Step 3: Avoiding Scams & Overpricing
The short-term rental market can be messy. Some quick rules:
Never send money via Western Union, PayPal “friends & family,” or wire transfer before signing a real contract.
Stick to trusted platforms (Airbnb, Booking, Flatio) if it’s your first time in a city.
If you’re dealing with a private landlord, ask for a video call walk-through before paying anything.
Use Google Maps to check the location — is it really “10 minutes from the center”?
Compare prices: if a listing seems way too cheap or too expensive compared to others, dig deeper.
Step 4: Negotiating a Monthly Rate
Most hosts are open to discounts for longer stays, even if it’s not advertised. Tips:
Politely message: “I love your apartment, I’m considering staying 1–2 months. Could you offer a monthly rate?”
Offer to pay in cash (if safe/legal in that country) for better deals.
Book during low season — you can sometimes get 30–40% off.
Promise good care of the apartment and fewer check-in/check-out hassles.
Step 5: Making It Work-Friendly
Even a beautiful apartment can be useless if you can’t work comfortably. Once you arrive:
Check Wi-Fi immediately. Run a speed test. If it’s too slow, get a local SIM or portable hotspot.
Set up a workspace. If the desk is tiny, improvise with the kitchen table or buy a cheap folding desk.
Lighting matters. Natural light helps mood and productivity, but a simple desk lamp works if needed.
Noise check. If the apartment is next to a nightclub, buy noise-canceling headphones fast.
Step 6: Visas & Legal Stuff
Living somewhere for a month is usually fine on a tourist visa, but always check the rules. Some countries now have digital nomad visas (Spain, Portugal, Estonia, Costa Rica, etc.), which make longer stays legal and easier. If you’re planning to work legally for clients inside that country, you’ll usually need a work visa.
Step 7: Blending In Like a Local
Renting an apartment means you’re part of the neighborhood. To make it feel like home:
Learn the basics of the local language (hello, thank you, coffee please).
Shop at local markets instead of only eating out.
Join a coworking space or nomad meetup to meet people.
Explore beyond tourist spots — you’ll find the real charm in daily life.
Best Cities to Try Monthly Rentals in 2025
Some cities are particularly great for medium-term living:
Lisbon, Portugal – Affordable apartments (if you book early), nomad visa, strong expat community.
Chiang Mai, Thailand – Apartments for under $500/month, great food, coworking everywhere.
Mexico City, Mexico – Cool neighborhoods like Roma & Condesa perfect for monthly living.
Medellín, Colombia – Affordable, spring weather all year, many furnished rentals.
Barcelona, Spain – Pricier, but incredible lifestyle with new nomad visa options.
Costs: What to Expect
Average monthly rents in 2025 (for 1-bedroom furnished apartment, central-ish):
Chiang Mai: $350–600
Lisbon: $900–1,400
Mexico City: $700–1,200
Medellín: $500–800
Barcelona: $1,200–1,800
(These are averages — deals exist if you look early, or pay more for luxury.)


Renting an apartment for a month is one of the best ways to balance work and travel. You get stability, a “home base,” and a routine — but without the long-term lease trap. With the right approach, you’ll avoid scams, score a fair deal, and set yourself up to live and work from anywhere.
Remember:
Always check Wi-Fi first.
Negotiate politely.
Pick neighborhoods that match your lifestyle.
And don’t be afraid to test a few cities until you find your perfect match.
Remote work isn’t about being stuck at home — it’s about choosing where your home office will be. And the best part? Next month, it could be somewhere totally different.