Digital nomad and influencer Agina Renee (@agina_renee) has made it clear: after two years of living abroad, she’s not looking back.
In a recent Instagram video that resonated with thousands, the lifestyle content creator and mother shared why she continues to choose life in Southeast Asia over returning to the United States.
The reasons are practical, emotional, and deeply personal.
Affordable Living and High Quality of Life
Renee broke down her monthly expenses, revealing that her entire cost of living—excluding food—is around $600. That includes a high-rise condo rental for just $526 a month, a $50 electricity bill, $3 for water, $10 for her phone, and $20 for Wi-Fi. With food costs added—about $600 a month—she still lives comfortably on what many Americans pay for rent alone.
“The food here is always fresh, it’s always seeded, it’s easy to find organic foods,” she explained. “You can always find a fresh market sale going on.”
Housing Access Without Credit Scores
Unlike the U.S., where credit scores often determine access to housing, Renee points out that in her experience, you don’t need credit to get a place to live in Southeast Asia—just upfront funds.
“Some places require a deposit, and if you’re lucky like me, you can find some that don’t,” she said.
Safety and Peace of Mind
For Renee, safety and peace are key reasons she feels freer abroad than in her home country. “I feel more safe than I have ever felt,” she said. “I feel comfortable walking alone. I feel comfortable letting my Black boys walk to the store.”
She highlighted the respectful and calm demeanor she’s experienced in Southeast Asian communities:
“I personally never have even seen a person of the Asian culture display public anger or raise their voice.”
A Sense of Oneness and Belonging
What struck Renee most, however, was the deep human kindness she encountered.
“I’ve never experienced so many people that will give the shirt off their back to a stranger,” she said. “Everyone is so welcoming and so humane. They are the kindest people I have ever met.”
A Resource for Others
Inspired by her journey, Renee created an eBook to help others considering a similar leap. It includes step-by-step relocation guidance, housing tips, job resources, and insights on teaching and working remotely abroad.
“If you are considering relocating to Asia, I created an eBook just for you,” she told her followers. “Living abroad, I feel so much freedom and so much wholeness.”
As more Black Americans seek alternatives to traditional paths and prioritize wellness, safety, and financial freedom, Renee’s message is resonating.
“So we are in America struggling and being robbed for no reason. So many people love living abroad…. This looks amazing,” someone commented.
