With youth unemployment on the rise, now’s the perfect time to live abroad, work remotely, or job hunt from somewhere sunny and cheap. We’ve rounded up 11 affordable, youthful cities — plus tax tips to help you save while you explore.

Let’s dive in ⬇️

This Week in Nomad Deals

🎓Best Cities for New Grads: Check out these 11 low cost-of-living cities with young populations.  

💸Tax Planning for 2025: How Americans (including the new pope) can maximize tax savings for this year.

Finance

Papal Tax Tips: How Americans Living Abroad Can Save Big

Every U.S. citizen and resident is required to file tax returns...even the pope!

Barring any, erm, dispensation, it appears that the American-born Pope Leo XIV.

1) Federal tax breaks

Most Americans living abroad can claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which shields a portion of income from taxes ($130,000 for 2025).

Unfortunately for the Supreme Pontiff, the FEIE does not apply to salaries paid by foreign governments, including the Vatican.

2) Housing allowance

Because he resides in the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo's "minister's housing" is excludable from gross income under IRS rules. Other nomads eligible for the FEIE can also claim the Foreign Housing Exclusion (up to $39,000 for 2025), further reducing taxable income.

3) Housing allowance

As a resident of Illinois, Pope Leo is subject to a 4.95% state income tax. He could eliminate this liability, though, if he re-domiciles to a state with no personal income tax.

💰The Savvy Nomad service helps nomads navigate the red tape and logistical challenges of moving your residency to Florida. Use the Nomad Deals discount link for a one-time $59 discount.

Cities

11 Cheap Cities for Young Nomads

Congrats to the Class of 2025! 🥳 

Now that the festivities are over, we have some bad news and good news.

The bad news is that the unemployment rate for new grads recently reached 5.8%. The good news is that now you have some time to enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle, while sending out job applications from the beach.

Check out these 11 low-cost cities with young populations

• Skopje, North Macedonia: Skopje is one of Europe’s most budget-friendly capitals, making it ideal for young nomads looking to stretch their savings.

• Bogotá, Colombia: Bogotá is a vibrant capital filled with youthful energy, street art, and a thriving café culture.

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio blends natural beauty and urban energy like few places can. With a relatively low cost of living, beachside coworking spaces, and an active, outdoor lifestyle, it’s ideal for grads who want to balance work with adventure.

• Jakarta, Indonesia: Jakarta is a massive, fast-paced city that's attracting startups and young talent across Southeast Asia.

• Cebu, Philippines: Cebu offers a unique mix of city convenience and tropical living, making it perfect for nomads craving both productivity and relaxation. It’s also one of the youngest cities in Southeast Asia.

• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh is one of the most popular digital nomad hubs in Asia thanks to its low prices, lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and endless supply of lively cafés and coworking spaces. The youthful population and booming food and nightlife scenes make it an exciting place to start your post-grad chapter.

• Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Phnom Penh is still under the radar, but it’s catching the attention of young nomads for its affordability and ease of staying long-term. The city has a laid-back pace, friendly locals, and one of the region’s youngest populations.

• Lima, Peru: Lima combines coastal views with an energetic urban atmosphere, offering affordability and solid infrastructure for remote workers.

• Podgorica, Montenegro: Podgorica is compact, affordable, and increasingly attractive to digital nomads looking for a quieter base in Europe. Montenegro's stunning landscapes and relatively relaxed visa requirements make it an appealing choice for young workers.

• Mexico City, Mexico: Mexico City is one of the most exciting places for young nomads — bursting with creativity, history, and an unbeatable food scene. It’s well-connected, relatively affordable, and packed with young professionals.

• Brussels, Belgium: Brussels offers a more structured, international experience for young nomads who want to stay in Europe but still be part of a dynamic, youthful environment. Although Europe is graying overall, Brussels maintains a younger demographic thanks to its strong educational and startup scene.