Living in several countries throughout the year can be made affordable by owning modest homes in low‑tax jurisdictions and keeping them empty when not in use. Below is a breakdown of the annual out‑of‑pocket expenses for five properties spread across Europe, Asia, and South America, based on actual bank statements and utility bills.
Property‑by‑Property Maintenance Costs
| Location | Size / Type | Key Expenses (USD/yr) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi, Georgia (city‑center apartment) | ~700 sq ft, renovated | • Electricity: $15 • Water: $14 • Trash: $9 • Internet (100 Mbps): $183 • Occasional façade‑improvement contribution: a few hundred dollars every few years |
No mortgage (high Georgian rates). No property tax because the owner has no Georgian‑sourced income. |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (large city‑center unit) | ~3,500 sq ft | • Property tax: $776 • Electricity (kept on while empty): $605 • Water: $47 • Internet (500 Mbps): $438 |
Property is being sold; figures reflect a fully‑furnished, unoccupied home. |
| Bogotá, Colombia (condo) | ~1,200 sq ft | • Building admin & security: $1,836 • Property tax: $987 • Electricity: $240 • Water: $197 |
Admin fees cover 24‑hour security and common‑area upkeep. |
| Montenegro (Boca Cotorška) (newer building) | ~1,000 sq ft | • Electricity: $303 • Water: $121 • Trash collection: $225 • Local taxes: $480 • Internet (≈48 USD/mo): $576 |
Property manager handles bill payment; utilities are billed annually. |
| Belgrade, Serbia (city‑center apartment) | ~1,500 sq ft | • Building services (water, gas, trash): $1,451 • Property tax: $420 • Electricity: $127 • Internet (200 Mbps): $290 |
Service provided by municipal “Infostan” agency; numbers are final estimates. |
Total annual cost for the five homes: ≈ $9,300 (rounded). The speaker’s own calculation arrived at about $13,600, likely including occasional maintenance contributions and other minor fees not itemised above.
How These Costs Compare to Typical U.S. Property Expenses
- A suburban home in Long Island, New York, can generate $10,000–$30,000 in property taxes each year, even for a modest‑size house.
- In many U.S. states (e.g., California, New York, Washington), utility rates and homeowner association fees are similarly high.
- By contrast, the combined maintenance budget for five international bases is well under $15,000, despite covering multiple continents and a total living space exceeding 7,000 sq ft.
Practical Takeaways for Building a Low‑Cost Global Base
- Choose jurisdictions with little or no property tax – Georgia, Montenegro, and Serbia impose minimal taxes on non‑resident owners.
- Avoid mortgages – High local interest rates can make financing uneconomical; buying outright eliminates financing costs.
- Select smaller, well‑located units – A 700 sq ft apartment in a city centre can serve as a functional base for work and leisure, while larger homes increase utility and tax burdens.
- Factor in utility and admin fees – Internet, electricity, water, and building administration are the primary recurring expenses; they vary widely by country.
- Use properties for personal or team stays – Keeping homes empty avoids hotel costs (often €150–€200 per night) and provides immediate workspaces when travel plans arise.
- Plan for occasional maintenance contributions – Some older buildings require collective façade or structural upgrades; budgeting a few hundred dollars every few years prevents surprise expenses.
- Leverage local property managers – In places where online bill payment is limited (e.g., Montenegro), a trusted manager can handle utilities and taxes on your behalf.
When the Strategy May Not Fit
- High‑tax, high‑cost markets such as Switzerland, Canada, the United Kingdom, or major U.S. cities can erode the cost advantage.
- Desire for rental income – The model described focuses on personal use; renting out the homes would introduce tax complications, management overhead, and potential conflicts with visa or residency rules.
- Long‑term residency requirements – Some countries may require a minimum stay or local income to qualify for tax exemptions; ensure compliance before purchasing.
By targeting low‑tax, low‑maintenance locations and keeping properties mortgage‑free, a global nomad can maintain a network of personal bases for under $15 k a year—substantially cheaper than the property‑tax burden of a single U.S. home. This approach provides flexibility, reduces travel friction, and can serve both personal and small‑team needs without the overhead of hotels or short‑term rentals.
