Finding a comfortable yet affordable place to stay is one of the biggest challenges for digital nomads. Unlike traditional travelers, nomads need housing that supports both work and lifestyle needs—fast WiFi, a productive workspace, and a good location. The key is knowing where to look, how to negotiate, and which platforms offer the best deals for short-term stays.
Here’s how to find short-term rentals and affordable housing while maintaining flexibility as a digital nomad.
1. Use Digital Nomad-Friendly Rental Platforms
Several websites specialize in short-term rentals and furnished apartments for remote workers.
Best Platforms for Finding Rentals:
- Airbnb – Great for flexible stays, but negotiate for long-term discounts.
- Flatio – Specifically designed for mid-term stays (1–12 months) with no deposit.
- Nomad Stays – Created for digital nomads, offering affordable short-term housing.
- Furnished Finder – Ideal for monthly rentals, often used by traveling professionals.
- Vrbo – Similar to Airbnb but often better for longer-term stays.
Some platforms like Booking.com and Expedia also offer extended stay discounts on apartments and hotels.
2. Check Facebook Groups & Local Communities
Facebook groups and online forums often have the best rental deals because you can rent directly from landlords, avoiding booking fees.
How to Find Rental Listings on Facebook:
- Search for groups like “Digital Nomad Housing [City Name]” or “Expats in [City Name]”.
- Join local co-living and expat groups where people post rental openings.
- Look for sublet offers—travelers often rent out their apartments when leaving temporarily.
- Post a housing request with your budget, length of stay, and location preference.
Facebook groups are especially useful in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America, where local landlords advertise directly.
3. Use Co-Living Spaces for Flexibility & Networking
Co-living spaces are perfect for digital nomads who want affordable, community-driven accommodations with built-in coworking areas.
Top Co-Living Spaces Worldwide:
- Outsite (Global) – Premium co-living for remote workers in major cities.
- Selina (Latin America & Europe) – Budget-friendly hostels with coworking options.
- Roam (Bali, London, Tokyo, Miami, and more) – High-end community living.
- Sun and Co. (Spain) – Small but strong digital nomad community.
Co-living is a great way to meet like-minded travelers, stay productive, and save on housing without committing to long-term leases.
4. Try Local Rental Websites & Classifieds
Many countries have local housing websites where long-term rentals are significantly cheaper than Airbnb.
Country-Specific Rental Platforms:
- Spain – Idealista, Spotahome
- Thailand – DDProperty, Hipflat
- Portugal – OLX, Casa Sapo
- Mexico – Vivanuncios, Inmuebles24
- Germany – WG-Gesucht (for shared apartments)
Checking local websites often reveals better deals than international platforms.
5. Negotiate for Long-Term Discounts
Many landlords and Airbnb hosts are willing to offer lower rates for stays longer than a month.
How to Negotiate a Rental Price:
- Book Directly – If you find a place on Airbnb, try contacting the host outside the platform to avoid fees.
- Offer a Longer Stay – Many hosts give discounts for stays of 4 weeks or more.
- Pay Upfront – Some landlords lower the price if you pay for the entire stay in advance.
- Compare Prices – Show similar listings in the area to strengthen your negotiation.
A simple message like, “I love your place! Would you be open to a monthly rate discount for a longer stay?” can often reduce the price.
6. Consider House Sitting & Home Swaps
House sitting is a free accommodation option where you stay in someone’s home while they travel, often caring for pets or plants.
Best House Sitting Websites:
- TrustedHousesitters – The most popular platform with global listings.
- Nomador – Strong in Europe and North America.
- MindMyHouse – Low membership fee with great house-sitting opportunities.
Home swaps (trading homes with another traveler) can also eliminate housing costs if you have a home base.
7. Stay in Extended Stay Hotels & Serviced Apartments
Hotels and serviced apartments often offer monthly discounts, especially in cities with a strong business traveler market.
Best Options for Extended Stays:
- Citadines Apart’Hotels – Fully furnished apartments with hotel amenities.
- Staybridge Suites & Residence Inn (IHG & Marriott brands) – Extended-stay hotels with kitchens.
- Local Boutique Hotels – Many offer unadvertised long-term rates.
If you prefer a turnkey, hassle-free stay, serviced apartments provide everything without requiring deposits or leases.
8. Use Google Maps & Local Walk-Ins
Sometimes the best deals aren’t online—many landlords don’t list their properties on rental sites and prefer in-person inquiries.
How to Find Rentals by Walking Around:
- Search “apartment for rent” on Google Maps in your destination city.
- Walk around popular digital nomad neighborhoods and look for rental signs.
- Ask at local cafés, coworking spaces, or restaurants—locals often know landlords with vacancies.
This approach works especially well in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, where direct rentals are common.
9. Rent a Room in a Shared Apartment
Shared apartments (flatshares) are a cost-effective way to rent without signing long-term leases.
Best Websites for Finding Flatshares:
- Coliving.com – Shared apartments for digital nomads.
- WG-Gesucht (Europe) – Ideal for finding roommates in Germany and nearby countries.
- Roomster & SpareRoom – Good for the U.S., U.K., and Australia.
- Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace – Often have sublet options.
Flatshares are perfect for keeping costs low while making new connections in a city.
10. Consider Living Outside the City Center
Living in the city center can be expensive, but neighborhoods 10–20 minutes away often have cheaper rent without sacrificing convenience.
How to Find Affordable Areas:
- Use Google Maps & Reddit to research digital nomad-friendly neighborhoods.
- Check public transport options—many cities have fast and cheap metro/bus systems.
- Ask in Facebook expat groups about good budget-friendly areas.
For example, in Lisbon, staying in Almada (just across the river) costs half the price of the city center. In Bangkok, areas like Ari or Phra Khanong are cheaper than Sukhumvit but still well-connected.
Finding short-term rentals and affordable housing as a digital nomad doesn’t have to be stressful. By using the right platforms, negotiating rates, and exploring alternative options like co-living, house sitting, or local rentals, you can secure comfortable, budget-friendly accommodation no matter where you travel.