Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan, a hidden gem in Central Asia, has recently gained attention among digital nomads for its unique blend of culture, history, and affordable cost of living. Here are seven cities and towns worth considering for your next move as a digital nomad in this fascinating country.

Ashgabat

The capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, offers a modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The city is home to the Ashgabat Circus, an architectural marvel with impressive acrobat shows, and the National Museum of Turkmenistan, showcasing the rich history and culture of the country. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $300 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $50. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with a drink is around $15.

Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the Ak Altyn or Kipchak districts, which offer numerous furnished rental options and easy access to restaurants like Meltanat and Nusrat, popular among young people.

Mary

Mary, located near the border with Uzbekistan, boasts a rich historical heritage. Visit the ancient Merv, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its ruins dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $250 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $40. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with a drink is around $10.

Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center, where you'll find numerous guesthouses and local restaurants like Shirin and Milk Bar for a taste of traditional Turkmen cuisine.

Dashoguz

Located in the northwestern part of Turkmenistan, Dashoguz is a cultural hub with a diverse population. Visit the ancient cities of Kunya-Urgench and Kipchak, which are home to numerous historical sites and beautiful mosques. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $200 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $35. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with a drink is around $12.

Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the city center, where you'll find numerous guesthouses and local restaurants like Berkarar and Bicycle, known for their delicious shashlik and plov.

Balkanabat

Balkanabat, located near the Caspian Sea, offers a unique desert landscape and a laid-back atmosphere. Visit the Yaghanly Gala Kyzyk Depe, an ancient archaeological site, or relax at the nearby sea. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $225 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $45. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with a drink is around $13.

Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center, where you'll find numerous guesthouses and local restaurants like Ene and Yurdamli, known for their delicious kebabs and pilaf.

Turkmenbashi

Turkmenbashi, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, offers a modern infrastructure and beautiful beaches. Visit the Avaza Tourist Zone, which features a modern shopping center, water park, and numerous hotels. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $350 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $60. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with a drink is around $20.

Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the Avaza Tourist Zone, where you'll find numerous hotels and restaurants like Krasnyi Oktabr and Charyn, which offer delicious seafood dishes.

Khiva

Khiva, an ancient city in western Turkmenistan, offers a unique blend of history and culture. Visit the Ichan Kala, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its beautiful mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $275 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $55. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with a drink is around $15.

Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the city center, where you'll find numerous guesthouses and local restaurants like Palvan Mahalle and Tashauz, known for their delicious lagman and shashlyk.

Mangyshlak

Mangyshlak, located in the southwestern part of Turkmenistan, offers a unique desert landscape and a laid-back atmosphere. Visit the ancient sites of Koytendag and explore the natural wonders of the Caspian Sea. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $250 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $45. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with a drink is around $12.

Where to Stay & Eat: Stay in the coastal town of Turkmenbashi, where you'll find numerous guesthouses and local restaurants like Bilenge and Bukhara, known for their delicious manti and shashlyk.