Thailand and 5 other affordable countries where working part-time lets you truly enjoy life (2025)

Let’s face it: not everyone wants to spend 60 hours a week in an office or hustle 24/7.

Sometimes, the real dream is to work just enough to stay afloat and then savor your time exploring, relaxing, or chasing personal passions.

If that resonates, you might be eyeing places around the globe where a part-time gig can actually cover living expenses — and still leave you with time to soak in local culture.

I’ve tried variations of this lifestyle, hopping between short remote gigs while exploring new settings.

Let me tell you, some countries make it far easier than others.

Below, I focus on Thailand, then spotlight five more nations that offer an appealing blend of affordability, decent infrastructure, and that intangible “good vibe” factor for part-timers.

Why Thailand stands out

Thailand has been a magnet for remote workers, backpackers, and retirees for years.

The main draw?

It’s incredibly easy to live well on a modest budget.

In spots like Chiang Mai, you can find comfortable apartments for a few hundred dollars a month, feast on mouthwatering street food for pocket change, and zip around on a motorbike or tuk-tuk without draining your savings.

I once spent a few weeks there, juggling freelance marketing assignments in the morning and exploring temples by afternoon.

Between affordable co-working spaces, robust Wi-Fi in city centers, and a welcoming expat community, living part-time in Thailand can feel seamless — even if your income is on the lighter side.

And then there’s the sheer variety: if you crave beaches, head south to Phuket or Krabi; if you want cool mountain breezes, the north is your friend.

But beyond cost, Thailand offers a culture that balances ancient traditions with forward-looking growth, so there’s always something happening: festivals, markets, new cafés, or simply the chance to chat with friendly locals.

The country’s tourism infrastructure also means you’ll have no shortage of day trips or weekend escapes.

Because of this, many folks who plan to “just see how it goes” in Thailand end up staying far longer than expected. I totally get why.

1. Vietnam

Vietnam rivals Thailand in affordability.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the main hubs, offering an interesting blend of tradition and modernity.

You can grab a studio apartment for $250–$400 monthly, or even cheaper if you share.

Street food like pho or banh mi is usually $1–$3, and if you’re working part-time online or teaching English for a few hours a day, that’s often enough to cover the basics.

Don’t sleep on the mid-sized cities either.

Places like Da Nang are calmer and still have decent digital infrastructure for remote work. Meanwhile, coastal towns like Nha Trang or Hoi An combine beach vibes or historic charm with a lower cost of living.

If you’re up for riding a motorbike, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore.

Plus, the local coffee culture is ridiculously strong—literally and figuratively—making those early work sessions more energized.

2. Portugal

Looking for a European flair without the hefty price tag? Portugal might be your best bet.

While Lisbon’s been trending lately and can be pricier than it once was, you can still find shared flats or modest studios for a fraction of what you’d pay in cities like Paris or Berlin.

If the capital’s hustle is too much, smaller cities like Porto, Braga, or Coimbra offer laid-back charm at an even lower cost.

The climate’s mild, the coastline is gorgeous, and the public transport is reasonably good. Working part-time is extra sweet when you can spend off-hours exploring cobblestone streets or lingering at a café for a pastel de nata.

English is widely understood, which simplifies day-to-day tasks.

And don’t forget the local produce and fresh seafood markets—budget-friendly and mouthwateringly good. If you want that European vibe without a full-time schedule, Portugal’s easy to recommend.

3. Mexico

For many North Americans, Mexico is both close and culturally vibrant, with cost-of-living perks that make part-time work feasible.

While Mexico City is more expensive than it used to be, it’s still affordable compared to many U.S. cities.

You can find local eateries serving hearty meals for under $5, public transit for a few cents, and rent that won’t decimate your budget if you avoid premium neighborhoods.

Cities like Guadalajara or Mérida are also popular among remote workers, offering lower rents, historical charm, and a strong sense of community.

Even smaller towns across the country can be surprisingly conducive to a part-time worker lifestyle, assuming you’re okay with a slower pace and patchy Wi-Fi at times.

Throw in Mexico’s diverse landscapes — from beaches and jungles to deserts and mountains — and you’ve got plenty of weekend adventure options without spending a fortune.

4. Georgia (the country)

Wedged between Europe and Asia, Georgia is a hidden gem that’s been quietly gaining traction among digital nomads.

Tbilisi, the capital, blends ancient architecture with hip cafés and an evolving art scene.

Monthly rent for a decent apartment can run as low as $300, and local food — think dumplings (khinkali), cheese bread (khachapuri), and fresh produce — remains wallet-friendly.

What surprises many is Georgia’s visa policy.

Citizens of numerous countries can stay up to a year without formalities, which is a huge perk if you’re not sure how long you’ll want to stay there.

The local culture is famously hospitable, often centering around communal feasts called supras.

For weekend getaways, the Caucasus Mountains offer skiing, hiking, and jaw-dropping views.

If you’re fine with the Cyrillic alphabet and an occasionally rocky public transport system, a part-time job could easily cover your living costs here, leaving ample time for cultural exploration.

5. Malaysia

If you’re intrigued by Southeast Asia but want a slightly different flavor than Thailand or Vietnam, consider Malaysia.

The country’s cost of living is reasonable, especially outside urban hotspots like Kuala Lumpur.

A one-bedroom apartment can hover around $300–$500 in smaller cities, and local street food — ranging from nasi lemak to char kway teow—rarely breaks the bank.

Public transport is steadily improving, particularly in KL, where the LRT and MRT systems help you zip around. English is widely spoken, making everyday transactions easier.

Meanwhile, the cultural mix (Malay, Chinese, Indian, and more) yields fascinating festivals and mouthwatering cuisine.

If you need occasional breaks from city life, you can hop on a budget flight to island destinations like Langkawi or Sabah.

Whether you’re freelancing online or teaching a few hours, part-time work often stretches surprisingly far here.

Putting it all together

If you’re craving a life where you can work part-time and still enjoy your surroundings to the fullest, these six countries deliver.

Thailand remains a top contender for a reason: it’s affordable, well-traveled, and brimming with options for every mood.

But Vietnam, Portugal, Mexico, Georgia, and Malaysia each have their unique charm and living costs that align well with a lighter workload.

Deciding on which to pick might come down to personal preference — do you prefer beaches or mountains, urban bustle or laid-back rural vibes, Southeast Asian cuisine or European flair?

No matter what, working fewer hours doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality of life. In some places, it can mean a richer experience that’s less about hustle and more about savoring the everyday.

So if you’re pondering where to base yourself while keeping that sweet work-life balance, give these destinations a closer look.

The perfect spot could be just a plane ride away.