When you think about traveling full-time, most people assume it’s expensive. Luxury hotels, endless flights, and tourist attractions quickly add up – right? But for Cedric, better known as Mr. Nomad Numbers, the reality has been the opposite. By embracing slow travel and tracking every expense, he and his wife have discovered a lifestyle that costs less than half of what they used to spend in San Francisco.
In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, Christoph and Palle talk with Cedric about his journey from Silicon Valley engineer to global traveler, how he built a system to track travel spending, and why life on the road can actually be more affordable than staying put.
From Silicon Valley to Global Nomad
Cedric started his career in France before moving to the United States to work as a software engineer in Silicon Valley. After ten years in the corporate world, he and his wife decided to take a one-year sabbatical. Instead of going back to “normal life,” they discovered the world of digital nomadism and financial independence – and never looked back.
By 2018, they had sold most of their belongings, left their apartment, and set off on a journey that has taken them to over 90 destinations worldwide.
Spending Less, Living More
In San Francisco, Cedric and his wife spent up to $60,000 a year just to maintain their lifestyle. Once they became nomads, that number dropped dramatically. Their first year on the road cost $40,000 – for two people – and they’ve consistently kept their expenses in that range.
Even after factoring in health and “longevity” costs, their average spending remains between $25,000 and $40,000 per year. That’s less than half of their Silicon Valley budget – while enjoying a life full of new cultures, experiences, and connections. Find all their spending reports since 2018 here.
Building the Nomad Purse App
Tracking every dollar became an essential part of Cedric’s journey. Spreadsheets worked at first, but they quickly became cumbersome with currency conversions and detailed categories. So, Cedric built his own tool: the
Nomad Purse app
The app helps travelers log expenses across countries, normalize costs of living, and even factor out one-time purchases like laptops or flights. Over time, it has grown into a community-driven platform where nomads can share their real cost-of-living data worldwide. Find it here.
Where in the World is it Cheapest to Live?
Cedric’s data proves that not all destinations are created equal. Some of the most affordable places he and his wife have lived include:
- Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Georgetown, Malaysia
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Ubud, Bali
- Da Nang, Vietnam
On the other end of the spectrum, cities like Seoul and Lisbon proved to be much more expensive – sometimes double the cost of their Asian bases. But even in pricier regions, slow travel and long stays helped keep their budget manageable.
Money-Saving Hacks for Nomads
Cedric and his wife have mastered the art of stretching their travel dollars. Some of their best strategies include:
- Negotiating AirBnB stays – aiming for 30–50% off monthly rentals
- Cooking at home – reducing food costs while eating healthier
- Walking and hiking – exploring destinations without costly tours
- Leveraging credit card rewards – saving $6,000–10,000 a year on flights through U.S. credit card bonuses
These hacks, combined with a slow travel pace, allow them to enjoy life on the road without financial stress.
Designing Life on Your Own Terms
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring digital nomads who think they can’t afford it, Cedric’s answer is simple: you design your own life. With intentional choices, a bit of research, and the right mindset, long-term travel can be surprisingly affordable.
And as Christoph points out in the episode, it’s often less about cutting expenses and more about increasing your options – through remote work, geo-arbitrage, and building community with like-minded nomads.
Sponsor Note
This episode is supported by GigSky One, the eSIM subscription built for digital nomads. Instead of juggling separate data plans every time you cross a border, GigSky One gives you one subscription that works seamlessly around the world.
Choose a flexible monthly plan, or save with 3-month and 12-month options – all with no contracts or hidden fees. Whether you’re in Bali, Berlin, or bouncing between hubs all year long, GigSky One keeps you reliably connected so you can focus on your work, adventures, and freedom.
Download the GigSky app today or learn more at GigSky.com
Listen to the Full Episode
Cedric’s story is proof that nomad life doesn’t have to be expensive – it can actually be the key to financial freedom. Listen to the full conversation on the Nomad Summit Podcast to hear more about his journey, the Nomad Purse app, and his favorite destinations for affordable slow travel.
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