TOP 10 CITIES FOR DIGITAL NOMADS
The friendliest cities for slow vacations, extended-stay travel, and working remotely.
If we’ve learned anything over the last few years, it’s that “normal” is not normal anymore. COVID-19 forced us to learn how to work from home, and in many cases, it really did work. People saw the benefits of controlling their work-life balance while leaving the traditional 9-5 office hours behind.
Companies saw the benefits too. Suddenly, the thought, “Maybe we don’t need an office?” enters the corporate conciseness.
Today, combining work and travel is the new normal. If you appreciate the freedom to live and work in some of the World’s most incredible cities, embrace the shift. We’ve compiled a list of the ten best cities to get you started.
Extended stays, or slow vacations, take the stress out of travel. Take a month or two or more! There’s no reason to cram it all over a weekend. Plus, you’ll feel a deeper connection when you live and work in a new place, become part of the city’s fabric, and know things that tourists just don’t. If you’re already doing it, you know.
LISBON, PORTUGAL
An absolutely gorgeous walking city, Lisbon is the perfect place to wander. The hilly landscape lends itself to sweeping lookouts over the city’s pastel-colored buildings and iconic rooftops, where you’ll find scenic restaurant patios and views stretching to the sea.
The culture in Lisbon is vibrant and friendly, and for a European capital, it’s still quite affordable. The historic yellow trams do a great job of connecting all of the city’s most prized attractions. If you’re into surfing or relaxing in the sand, the Atlantic coast has some of Portugal”s best beaches.
When it’s time to get down to work, you’ll find that Lisbon has enthusiastically embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, welcoming the community with plenty of co-working spaces, really cool cafes, and group meetups and events.
Expected Cost of Living - $3,835/month
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
A hot spot for digital nomads, students, ex-pats, tourists…everyone really. Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, rich with theatres, international exhibits and festivals, and the country’s oldest art gallery.
Melbourne is also famous for its coffee and has loads of locally owned cafes to work in, with excellent Wi-Fi and super-fast download speeds.
When you’re not working, walk along the Yarra River and explore the city’s best restaurants, vintage clothing stores, and eclectic shops. Travel a little further and find some of Australia’s best beaches.
Expected Cost of Living - $3,488/month
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
No stranger to the digital nomad lifestyle, Chiang Mai has been a comfortable setting for remote workers for years. While internet speeds are high, the cost of living remains low, and there are lots of great options for co-working spaces, cafes, and restaurants.
During your extended stay in Chiang Mai, spend your free time exploring bustling night markets, ancient temples, and lush jungles.
Expected Cost of Living - $1,013/month
CANGGU BALI, INDONESIA
One of the World’s most popular destinations for surfers, Canggu is known for its year-round waves and friendly beach-town vibes. Lately, we’ve seen a transition in Canggu from a tourist destination to a digital nomad haven. Trendy cafes and co-working spaces seem to be popping up all over, and you’ll find lots of events and workshops tailored to the digital nomad lifestyle.
Expected Cost of Living - $1,694/month
UBUD BALI, INDONESIA
Bali gets it. If you can work anywhere, why not work in paradise? Like Canggu, Ubud is quickly becoming a hot spot for digital nomads and extended-stay travelers, and it’s only 30km away, so bouncing back and forth is an easy option. If you’re more into the laid-back yogi lifestyle, Ubud is perfect. You’ll feel a deeper connection with nature and wildlife and always find a cafe or co-working space when needed.
Expected Cost of Living - $1,730/month
HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM
The perfect place to start your journey, Ho Chi Minh City is a favorite among first-time digital nomads and slow vacationers because of its low $950/month cost of living. If you’re on the fence, there’s no better city to test out this exciting new idea. While you’re figuring it all out, it doesn’t hurt to be surrounded by incredible cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and lots of like-minded professionals.
Expected Cost of Living - $1,099/month
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Simply put, Cape Town has it all. There are beautiful beaches, soaring mountains, delicious restaurants, and vibrant city life. And its official language is English. It may be a little more expensive, but it’s a perfect place to test out the digital nomad lifestyle and explore a new city with a buddy. Outside the city, you’ll find incredible nature reserves and World-class vineyards. So, take your time.
Expected Cost of Living - $1,975/month
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Like Lisbon, Budapest manages to keep its cost of living pretty low compared to most European cities, like “Michelin-starred restaurants are affordable” kind of low. The Old City is incredibly charming, especially from a boat cruise on the Danube. And, because of its lower cost of living, people love to go out and enjoy themselves, creating a friendly, vibrant culture that you won’t want to leave. Good thing you don’t have to.
Expected Cost of Living - $2,912/month
BERLIN, GERMANY
Berlin is the nightlife capital of Germany. It’s packed with artists, creatives, and 24-hour clubs, and the energy is always fast-paced, like the internet speeds. The amount of people speaking English makes the city very accessible, and there are lots and lots of great options for co-working. Berlin has around 170 museums to explore if you're a history buff. In the summer, there are lakes and forests nearby with amazing trails, lookouts, and other adventures. In the winter, Berlin is all about the downtown nightlife.
Expected Cost of Living - $4,231/month
BARCELONA, SPAIN
The home of Gaudi, Barcelona, is a breathtakingly beautiful city of architecture. Its narrow laneways are decorated with eclectic shops, markets, and bustling tapas restaurants. When you’re not relaxing on the beach or exploring La Rambla, you’ll find plenty of delicious cafes and cozy co-working spaces to focus on your work while you sip a cappuccino.
Barcelona is a little more expensive, around $3000/month. Still, the energy is unmatched, the weather is incredible, and you’ll want to celebrate every night with cava sangria on a patio by the sea.
Expected Cost of Living - $4,860/month
And you’re off!
There you have it! Our top 10 cities for digital nomads. So…Where are you headed?