According to a YouGov survey from July 2024, one in three Australians has worked as a digital nomad, while a further 41 per cent are considering it. With multiple governments offering dedicated digital nomad visas, and an abundance of co-working spaces and expat groups, the transition is becoming a well-oiled machine.

After talking to Dean, I did some mathematical gymnastics and realised that an entire month of living in Vietnam – where you can enjoy lush landscapes, vibrant street food, relaxed living and have access to some incredible travel – would cost me roughly the same as a single week in Melbourne or Sydney.

Phnom Penh is a cool 50.1 per cent cheaper than Melbourne, Bangkok is 41.8 per cent cheaper, and Bali is 36.6 per cent more financially friendly. In this reality, working, seeing the world, and saving money for the future is still entirely possible for Australians.

Yes, this also comes with the ethical dilemma of knowing that in enjoying a cheaper way of life, you’re also pricing out locals and contributing to the problems you’re trying to escape from at home, a tough pill to swallow. But really, what are our options now?

We’re not flocking overseas for green smoothies or beach breaks; we’re seeking drastic solutions to survive. A third of young Australians feel financially insecure, while half of Gen Zs and Millennials live paycheck to paycheck, with 65 per cent currently experiencing housing stress and 31 per cent skipping meals to save money. That young Australians feel that they have to move overseas as a long-term financial survival solution in the first place is a sign of just how dire things really are.

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The great Australian dream used to be homeownership and having a family. But the new dream might simply be being able to live without a financial existential crisis at every turn – whether that’s getting dental work done, running out of food or having debt collectors on your tail over unpaid bills.

For as long as that’s the reality awaiting us, maybe it’s time we all book plane tickets.

Alexandra Koster is a freelance writer.

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