Bali but feels remarkably different. The beaches are quieter, traffic is lighter, and accommodation remains significantly more affordable in many areas.

Lombok is increasingly appearing on lists of the best places like Bali without crowds because it offers many of the same natural advantages without the same level of tourism development.

Surfing, diving, beaches, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes are all easily accessible. At the same time, daily life feels noticeably less hectic.

It may not have Bali’s enormous coworking scene yet, but that is exactly why some travellers prefer it.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Thailand has no shortage of islands, but Koh Lanta occupies a unique position.

It remains developed enough to support remote work while still feeling far more relaxed than many famous beach destinations.

For travellers seeking affordable alternatives to Bali, Koh Lanta offers a compelling combination of beaches, relatively low costs, and a peaceful atmosphere.

The island attracts a mixture of expats, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and long-term travellers. Unlike Bali’s busiest areas, however, life rarely feels rushed.

Many people arrive planning to stay for a month and end up remaining for an entire season.

Medellín, Colombia

At first glance, Medellín seems like an unusual Bali alternative.

There are no beaches, no surf breaks, and no tropical islands.

Yet for many remote workers, the similarities are surprisingly strong.

Like Bali, Medellín offers an established international community, modern cafés, coworking spaces, and a lifestyle built around remote work. It has become one of the most popular digital nomad destinations like Bali outside Asia.

The city also provides access to mountains, excellent weather, and significantly lower living costs than many Western cities.

For people who care more about community and infrastructure than beaches, Medellín remains one of the strongest nomad hubs in the world.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Few cities have grown as quickly within the digital nomad community as Tbilisi.

Georgia’s visa-friendly policies, affordability, and growing international scene have attracted remote workers from around the world.

Many people now view Tbilisi as one of the best cheaper places than Bali for remote workers, particularly those who prioritize cost of living over tropical weather.

Accommodation remains affordable compared to many popular nomad destinations. The café culture is strong, internet speeds are excellent, and the city offers a unique mix of European and Asian influences.

It is not a beach destination, but it provides something many remote workers increasingly value: stability.

Which Bali Alternative Is Best for You?

The best destination depends on what attracted you to Bali in the first place.

Some people want beaches. Others want affordability. Others want coworking spaces and international communities.

Destination	Cost of Living	Internet	Crowds	Visa Friendliness
Chiang Mai	Low	Excellent	Moderate	Good
Da Nang	Low	Excellent	Low	Good
Siargao	Moderate	Fair	Low	Moderate
Lombok	Low	Good	Low	Moderate
Koh Lanta	Moderate	Good	Low	Good
Medellín	Moderate	Excellent	Moderate	Good
Tbilisi	Low	Excellent	Low	Excellent

Those searching for the cheapest place to nomad may prefer Chiang Mai or Tbilisi.

Travellers focused on beaches might lean toward Da Nang, Siargao, Lombok, or Koh Lanta.

Meanwhile, remote workers researching digital nomad visas often compare destinations based not only on costs but also on long-term residency options.

The reality is that no destination perfectly replaces Bali. Each offers a different version of what originally made Bali attractive.

FAQ

What are the best alternatives to Bali?

Some of the best alternatives to Bali in 2026 include Chiang Mai, Da Nang, Lombok, Koh Lanta, Siargao, Medellín, and Tbilisi. Each offers a different balance of affordability, lifestyle, and remote work infrastructure.

What places are similar to Bali but cheaper?

Chiang Mai, Da Nang, Lombok, and Tbilisi are among the most popular places similar to Bali but cheaper. Many travellers find that accommodation and everyday expenses remain lower than in Bali’s busiest areas.

Is Bali still worth it in 2026?

Yes. Bali remains one of the world’s leading digital nomad destinations. However, increasing costs, traffic, and crowds have encouraged many travellers to explore alternatives.

Which country is cheaper than Bali?

Thailand, Vietnam, and Georgia often provide lower overall living costs than Bali, particularly when it comes to accommodation and long-term rentals.

What is the best Bali alternative for digital nomads?

Chiang Mai and Da Nang are often considered the strongest alternatives because they combine affordability, internet reliability, coworking spaces, and established remote work communities.

Where can remote workers go instead of Bali?

Remote workers looking for alternatives can consider Thailand, Vietnam, Georgia, Colombia, the Philippines, and Lombok in Indonesia. The best choice depends on budget, climate preferences, and visa requirements.

Many people exploring these destinations are ultimately searching for a sustainable digital nomad lifestyle, rather than simply another version of Bali.