The Cost of Living for Remote Workers in Himachal Pradesh
Remote work has opened up new lifestyles—and for many, working from the peaceful mountains of Himachal Pradesh sounds like a dream. Luckily, that dream is quite affordable if you plan well.
In this blog, we break down the cost of living for digital nomads and remote workers in Himachal Pradesh. We'll cover important workation hubs like Dharamshala, Bir, Manali, and Tirthan Valley, and explain what you can expect in terms of monthly expenses for accommodation, food, coworking, and local travel.
Why Himachal Pradesh is Great for Remote Work
Himachal offers a perfect mix of nature, comfort, and digital readiness. Internet speeds are fast (with fiber broadband available in most towns), the cost of living is low compared to cities, and the mountain views are hard to beat. Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or a startup team, it’s a great place to live and work.
1. Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj
A vibrant, spiritual town with reliable infrastructure and a growing remote work community.
- Monthly Rent: ₹15,000–₹35,000 (studio or 1BHK)
- Co-living Spaces: Starting at ₹25,000/month with food, Wi-Fi, and cleaning
- Food Cost: ₹5,000–₹10,000 per month (mid-range cafés & home-cooked meals)
- Coworking Spaces: ₹4,000–₹7,000/month
- Internet: 100–300 Mbps (fiber), excellent for Zoom calls and uploads
- Local Travel: ₹20–₹40 per short trip (auto or shared cab)
AltSpace, a well-known co-living and coworking space in Dharamshala, offers high-speed internet, 24/7 power backup, and a supportive, peaceful environment that is perfect for focus and creativity.
2. Bir Billing
A quiet town known for paragliding, now a favorite among digital nomads for its simplicity and charm.
- Monthly Rent: ₹10,000–₹25,000
- Co-living Spaces: ₹20,000–₹30,000 with meals and workspace
- Food Cost: ₹4,000–₹8,000
- Coworking Spaces: ₹3,000–₹6,000/month
- Internet: Fiber is now widely available (up to 200 Mbps)
- Travel: Rent a scooty for ₹3,000/month or use shared taxis
Bir is perfect for those who enjoy a slower pace of life, surrounded by forests and mountain views. It's peaceful, affordable, and offers all the basics a remote worker needs.
3. Manali (Old Manali & Vashisht)
A popular tourist town with lots of energy, cafes, coworking hubs, and reliable internet.
- Monthly Rent: ₹15,000–₹40,000
- Co-living Spaces: ₹25,000–₹45,000 with all facilities
- Food Cost: ₹6,000–₹12,000
- Coworking Spaces: ₹4,000–₹8,000/month
- Internet: 100–300 Mbps available in most areas
- Local Travel: Scooty rental ₹3,500/month; taxis slightly higher than Bir
Manali is ideal if you want social interaction, weekend adventures, and a town with both nature and facilities. It's great for solo workers or small remote teams.
4. Tirthan Valley
A quiet and untouched region, great for deep work and unplugging without going offline.
- Monthly Rent: ₹8,000–₹18,000
- Food: ₹4,000–₹7,000
- Coworking: Limited; most work from home-stays or cafés
- Internet: Fiber available in some areas; speeds up to 100 Mbps
- Travel: Public transport limited; taxis or rentals needed
Tirthan is ideal for those who want to be surrounded by rivers, trees, and birdsong. It’s still under the radar, which makes it one of the most peaceful remote work locations in Himachal.
Average Monthly Cost Summary for Remote Workers
| Location | Budget (₹/month) | Mid-Range (₹/month) | High-End (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dharamshala | 25,000 | 35,000 | 50,000+ |
| Bir | 20,000 | 30,000 | 45,000 |
| Manali | 30,000 | 45,000 | 60,000+ |
| Tirthan | 18,000 | 25,000 | 35,000 |
These include basic rent, internet, and local travel. Coworking and food costs are additional.
Tips to Save Money While Working Remotely in Himachal
- Choose off-season months (Feb–April, Sept–Nov) for better deals on accommodation.
- Stay long-term (over a month) to negotiate lower rent.
- Eat local or cook at home—great for both budget and health.
- Use co-living spaces—they include Wi-Fi, meals, and power backup.
- Avoid high-tourist areas during peak season if you want quiet surroundings and better prices.
Final Thoughts
The cost of living for remote workers in Himachal Pradesh is highly affordable compared to urban life. With high-speed fiber internet, scenic coworking spots, affordable food, and peaceful surroundings, towns like Dharamshala, Bir, and Manali are quickly becoming top destinations for remote workers in India.
If you’re looking for a mix of nature, productivity, and connection, Himachal offers something special. Spaces like AltSpace in Dharamshala make it even easier to plug into a community, stay focused, and enjoy everything the mountains have to offer.