If you follow my content, you know I publish monthly digital nomad costs from different places, like Bali, Koh Phangan, or New Zealand. After my last post, I got a comment from a nomad couple that pointed out how much less they spend. Obviously, it’s hard for childless people to understand why digital nomad families don’t have the same possibilities to save money.
In this post, I’ll point out all the factors that make the life of a digital nomad family more expensive than the life of solo travelers. We will explore the differences, highlighting each situation’s unique challenges and advantages.
Rental Costs
When traveling as a digital nomad with kids, finding suitable and spacious accommodation becomes a priority. It’s essential to have enough room for everyone to live comfortably and have separate spaces for work, play, and rest. This often means looking for larger apartments or houses, which can come with a higher price tag. For example, in Koh Phangan, Thailand, you can get a simple 1bdr house for under 10,000 THB (280 USD) a month. The digital nomad costs of a 2bdr house are not only double but usually triple or quadruple.
Additionally, the location of the rental property may also affect the costs. Digital nomads with kids often prioritize staying in family-friendly neighborhoods, away from busy, dangerous roads, with access to schools and other amenities. These areas may have higher rental prices compared to more budget-friendly options.
Find some of the best hotel deals here.
Transportation
A significant part of digital nomad life is to change places. While traveling solo, you can choose the budget-friendly and adventurous way – e.g., the night train to Bangkok. However, traveling with small children makes you more likely to opt for the easier route, which saves time and nerves but may be more expensive. I’m looking forward to becoming more risk-taking when the kids are older. But for now, we pay more for transportation. It is how it is.
The decision to choose convenience over budget-friendly options is often a practical consideration for families with young children. Although it may mean paying more for transportation, the ease and comfort it provides become paramount. Looking forward, there’s an anticipation of becoming more risk-taking when the children are older, allowing for a more adventurous and budget-conscious approach to travel.
This acknowledgment reflects the adaptability required in the digital nomad lifestyle, recognizing that priorities and choices evolve with family dynamics. While the current phase may involve a higher expenditure on transportation for the sake of convenience, it sets the stage for potential changes and a more flexible approach in the future. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of the nomadic journey and the willingness to adapt to the needs of the family at different stages.
Childcare
Aside from rental costs, other factors increase expenses for digital nomads with kids. One big factor in our lives is childcare. If both parents work remotely, they may need to hire a nanny or enroll their children in daycare or preschool programs. These additional expenses can significantly impact the overall budget.
Our monthly costs for childcare are rarely less than 20,000 THB (570 USD). This only includes a nanny or daycare option for our 2-yo daughter, as the 6-yo goes to an international school and sometimes has sleepovers at friends’ houses.
Education
For families who prioritize traditional education, enrolling their children in international schools or homeschooling programs can incur additional digital nomad costs. The international school of our oldest costs around 20,000 THB (570 USD) per month. And this is not even an expensive school. We know parents who pay double on the neighboring island of Koh Samui, Thailand, or triple in Bali. Crazy, right? And now imagine your child having a cold and missing one week of school. That hurts!
The financial commitment to education becomes even more pronounced when considering unexpected events, such as a child falling ill and missing a week of school. Beyond the concern for the child’s health, there’s an added financial impact as educational fees continue even during periods of absence.
These costs highlight the complexities and financial considerations that come with maintaining a semblance of traditional education for nomadic families. The disparities in educational expenses across different locations underscore the need for careful planning and budgeting, ensuring that the pursuit of education aligns with the overall financial strategy of the digital nomad lifestyle.
Healthcare
Ensuring access to quality healthcare is crucial for families with kids. This may involve purchasing international health insurance or budgeting for medical expenses in different locations. In our case, that means having travel insurance with the German insurance company Hanse Merkur. But note: Even the best insurance, at least as far as I know, won’t cover vaccinations and preventive medications. So, as a family, you’ll naturally always pay more than solo travelers.
However, it’s essential to note that even the best insurance policies may not cover certain aspects, particularly vaccinations and preventive medications. This means that, as a family, healthcare costs may naturally be higher compared to solo travelers. The added consideration of the health and well-being of each family member underscores the importance of comprehensive healthcare planning in the digital nomad journey.
Balancing the need for accessible and quality healthcare with the financial aspects of insurance coverage becomes a crucial component of the nomadic lifestyle. The understanding that healthcare expenses extend beyond emergencies to include preventive measures reinforces the need for strategic planning and budgeting in this essential aspect of nomadic life.
Family-friendly activities
No, I won’t take my two small kids to the weekly nomad dinner – for the sake of you and me! Digital nomad families often seek out family-friendly activities and events in different locations to provide enrichment and socialization opportunities for their children (and themselves). These activities may come with associated costs, such as entrance fees or memberships. That also includes, for example, the choice to visit a convenient (but fancy) restaurant with a pool rather than a local restaurant next to a busy road. Parents of toddlers will know what I mean.
Family-friendly activities may come with additional costs, such as entrance fees or memberships. There’s also the consideration of opting for convenience, like choosing a restaurant with a pool for the family, which, while more expensive, provides a more comfortable and child-friendly environment compared to a local restaurant next to a busy road.
These decisions highlight the balancing act that digital nomad families navigate – seeking enriching experiences for their children while being mindful of the associated costs. The need for family-friendly spaces and activities is essential, and while it may incur additional expenses, the value of providing a positive and enjoyable environment for the whole family is a priority for many nomadic parents.
Being a Digital Nomad without Kids
To make this article complete, here are all the advantages that digital nomads without children have:
Greater Flexibility
- Ability to change plans and travel on short notice
- More freedom to explore and take risks
- Less responsibility and fewer obligations
Lower Costs
- Not having to budget for additional expenses related to children
- More flexibility in choosing accommodation and transportation options
- Ability to live a more minimalist lifestyle
Focus on Personal Growth
- More time and energy to invest in personal and professional development
- Opportunities for self-discovery and exploration
- Ability to prioritize individual goals and aspirations
Social Connections
- Easier to meet and connect with other digital nomads
- More opportunities for networking and collaboration
- Ability to build a diverse and global social network
Digital Nomad Costs: Conclusion
Whether one is a digital nomad with or without kids, both experiences offer unique advantages and challenges. In my opinion, there’s nothing more fulfilling than showing your kids the world while pursuing your own dreams. But I also want to raise awareness that this lifestyle comes with higher costs.
Do you have any questions regarding this topic? Please let me know in the comments! Thank you for reading!