Remote work is a popular topic these days, but it often gets confused with a term that has a similar meaning. A digital nomad is a remote worker with an adventurous spirit — in other words, working anywhere in the world.
People think starting their digital nomad journey is as easy as packing a laptop and purchasing plane tickets. The reality is different and a complex subject that needs careful consideration.
There are many aspects to consider before deciding whether to try this lifestyle or continue to work from home. If you’re in this predicament, this post will help you decide, and if you do, you’ll find several location recommendations for your next working destination.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Digital Nomad City
At first glance, becoming a digital nomad seems fun. You can move to a different country and experience the local culture, cuisine, and mentality. All of this is true, but before you decide, consider a few factors before packing your bags.
Cost of Living
The most important aspect is the cost of living wherever you plan to move because it’s directly linked to your income.
Affordable Cities
When deciding where to start your digital nomad career, it’s essential to research the potential destinations. There are countless beautiful cities, but they’re not equally affordable.
Zurich and New York are gorgeous, but they’re also among the top 10 most expensive cities to live in. This applies to rent, food, transportation, and every other aspect of living there.
Budget Breakdown
It doesn’t matter which city you choose; you’ll do a budget breakdown to ensure your monthly income can cover your expenses based on your preferred digital nomad lifestyle. One option is to spend as much as you make, while the other is to save as much as possible.
Rent and utilities are the first things to consider. While utilities are generally similar, rent isn’t. The location of your accommodations will also determine how much you’ll need to spend on transportation.
Another part of the budget is for additional activities or socialization. Going to bars and coffee shops, playing pool with new friends, and many other things cost money. If you intend to live a more action-packed lifestyle, you’ll also need to consider these expenses.
Residency Requirements
Becoming a digital nomad isn’t just throwing a dart on the map and picking your next living destination. Many countries have limitations about who can travel and how long they can stay. It also depends on which country you’re coming from, so the following recommendation is to check if there are any visa or residency requirements.
Digital Nomad Visas
Digital nomad visas are relatively new in the modern world. Estonia was the first country to introduce this kind of visa in 2020, followed by many countries worldwide, including Spain, Panama, and Mexico. Currently, there are 66 countries, with others planning to introduce one.
Each country on the list has a unique set of rules, so make sure to check them before deciding where your next home will be.
Visa-Free Stays
On the opposite side of the spectrum, you have countries that don’t require you to have a visa. These are the ones where you can pack and go, no questions asked, in some cases. The same rule applies here – it depends on which country you’re coming from.
Most countries have rules about which citizens they’ll receive without any limitations while asking for a visa for others. In most cases, the duration is 90 days, but some offer only 30 days, while others allow you to stay up to a year.
Long-Term Residency Options
Getting a residency permit is a good way for a digital nomad to become a local in a certain country, effectively becoming a remote worker.
Regardless of how you look at it, you can go to a country, settle, and get a residency permit. In some ways, it’s similar to a digital nomad visa, but in this case, you can stay for much longer.
Each country has different rules and requirements for you to get a visa. Some will pay you to move there, again with some conditions attached. You’ll need to check the information with the destination country before deciding.
Internet Speed and Reliability for Digital Nomads
The most important requirement for remote workers is an internet connection. It’s not sufficient just to have some kind of connection; it’s critical for it to be fast and reliable. The good news for you as a potential digital nomad is that there are several options you can take advantage of.
Co-working Spaces
Many people use co-working spaces, even those not set to work worldwide. A relaxed environment with a stable internet connection are two of the main features of these shared workspaces.
Most cities have these, so you can investigate whether it would work for you.
Mobile Data Coverage
To avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unreliable and unsafe, consider using a mobile connection. You can get a package from one of the local providers and set up a hotspot from your smartphone or tether via a cable.
Either way works well as long as the provider’s speed, stability, and coverage are good. Researching beforehand is a good idea and you should be able to at least narrow down the options.
Average Internet Speeds
Regardless of which option you decide to take advantage of, the most important step is to research the internet speeds and check if they would be acceptable for your project. Ookla has been the go-to site for this kind of information, so check it out to see how it fits in with your next potential destination.
Safety and Security
A common mistake digital nomads make is not thoroughly researching their destination. Safety and security are aspects that are often overlooked, but they shouldn’t be because they’re crucial.
Low Crime Rates
There’s no way to avoid crime altogether unless you plan on living on a deserted island. That said, your next digital nomad destination should be one where you’ll feel safe going to bed or walking the streets.
Worldmetrics recently released an analysis of the safest cities in the world, so it’s good starting point.
Political Stability
Political stability is crucial even for digital nomads. The idea is to pick a politically stable destination and with good reason. Choosing a stable country means you won’t have to worry about collapsing economies, poor government decisions, etc. The Fragile States Index should give you a good idea of how stable a country is.
Healthcare
No one wants to go to the doctor’s office, but there are situations when you must, and being in a country with a good healthcare system is crucial. An excellent resource is the Health Care Index from CEOWorld Magazine, which outlines the countries with the best systems and covers aspects like infrastructure, staff, cost, etc.
Digital Nomad Lifestyle and Community
Picking a country based on the technicalities is excellent so you can focus on your work, but what about the social aspect of your digital nomad life?
Expat and Nomad Community
Almost every city with a large number of remote workers or digital nomads will probably have an online group you can join to get acquainted.
Do some research and talk to locals to learn about the digital nomad community’s situation. Become a member of those online communities and introduce yourself to make things easier for you and get additional information.
Social Events and Activities
Moving to another country to work as a digital nomad doesn’t mean you’ll need to be buried in work and ignore your social life. You will meet people and make friends, meaning you’ll need to know the popular activities in the area, especially ones that are unique to that part of the world.
Climate and Weather
Climate can be a deciding factor for some digital nomads. Some people hate winter, while others can’t stand summer. We’re all different. Research the average temperatures throughout the year to give you an idea of what to expect.
Top Digital Nomad Cities by Region
It’s time for the grand reveal—the best digital nomad cities.
Southeast Asia
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The first option from Southeast Asia is a small town in Thailand called Chiang Mai. Located in the country’s mountainous region, this northern city is one of the best digital nomad destinations.
With a population of less than 150,000, it’s a relaxed city. It offers great views and many opportunities to work in a quiet environment.
One of the main reasons it’s so attractive to digital nomads is its affordability. In Chiang Mai, you can live for around $900-1,000 a month, which is among the more affordable options in the world. This shows why it is such a robust digital nomad community.
Bali, Indonesia
Are you into something with more beaches and a tropical vibe? In that case, Bali is the place to settle. This paradise is another digital nomad hotspot, and its numbers have been growing in recent years, and with good reason. With more and more co-working spaces popping up all the time, as well as countless additional activities, there aren’t many downsides.
The best part is that even though it’s not as low cost as the previous city, it isn’t that much more expensive, except for the rent. If you decide to live in Bali, you can expect to spend around $1,800-1,900 and live a pretty comfortable life.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
With a population of over 9 million, this is another city that’s been on the rise in popularity with digital nomads.
Considering the size, it’s a location that has everything. So if you’re into exploring while working, you won’t find a better place in this corner of the world.
Like the previous two destinations, Ho Chi Mihn City is affordable, which is one of the main reasons digital nomads are attracted to it. For an average digital nomad lifestyle, you can expect to spend around $1,000-1,100.
Europe
Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re into locations with a rich history that combines old architecture with a modern lifestyle, Lisbon is the palace for you.
It’s a cozy little corner of Portugal that many digital nomads consider their home, meaning you’ll get an equally warm welcome from expats and locals.
Picking Lisbon as your next digital nomad city means you won’t be exposed to the most affordable location. It’s similar to Bali – the expenses aren’t too high, but the rent is, even for a one-bedroom apartment. As a result, you’re looking at around $2,300-2,400 per month.
Budapest, Hungary
Lying on both sides of the Danube River, Budapest is split in half by the river, making Buda and Pest feel like different cities.
The eastern part of Pest is modern, with a dynamic nightlife and various activities. On the western side, you have Buda, which is an old and traditional part of the city that is perfect for people looking to explore the local culture.
Budapest is a relatively low-cost city for digital nomads. You can spend roughly $1,400-$1,500 per month, which will provide a comfortable life regardless of which part you decide to live in.
Berlin, Germany
Germany’s capital has been one of Europe’s most popular creative hubs for decades, making it an excellent choice for a digital nomad. The multicultural atmosphere and the fact that it’s a popular destination with digital nomads mean joining a community is one of the easiest things here.
Low cost isn’t the first thing that comes to mind about Berlin. You’re looking at around $2,500-$2,600, which is more than Lisbon. To be fair, as one of the major European cities, affordable cost isn’t something it can offer.
Latin America
Medellin, Colombia
If you’re more into Latin America, one of the many options is in Colombia. Medellin was known for many other things, but today, it’s a great place for digital nomads. It’s a modern city with magnificent infrastructure and a prosperous community of remote workers. The result is a location that will accommodate your needs quite nicely.
Even though it’s a modern and popular destination with digital nomads, it’s still affordable. For around $1,000-1,100, you’re looking at a solidly comfortable life, meaning you can have an excellent work-life balance without overspending.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The second option from this part of the world is Buenos Aires. As the capital of Argentina, this is a city that offers a lot. Apart from being one of Latin America’s more popular digital nomad destinations, it’s a city with a European vibe. This allows you to experience a location with a rich local culture, perfect if you’re into history, delicious food, and, most importantly, plenty of digital nomads for networking events.
One of the many reasons it’s a popular location with remote workers is that it’s a relatively affordable place to live. With a budget of $1,000-1,100, you’re looking at enjoying life without being frugal.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world in terms of population. Millions of residents in one city may seem like you’re aiming for a crowded place, but that makes for an excellent digital nomad destination.
With that population, you’ll get to experience a bit of everything. Mexico City offers a dynamic atmosphere and a wide variety of cuisines, ranging from fancy restaurants to street food, neighborhoods with various cultures, and much more.
Unlike many cities in South America, Mexico City isn’t the most low-cost one. You’re looking at monthly expenses around $1,700-1,800.
Other Regions
Tbilisi, Georgia
There are other regions in the world with popular digital nomad destinations, and one of those is Tbilisi. As the capital of Georgia, it’s a vibrant and exciting city. The government is investing a lot in tourism, something remote workers can take advantage of. It’s one of those “young” locations offering everything you’d need as a digital nomad.
The best part about Tbilisi is that even though it’s not the cheapest city to live in, it’s affordable enough. One month in this emerging destination for digital nomads should cost around $1,300-1,400.
Cape Town, South Africa
Many people don’t consider Africa their next destination, but that is a mistake. Cape Town is one of the best cities on the entire continent for digital nomads. It’s a perfect location for people looking for a thriving tech playground, and the city is filled with natural beauty and plenty of outdoor adventurous activities.
As for monthly expenses, you can live for around $1,300-1,400, which is pretty decent, considering you’re aiming for a location with over 4 million residents.
Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia became popular several years ago as the first country offering a visa for digital nomads, so what better place to go than its capital? With a population of around half a million, this little tech-oriented city is the perfect choice for remote workers thanks to the ever-improving public image for remote workers.
When it comes to affordability, Tallinn is a bit more expensive than others, but the differences aren’t massive. With a monthly cost of around $1,700-1,800, the work-life balance is pretty good, allowing you to explore this thriving digital nomad community without sacrificing work.
Emerging Digital Nomad Destinations
With the popular destinations out of the way, let’s discuss a few you won’t find on many lists these days. These include hidden gems and locations that have been trending recently.
Hidden Gems
The first pick is a small mountain town in the Balkans. Bansko is a common tourist destination, mainly in the winter months, but it’s also a popular destination with digital nomads. It’s pretty affordable, with monthly expenses ranging from $1,000 to $1,100. It’s worth it, especially when you consider the view.
Next, we have Panama City, which has become a popular destination with remote workers. Considering the location, paying around $1,800-$1,900 isn’t too much for everything this beautiful city offers.
Morocco isn’t the most popular expat destination, so you won’t see Essaouira on many lists. Even though it’s getting some traction, it remains a hidden gem, and with prices of around $1,000-1,100 per month, it’s quite an affordable little corner of this magnificent country.
Trending Locations
South Korea’s introduction of a digital nomad visa has made it a popular destination for remote workers. Seoul, as the capital, is the most popular destination despite not being the most affordable. Even though monthly expenses will cost you around $2,000-2,100, it’s well worth it for such a modern and welcoming community.
Digital nomads seeking a destination with beaches and tropical scenery should look at Sri Lanka. The island has been getting a lot of attention, mainly due to its affordability. With monthly expenses below $1,000, there aren’t many reasons you’d want to consider other locations.
Often referred to as little Vienna, Timisoara is a charming city in western Romania that is becoming a trending location with digital nomads. The monthly expenses are around $1,100-1,200, making it affordable. This, combined with the rich history and architecture this city offers, are only a handful of reasons why it’s growing in popularity.
Tips for Choosing the Right City for You
In addition to the practical considerations for choosing your next digital nomad home, here are a few tips to ensure you make the right choice.
Personal Preferences
Making the choice is a personal preference, meaning that one person’s idea of the perfect city to continue their remote working career won’t necessarily be ideal for someone else.
You should consider many factors, such as the kind of life you plan to live, your budget, and the overall experience you want.
Networking
If you look at the statistics, you’ll find that the number of digital nomads worldwide is in the millions. To get as much information as possible about your potential destination, it’s a good idea to contact local remote workers or a local digital nomad community who have been or are living there.
Trial Stays
People’s opinions are one thing, but experiencing a city for yourself is the best way to decide if you want it to be your next home. Do a trial run of a city you’re considering and see if it’s a good fit. This allows you to get a first-hand experience of what it is for work, accommodation, internet, and additional activities.
There are countless things you’ll need to consider before you start packing. This guide outlines the most important aspects to consider and provides just a few examples of the most popular cities worldwide. Follow it, and you won’t regret your decision. Good luck!