12 Top Destinations If You’re Thinking About Becoming A Digital Nomad
So, you want to be a digital nomad? The world is calling you, your suitcase is begging to be let out of storage, your lease is ending, and you are ready to embrace the road as home for the unforeseeable future with your remote job.
But the globe is a large place. What countries and cities are most receptive to and supportive of this digital nomad lifestyle? Across the map, communities have come to life as more and more remote workers pack their bags and make their dream of working internationally come true.
Which countries have the most digital nomads?
The most popular countries that attract the highest number of remote workers include the U.S., Spain, Mexico, and Thailand.
Which countries are most affordable?
Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam and the surrounding southeast Asia top the list for lowest cost of living for those who want to travel while working.
Where can you find places to live?
Once you find the city you want to live in, you can begin to look for housing accommodations via hostels, Facebook Roommate/Housing groups, Airbnb, or Nomadlist.
To rate a city as a top digital nomad destination, several factors come into consideration:
Affordable cost of living
Safety
Accessibility to high-speed internet connections
Work spaces such as cafes, co-working spaces, and hostels
Recreational opportunities in the area
Community of other remote workers
Level of local infrastructure such as public transportation and walkability
Option of digital nomad visa
With these things in mind, we have the top destinations to visit and call home.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a fabulous city and digital nomad hub, featuring beautiful coastal landscapes, nightlife, good Wi-Fi cafes, and a low cost of living. With its beaches, mild climate, walkability, and history, Cape Town is a fun and lively cultural scene that sets it apart as an ideal destination. English is one of Cape Town’s primary languages, which removes the language barrier that exists in most of the popular locations.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has topped the charts as a culturally rich and fascinating destination for the digital nomad community for years. It is the largest city in Thailand, but don’t think you’re getting a typical big city here. Here you find postcard-perfect mountains and jungles, gorgeous panoramas, ancient temples, and eclectic night air markets. Chiang Mai is incredibly supportive of this remote lifestyle with plenty of cafes and coworking spaces to support your online work.
Canggu, Bali
Bali has become known for its vibrant ex-pat community, one highly supportive of newcomers and digital nomads. Fashionable and chic, Canggu is a charming surf town that captures the heart of any traveler passing through and has exploded recently with the nomad network: high speed internet cafes and beautiful coworking spaces, and plenty of fun recreational opportunities, such as surfing. If you are looking for more yoga and less surfing, then Ubud, just 20 miles away, could be your place in Bali.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Those who prefer an urban homebase with all the conveniences of a large city have flocked to Ho Chi Minh City for years. Famous for its delicious Vietnamese cuisine and appealing affordability, the city is known as Saigon to the locals. Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling cosmopolitan—one full of eclectic cafes, coworking spaces, fellow digital nomads, great nightlife, and a youthful creative community.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest ranks as one of Europe’s top picks, well known for its incredible history and culture, stunning architecture, and the slow-moving Danube running through the city center. This fascinating hub hosts plenty of opportunities for entertainment and fun once you sign off work, and also happens to be nearly dirt cheap compared to most of Europe. Don’t forget about the thermal baths!
Tulum, Mexico
If you are looking for a tropical and beachy working location, Tulum could be a great fit for you. It boasts great nightlife, exotic outdoor adventures in the jungle, perfectly-preserved Mayan ruins, and wildlife encounters. Tulum’s artsy and bohemian vibes, holistic space, and small beach town feel has transformed Tulum into a top destination in Mexico for both digital nomads and tourists alike. With its affordability and unique coworking spaces, Tulum makes for an incredible place to call home for a while.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona crowns Spain’s (and Europe’s) must-visit cities to visit. An incredibly open and vibrant community awaits here: amazing nightlife, impeccable beaches, stunning Spanish architecture, and rich history. It is not possible to be bored in a city as lively as Barcelona. You will find endless entertainment, cafes and coworking spaces to work in, cuisine and accommodation options, and fellow ex-pat groups to explore with.
Medellin, Colombia
Selected for its famously good climate as the “city of eternal springs” and recently modernized infrastructure, Medellin’s reputation as a formerly unfriendly environment for visitors has transformed into Colombia’s newest tourism and digital nomad hotspot. Sitting in the heart of the Andes mountains, this city is framed by natural beauty and offers laidback and bohemian vibes. It is a city for nature lovers, salsa dancers, and foodies. Medellin offers a number of high speed internet cafes and new coworking spaces to work in, and it is incredibly easy to get around the city.
Tbilisi, Georgia
A well-kept secret, the country of Georgia awaits visitors on the shore of the Black Sea. It is a surprisingly beautiful country of lush valleys, caves, mountains, and beaches. Its capital, Tbilisi, has recently attracted a devoted following of digital nomads. Tbilisi is a melting pot of ancient history dating back thousands of years and fresh renovations are reviving its city center. A town known for backpackers and international hipsters, you can find cafes and coworking spaces, affordable living, and an energetic community.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Experience the capital of Argentina and the bustling center of Latin American culture in Buenos Aires. With a mix of old and modern charm, the city still houses incredibly beautiful Old World buildings and preserved streets. Head to the “Paris of South America” for the nearly-European feel, the cuisine, the warm energy of the locals, and the arts. While there are plenty of cafes and work spaces to choose from, you may find it difficult to prioritize working in such a lively place!
Lisbon, Portugal
One of the favorite European hubs for digital nomads, Lisbon ranks highly year after year. Its treasured attributes include a beautiful climate, desirable cuisine, lively arts and entertainment scene, and naturally beautiful coastline. You won’t have an issue finding internet connections, coworking spaces, fellow digital nomads, and endless opportunities for fun. Lisbon is not as affordable as other hubs on this list, but it’s decent when compared to other European locations. Lisbon is beloved as a wonderful coastal city that will check off all your wants and needs.
Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is bursting with color and natural beauty with its lush forests, crystal clear lakes, beaches, mountains, and for fun, even a few volcanoes. Guatemala routinely attracts digital nomads for its friendly locals, accessibility from Mexico, low costs, and fabulous outdoors access. A worldwide travel destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town of Antigua is peaceful and local, new artisan shops mixed with ancient ruins. Travelers love the laid back atmosphere and access to the mountains and Lake Atitlan.