How to live cheaply as a digital nomad
Living your dream life on the beach with a mango juice in hand comes with a price tag. Even though living costs in Southeast Asia are lower than in many Western countries, you still have to get there first.
Hack: Sublet your apartment
We’ve covered your income sources—whether it’s a full-time job or freelancing. But where does your money go? In Germany, especially in big cities, about a third of your income can easily go toward rent. That was the case for me too.
As someone financially responsible, I didn’t want to pay for an apartment I wasn’t using. It’s fine for a three-week vacation, but not for two months—which was my goal. So, I looked for subtenants for my planned absence. Here are some key points:
- Right to sublet: In Germany, you have the right to sublet your apartment—if certain conditions are met:
- Legitimate interest: Subletting is permissible if the primary tenant has a legitimate interest. Permission is still required, but the landlord must grant it. If they refuse, tenants have a special right to terminate the lease.
- Communicate clearly: Explain your situation politely to your landlord. If needed, firmly but kindly assert your rights.
- Evaluate your options: If the landlord refuses and it causes stress, you’ll need to decide whether to sublet anyway (risking conflict) or find another way to save money.
- Choosing the right subtenants
- Trustworthiness: Make sure they’re reliable and that you feel comfortable leaving your home in their care.
- Flexibility
- Be flexible with move-in and move-out dates. Sometimes overlapping a few days or even weeks can make it easier for your subtenant to decide. If possible, you can share the space for a while or stay with friends or family temporarily.
- Sublease Agreement and Deposit
- Utility Costs: I was concerned about heating and electricity costs. I included in the sublease agreement that the subtenant would cover actual usage costs. You can get interim bills from your energy provider for a small fee.
- Deposit Use: Legally, the deposit is for damages to your property, not for utility costs. Make sure to keep this clear.
- Sublease Contract Template: You can find templates for sublease agreements online.
- Rent Charges: I always passed on the actual costs. You can charge more and make a taxable “profit” if you prefer. One time, a subtenant found the cost of the entire apartment too high, so I covered part of it. Flexibility is crucial in these situations.
By subletting, you can maintain a regular income stream while reducing unnecessary expenses. It’s a practical approach to managing your finances as a digital nomad.
Living cheaply at home and having more abroad
Tips for saving money at home
- Book Cheap Flights: Be flexible with your dates or even your destination to find the best deals.
- Minimalism: The less you need, the less you have to buy, and the less you spend.
- Pause Subscriptions: Pause your memberships and subscriptions (like the gym, public transport passes, or mobile contracts) while you’re abroad.
Continue reading
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Your packing list will depend greatly on your destination. I prefer warm countries, but I also have valuable tips for combining a cold country with a warm one in your packing list.
Solo Nomad Travels 