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If your “cheap-island” budget now feels like a Bali tax, aim for these ten cities where 25–40 USD a day is enough for a roof, three meals and some fun change—no influencer discount required.
1. Da Nang, Vietnam — beach + bánh mì for 30 USD/day
Squeaky-clean My Khe Beach, bánh mì for 1 USD and GrabBike rides that cost less than the tip.
Scooter an hour north to Imperial Hue, be back for sunset craft beer at 7 Bridges Brewery.
Official Da Nang tourism
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand — jungle city from 28 USD/day
Dorm beds in the Old City from 12 USD, 1 USD khao soi and a month-long coworking pass under 120 USD—no wonder digital nomads treat the city like a free refill.
Tourism Thailand guide
3. Pokhara, Nepal — lakeside Himalaya views for 25 USD/day
Tea-house beds at 6 USD and momo mountains for 1.50 USD.
Paddleboard at dawn while Annapurna turns pink—humidity free, blissfully good-hair days.
Nepal Tourism Board
4. Oaxaca City, Mexico — mole & mezcal at 35 USD/day
3 USD tlayudas, 11 USD bunk in a 19th-century casa and free gallery openings on Fridays.
Trade Bali bowls for smoky mezcal tastings—healthy smoothie vibes not included.
Visit Mexico — Oaxaca
5. Tbilisi, Georgia — wine on tap for 32 USD/day
Ride the Soviet-era funicular, soak in sulfur baths and pour qvevri wine from petrol-style pumps for 0.80 USD a glass.
Hostel bunks hover at 9 USD; khachapuri will ruin you for pizza.
Georgia Travel
6. Cartagena, Colombia — Caribbean heat at 38 USD/day
Sleep in mural-splashed Getsemaní dorms (15 USD), devour 2 USD arepas and hop a 0.60 USD bus to Playa Blanca.
Sunset salsa on the ramparts is still free.
Colombia Travel — Cartagena
7. La Paz, Bolivia — altitude savings at 27 USD/day
Cable-car commutes for 0.35 USD, market lunch (soup + stew + juice) 1 USD and a valley-view room for 12 USD.
Oxygen optional, savings guaranteed.
La Paz city guide
8. Sofia, Bulgaria — Europe-lite at 33 USD/day
Cappuccino under 1 EUR, free walking tour, Roman ruins inside the Metro.
Summer hostels toss in breakfast and Cyrillic tips for free.
Visit Sofia
9. Lviv, Ukraine — coffee capital at 29 USD/day
Jazz bars, chocolate ateliers and opera tickets for 3 USD.
A flat white costs less than bottled water in Bali—respect the bean.
Lviv Official Tourism
10. Hoi An, Vietnam — lantern magic on 26 USD/day
Riverside homestays for 10 USD, tailoring starts at 25 USD and dawn bicycle rides to An Bang Beach feel spa-level gentle.
Order cao lầu noodles—nobody knows why they’re smoky, just eat.
Visit Hoi An
Bottom line: Bali is still beautiful, but it’s no longer the budget benchmark. Swap just one of these cities into your route and stretch that “island money” until it squeaks.
Related reads on travelleri.com:
• More dollar-stretching inspiration in 9 Places Where 50 USD a Day Feels Like 500.
• Planning a long stay? Compare paperwork in 7 Digital Nomad Visas So Easy It Feels Like Cheating.
• Fuel your wander-stomach with 12 Street-Food Dishes Worth Flying For.
