For digital nomads, expats, and long-term travelers, housing is one of the biggest expenses. While hotels and short Airbnb stays are fine for vacations, they become too expensive for people planning to live abroad for months or even years. That’s why learning how to find cheap long-term rentals abroad is essential for saving money and building a sustainable lifestyle. In 2025, with the rise of global mobility, there are more platforms, strategies, and tools than ever to secure affordable accommodation overseas.
đź“Ś Why Long-Term Rentals Are the Best Option for Expats & Nomads
Living abroad comes with many financial and lifestyle challenges. Choosing a long-term rental instead of short stays offers multiple benefits:
- Lower Monthly Costs: Landlords often provide discounts of 30–50% for monthly or yearly contracts.
- Stability: Staying in one place for longer allows you to build a routine and feel at home.
- Community Integration: Renting locally helps you live like a resident, not a tourist.
- Flexibility: Many countries offer rental contracts without heavy legal restrictions, ideal for nomads.
🔥 Best Ways to Find Cheap Long-Term Rentals Abroad
1. Use Local Rental Websites
Instead of only searching on global platforms like Airbnb, check local classified websites and property portals. Sites like OLX (Latin America, Asia), Idealista (Spain, Portugal), or Immobiliare.it (Italy) often list apartments at much cheaper rates than international platforms. Searching in the local language also reveals hidden opportunities.
2. Facebook Groups & Expat Communities
Facebook expat groups and local housing forums are goldmines for affordable rentals. Landlords often post directly, and you can connect with other expats leaving their apartments. Examples: “Expats in Lisbon Housing” or “Digital Nomads Bali Rentals.” These groups often have apartments 20–40% cheaper than Airbnb listings.
3. Negotiate Airbnb for Monthly Discounts
Even though Airbnb is seen as expensive, many hosts offer significant discounts for long stays. Contact the host directly and negotiate a monthly or 3–6 month rate. Many owners prefer stable tenants over short-term bookings and will reduce the price if you commit longer.
4. Try Coliving Spaces
Coliving has become a major trend among digital nomads. Spaces like Outsite, Selina, or Outpost offer furnished rooms, coworking access, and community events. While slightly more expensive than local rentals, coliving eliminates hassles like furniture, Wi-Fi, and utilities, making it a cost-effective choice for flexible travelers.
5. Work with Local Real Estate Agents
In many countries, real estate agents help foreigners find long-term rentals. While some charge a fee (often equal to one month’s rent), they can save time by navigating language barriers and paperwork. Agents also have access to properties not listed online.
6. Book Short-Term First, Then Search Locally
A smart strategy is to book a short-term stay (Airbnb, hotel, or hostel) for 1–2 weeks and search for apartments in person. Walking around neighborhoods, checking notice boards, and talking to locals often leads to the cheapest options that aren’t listed online.
7. Use Specialized Platforms for Nomads
Websites like NomadX, Anyplace, and HousingAnywhere focus on medium to long-term rentals for digital nomads. These platforms verify listings and often provide furnished apartments with utilities included—perfect for expats staying 1–12 months.
8. Look Beyond Tourist Areas
Living in the city center or tourist zones is always more expensive. Instead, search for neighborhoods slightly outside the main attractions. For example, in Lisbon, living in Amadora is much cheaper than Alfama, while still well-connected by metro. Choosing non-touristy areas can cut rental costs by up to 50%.
9. Share Housing with Other Nomads
House-sharing is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Many nomads split apartments or villas, especially in Bali, Chiang Mai, or MedellĂn. Shared rentals not only save money but also help build social connections with like-minded people.
10. Take Advantage of Off-Season Deals
Rental prices fluctuate depending on the season. In tourist-heavy areas, rents drop significantly during off-season months. For example, in Mediterranean countries, winter rentals are often 30–40% cheaper than summer rates. Planning your stay around off-peak times saves a lot of money.
đź“– Tips for Securing the Best Deals
- Always ask if utilities (Wi-Fi, water, electricity) are included in the rent.
- Negotiate directly with landlords for better rates—especially for 3+ month stays.
- Check internet speed before signing—essential for remote work.
- Use contract agreements even if informal, to avoid disputes.
- Be flexible with location—small towns or suburbs are usually cheaper than capital cities.
âś… Conclusion
In 2025, finding cheap long-term rentals abroad is easier than ever if you use the right strategies. From local rental sites and expat groups to coliving spaces and specialized platforms, digital nomads and expats have countless options to choose from. By avoiding tourist traps, negotiating directly, and planning stays during off-seasons, you can cut housing expenses dramatically. A smart approach not only saves money but also provides comfort and stability—allowing you to fully enjoy your experience living abroad.
👉 For global rental listings, check: HousingAnywhere Long-Term Rentals