Yahoo Finance 8 Most Beautiful Places To Live Off Side Gigs
The beauty of side gigs is the flexibility they provide. And with that flexibility comes the option to live nearly anywhere you want, whether that’s within your own country or beyond.
The downside, however, is that some side gigs don’t pay enough to cover all the bills. Of course, this does depend heavily on the cost of living in that area, as well as your particular needs and goals.
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If you’re open to moving somewhere new and have a job that’s typically considered a side gig, here are some of the most beautiful places where you can afford to live off your earnings alone.
Mérida, Yucatán
If you don’t mind the heat, consider Mérida in Mexico.
“My husband and I have a business called Expatsi that helps Americans move abroad. We live in Mérida, Yucatán, and our life here costs about $3,000/month, including the rent on a suburban 2-bedroom home with a swimming pool and dining out regularly,” said Jen Barnett. “You can spend much, much more than we do, but you can also live on quite a bit less. Although inflation has hit Mérida like everywhere, there are still apartments available for around $500/month.”
The city is hot, but it’s beautiful and safe, according to Barnett. It’s also located only 30 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico.
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Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is another beautiful city to consider, especially if you love all four seasons and work in the hospitality and tourism industry.
“The median income for side jobs can range [from] around $25 per hour,” said Ricky Gomulka, an industry expert and the founder and managing partner at Jetlevel Aviation.
The area also boasts a vibrant local culture and fairly spectacular views. According to Best Neighborhood, the average apartment in Aspen costs about $1,600.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is beautiful and, compared to places like Key West, the cost of living there is quite a bit lower. The average apartment costs a little under $2,000, so depending on how much you’re earning from your side gig, you might be able to afford a place to yourself — or get a roommate to split costs.
“No income tax and beautiful weather attracts plenty of people to the Tampa Bay area,” said Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money. “It’s a hotspot for spring training and beach goers each year, and it’s not far from Orlando’s theme parks, so it regularly attracts potential customers.”
Salt Lake City
Utah is home to some gorgeous places, including Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. While Salt Lake City is several hours away by car, it’s still got its charm.
In Salt Lake City, the cost of living is a bit higher than the national average, but the median income is about $54,000. If you’re a freelancer, especially in tech, you could make a decent living here with your side gig.
Plus, the city has a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. It also has a vibrant downtown with easy access to plenty of outdoor activities.
A studio apartment in Salt Lake City averages at about $1,163 a month, according to Apartments.com. It might be small, but it’s quite affordable for those who need a place to live but want to spend most of their time outdoors.
New Orleans
Interested in living in the Deep South? New Orleans is another beautiful city to consider.
“Mardi Gras gives you your best opportunity, but people come to New Orleans all year long,” said Lieberman. “One underrated side hustle: getting people from the airport to the city. The airport’s in a suburb, and public transportation’s not great outside downtown. This can be your edge.”
According to RentCafe, a studio apartment in New Orleans only costs about $1,000 on average. This means you won’t have to get a roommate to split costs with unless you want to.
As with any side hustle, you’ll need to calculate your overhead costs, though. If you get into ridesharing, for example, consider the cost of gas, car maintenance and auto payments.
Lisbon, Portugal
“I’ve learned that some of the most beautiful places in the world also happen to be very appealing locations for those who earn income through side work,” said Jenoa Matthes, a travel expert with The Travel Folk.
One of the top places she suggested was Lisbon, Portugal.
“Lisbon has such picturesque coastal views alongside its historic architecture and charming alleyways. It’s really attracting digital nomads and remote workers thanks to its vibrant art scene, welcoming locals and growing tech startup community,” Matthes said. “Living costs are also reasonable for Western Europe, anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000 per month.”
Plus, expats from certain areas in the world — including the U.S. — can move to Portugal on a visa as a digital nomad.
Banff, Canada
Banff also suggested Banff as a beautiful place to live while working a side gig.
“It’s nestled right in the Canadian Rockies with absolutely stunning mountain vistas at every turn,” she said. “The town itself is located within a national park, so there’s abundant wildlife, too. It’s great for those who love an active outdoor lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowboarding and more.”
The cost of living ranges from about $2,000 to $2,500 a month, which means that side gig workers could still make a living there.
Bali, Indonesia
“For digital nomads or those seeking to fund their travels through side gigs, Bali, Indonesia, stands out,” said Tim White, founder of Milepro. “The island’s cost of living is relatively low… On average, the monthly cost of living for a single person, excluding rent, is around $500.”
But affordability is just one part of what makes Bali so great — it’s also rather beautiful.
One popular side gig in the area is teaching English, which, according to White, can bring in anywhere from about $800 to $1,200 a month.
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