Explore the 5 Best Cities for Digital Nomads
The recent explosion in remote, flexible work has led professionals of all stripes to look into the possibility of pursuing their dream of becoming a digital nomad.
Suppose you’re looking to take this step yourself and join the global nomad community. In that case, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of nomad-friendly global destinations.
In this post, we’ll look at 5 of the best digital nomad cities in the world and some key pieces of advice for choosing locations on your own nomadic adventure.
5 Best Cities for Digital Nomads
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Beautiful, affordable, and characterized by a rich expat community, Chiang Mai in Thailand consistently ranks as one of the best digital nomad cities not only in Asia but across the whole world.
Chiang Mai boasts a rich list of amenities perfect for digital nomads, including fast, reliable internet, a multitude of great coworking spaces, authentic street food, and plenty of beautiful photo ops.
Aside from this, Thailand has markedly liberal visa policies compared to many other Asian nations. This makes it much easier to guarantee entry for nomads who are looking to set up as freelancers or maintain permanent jobs with foreign companies.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca may not be the most famous or popular Mexican destination for Western travelers. Still, for digital nomads specifically, it’s tough to beat.
The city has a large community of other international remote workers, a very affordable cost of living, and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy authentic cuisine, take day trips around the local area, or explore the rest of Mexico as a whole.
What’s more, Oaxaca’s position in the CST timezone makes it one of the best digital nomad cities for those looking to work for or with US-based companies while they travel.
Budapest, Hungary
If you’re looking to experience the Old World charms of Europe but don’t want to contend with a high cost of living. Hungary may be one of the best digital nomad cities for you.
With excellent internet speeds and a low cost of living compared to many other European capitals, Budapest makes it easy for a variety of digital nomads to get themselves set up in a unique and enjoyable working environment.
Though it may be lacking in coworking spaces compared to some destinations in Asia or
Latin America, Budapest’s great dining experiences, nightlife, and rich history make it a great find for digital nomads looking for potently European expertise.
Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile, has consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Latin America, making it one of the best digital nomad cities for people who want to get out of their comfort zone without putting themselves in danger.
The city has been carrying out various drives to attract more entrepreneurs in recent years, which shows in its thriving tech sector, numerous coworking spaces, and excellent internet quality.
The welcoming local culture and unbeatable mountain views make Santiago a jewel of South America and one of the best digital nomad cities on the continent.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal, is consistently held up as one of the best digital nomad cities in the world, and if you choose to visit, it won’t be hard to see why!
One of the warmest major cities in Western Europe, Lisbon boasts a rich culture, colorful streets, and delicious local cuisine, not to mention highly competitive internet speeds and tons of cool coworking spaces.
While it has a higher cost of living compared to some of the other best digital nomad cities on this list, the experience of living in Lisbon is well worth the cost. It is a fantastic way to get your first taste of Europe.
Finding the Best Digital Nomad Cities
Of course, our list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the great digital nomad cities the world has to offer.
When you’re considering your next destination as a digital nomad, here are some of the key variables that set the best digital nomad cities apart:
Cost of living: Travel is expensive no matter which way you look at it, but looking for destinations with a relatively low cost of living will help you get the most from your experience. Thinking about the cost of living you can afford, and the experiences you want from your adventure will help you filter down cities and find one that’s right for you.
Quality of life: Though some digital nomads travel specifically to get out of their comfort zone, it’s essential to consider your tolerance for a potentially reduced quality of life and find destinations that align with this.
Infrastructure and amenities: As a digital nomad, you’ll need to be able to work consistently and reliably, no matter which city you call home. It’s also important to ensure you have all the right amenities to see the sights and have the experiences you’re looking for while traveling. With this in mind, you must consider infrastructure like internet access, coworking, public transport, and others. At the same time, you check out potential digital nomad cities.
Insurance coverage: You’re going to need some insurance coverage on your digital nomad adventure. At the very least, this will mean health coverage for the destination you’re visiting. Still, you may need to think about other eventualities like lost luggage or business insurance.
Visa requirements: Though it depends on each country’s exact laws, you’ll likely need to meet specific visa requirements to work abroad legally as a digital nomad. Be sure to familiarize yourself with visa and entry requirements in terms of earnings, profession, lengths of contract, and more, and factor in how this will affect your plans as a digital nomad.
Finding your next adventure
The world is full of great opportunities for remote digital workers. By considering the kinds of things you want from your nomad experience, researching popular destinations, and setting parameters for your travel plans, you’ll soon find a city that’s perfect for you.
We hope this look at some of the best digital nomad cities has helped you solidify your plans and get a step closer to your ideal digital nomad lifestyle.