Best Cities For Digital Nomads To Work In

If you’ve ever gone on an extended backpacking trip, you’ll know what it feels like when your hard-earned cash starts to dry up. You’ve squeezed all that you can from your savings, maybe even tapped up your family for a bailout… and still, you’re not ready to give up your travels just yet.

You gaze in awe at those people who travel for months, even years, upon end without seeming to settle down and get a job. They don’t need to work in a bar, to hand out flyers, to work on a boat or to teach English in a school setting.

Nope, most of the time they seem to be hanging around in cafes, drinking coffee and working on their laptops for a few hours before going out and exploring all the gems of the area. And what’s more… they’re getting paid to do it!

Who Are These People?!

They’re called digital nomads. And they’re not a new phenomenon.

In fact, digital nomads have been around for years. But it’s perhaps only in the past few years that the notion of being “location independent” and working remotely online for a living has become more popular.

Nowadays, certain hostels, bars and cafes cater specifically towards this set of people. Who make a living out of travelling the world. Who are still on a modest budget but who require a little more comfort and facilities than your average backpacker.

My Digital Nomad Journey

As a full-time travel blogger, travelling full-time was not a foreign concept. I started travelling full-time in 2018 when I first did my working holiday in New Zealand for 6 months. Since then, I lived in Japan for 9 months, Hawaii for 2+ months, and filled the rest of the calendar year with press trips and personal trips.

However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that it became a thing. A thing where travelling and working abroad became recognised and accepted. 

When the pandemic hit, I slummed for 8 months back home in Singapore before deciding that enough was enough.

I then embarked on a non-stop journey for 2 years across the USA, Central America and South America, an honestly showstopping adventure I wouldn’t trade for the world.

With sites like HousingAnywhere, which operates a secure and efficient system to rent rooms and apartments abroad on a monthly rental basis, they can offer significantly cheaper than other players in the market.

In this post, I’ll explain what digital nomads look for when finding their temporary home, and which cities tick all the right boxes to create the best hubs for digital nomads.

So let’s get started!

What Do Digital Nomads Need?

In order to survive and thrive as a digital nomad, you’ll want to ensure that some – if not all – of the following needs are met. Some are basic needs, others are a little more luxurious but all will contribute to you having an even better experience in this new life you’ve chosen.

1. Cost of Living – Affordability

Sure, it’d be amazing to live in Paris’ Montmartre district and spend every morning having breakfast over delicious coffee and baked goods, like an extra from Amélie. Unless you’re made of Euro, you’re not going to afford staying there for very long.

Nope, digital nomads know that wherever they base themselves, it better be affordable. Certainly, a lot more affordable than their home country. Otherwise, well, what’s the point?!

This is particularly true if you’re surviving on smaller “writing for the web” jobs, if you’re setting up a travel blog or if you’re involved in another online enterprise such as managing affiliate sites.

In these cases, you probably won’t see a return on investment for a while – so you’ll need to stay at least cost neutral until the money starts trickling in.

2. Ease of Living – Language and Infrastructure

Is English widely spoken? Can you get around the town or city fairly easily? What’s the WiFi like? And, crucially, what’s the coffee like?! (I told you, some of the “needs” I’ll cover are more luxurious than others!)

Basically, you’ll want to set up somewhere where you can have a relatively easy, hassle-free life. Of course, you’ll be living in a different culture to your own – that’s why you’ve pursued this lifestyle, after all. But perhaps also one that’s more accessible than the depths of the Amazon rainforest.

Take Myanmar, as an example. As a traveller, I absolutely LOVED the place. Full of exciting encounters, random experiences and daily adventures. I enjoyed not being able to find a coffee, or a bar of chocolate, or internet that worked for longer than 3 minutes. It was part of the fun.

For digital nomads, however, you need certain facilities. This is especially so if your work is online… then well, you need to get online pretty easily. (And decent coffee can be the fuel that keeps you going!)

So for me, a good digital nomad city has to have laptop-friendly cafés (ie, the chairs and tables are of a decent height, the music isn’t too loud and there’s enough space to stay a few hours).

It will have good and affordable coffee options, the WiFi will be widely accessible and super-fast and it’ll be easy to get from Point A to B so we don’t spend too much time commuting.

Plus, even though I fully encourage learning as much as you can of the local language, it definitely helps if the place in which you’re based has enough English for you to get by.

As a final point on infrastructure, I personally seek out places with easy access to Mother Nature.

Why? Well, because tapping away on your laptop all day can get pretty stressful – not to mention all the noise, traffic and pollution involved in living in a city.

So my favourite digital nomad spots will either be by the sea, or will have a lot of green spaces dotted about them.

These green spaces do a lot to improve a person’s physical and mental health – and I’ve definitely noticed the benefits of being surrounded by rice fields and vegetable villages in Hoi An!

3. Digital Nomad Community – Plus Networking Opportunities

Hoi An Travel Massive event

Are there other digital nomads working in the area? Are they easy to meet and socialise with? I’m not talking about bars (well, not entirely).

I mean, are there facilities such as co-working spaces in which you can meet people who also work online?

Most digital nomads are attracted to a certain place for the opportunity to meet like-minded types. You see, working online can be quite a lonely experience. Many of your friends or your family back home won’t “get it”

So it’s great to surround yourself with fellow digital nomads… even if they’re working in a totally different field than you. Just being alongside each other can keep you motivated, inspired and focused on your goals.

Plus, you never know what skills you’ll come across that you might need. Want illustrations for your travel blog? SEO advice for your affiliate site? The answer to your needs might be right beside you – so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and explain what you do!

4. Safety and Security

Well, this is probably a concern for any traveller. But if you’re a digital nomad, you’re probably going to be spending quite a bit of time alone.

You also might find yourself in a city at dark, wandering home after whatever cafe you’ve been slaving in for the past few hours.

Not to mention the expensive equipment like laptops, hard drives and cameras that you might need in your line of work.

So when choosing a place to base yourself as a digital nomad, safety and security should be a top priority.

5. The P Factor – Is It Paradise?!

You’ve chosen this way of life so that you can support yourself – and perhaps even make some savings – while seeing some incredible things, while meeting some amazing people and while making lifelong memories.

So if your new temporary home is a grey urban sprawl, a place where it’s constantly raining and nearly always grim… something’s not right.

When finding a digital nomad hotspot, don’t forget to factor in the weather. Of course, tropical climates will have a rainy season. But you can choose to stick it out or pack up and move elsewhere for a few months. That’s the beauty of the digital nomad life! 😉

The best places for digital nomads will have some kind of draw, something that makes them a little slice of paradise. Whether it’s a thriving art community, beautiful rice fields, dramatic mountains or a picture-perfect beach, they contain something that makes the workplace a pleasure.

Best Places for Digital Nomads to Work in

Now that you know what makes a great digital nomad spot, let’s take a look at the places that get it right.

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Asia

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

With its buzzing centre, fun night market streets and surrounding mountains and rice terraces, Chiang Mai certainly ticks a lot of the above boxes.

Thailand is a pretty cheap country to live, especially compared to Europe, and you can eat amazing meals for a couple of dollars.

The accommodation is cheap, too, considering the high standard of rooms available, and you’ll find enough cafés with WiFi plus enough good coffee to keep you buzzed about your next project.

Chiang Mai is pretty much the daddy of digital nomad hotspots. However, since it’s also a very popular backpacker destination, you may get some hassle from touts. Robberies aren’t uncommon either, especially in hostels, so keep a firm eye on your belongings and your valuables at all times.

2. Penang, Malaysia

I’ll admit it now – I haven’t actually been to Penang. (Not yet, anyway!) But I’ve heard such great things about it from my fellow digital nomad friends that I simply had to include it in this list!

First of all, flights to KL are cheap and incredibly convenient for anyone travelling through Asia. And from KL, you can get to Penang by train in 4 hours, or by bus in 5. Easy!

Second of all, my sources tell me that it’s a hugely charming town. Not tainted yet by mass tourism, still with a somewhat sleepy vibe, but with an undercurrent of possibility.

A solid community of digital nomads does exist here… but they’re not shouting too loudly about it, for fear that the good times will be spoiled!

Get my 7 AI prompts that saved me $1000s!

3. Hoi An, Vietnam

I might be biased but I consider Hoi An to be an incredible place for digital nomads.

It’s safe, it’s got great cafés with super-fast WiFi, it’s got both the sea and the greenery of rice fields surrounding it and it’s got a thriving community of expats and digital nomads.

Even though it’s a little pricier than elsewhere in Vietnam, it is in Vietnam, so it’s still one of the cheapest places you’ll ever live in. Plus, with an amazing quality of life (and quality of food!) to go with it, it’s hard to go wrong about this place.

4. Da Nang, Vietnam

Calling all digital nomads looking for an exotic adventure! Da Nang, Vietnam is the place to be with its picturesque beaches, delicious street food, and friendly locals. Plus, with affordable living and a thriving digital scene, you’ll be able to live, work and explore all the city has to offer!

Da Nang is the perfect city for digital nomads who are looking to get great value for their money. With a range of inexpensive accommodation options and low-cost groceries, Da Nang offers tremendous financial opportunities!

Digital nomads can make their budgets stretch farther than ever before with all that this passionate city has to offer.

Furthermore, the town is equipped with numerous digital stores where you can purchase all the technology supplies required to stay efficient.

5. Canggu, Bali

Beachside paradise? Check.
Great and healthy food? Check.
Affordable? Check.
Thriving digital nomad community? Check, check, check.

The beachside western town of Canggu in Bali used to be a somewhat hidden surfer’s escape. However, thanks to cheap co-working spaces, a thriving yoga/surfing community, awesome cafes and the number of smart, savvy young travellers now choosing to settle there rather than simply passing through, Canggu has made it to this list. Even though it’s not actually a city. 😉

Unlike say, Hoi An – which has co-working spaces, but which are pretty expensive, Canggu’s facilities are super affordable. There’s a real sense of ambition and opportunity among the relatively small community of digital nomads there – similar to what you’ll find in Chiang Mai – and that can be intoxicating.

Again, as Bali is quite a touristy place, you’ll be vulnerable to the usual tout hassles and scams. But just keep your wits about you, have a small amount of bribe money to hand if you get pulled over on your scooter (!!) and you’ll be just fine.

6. Bangkok, Thailand

Imagine working remotely while surrounded by beautiful temples, delicious street food, and the hustle and bustle of one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Bangkok, Thailand is a dream destination for digital nomads with its delicious street food, feisty nightlife, and affordable cost of living.

Bangkok is an ideal digital nomad destination for those looking to take advantage of its strong economy and business opportunities. The city boasts some of the best digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia, as well as a competitive digital marketplace that digital nomads can capitalize on.

With a variety of hospitals and clinics that offer quality healthcare services at cost-effective prices, digital nomads can rest assured they will receive the medical attention they need while living in this captivating country.

Here’s our top Bangkok hotel picks.

7. Cambodia

Digital nomads searching for an exceptional mix of a bustling digital community, mesmerizing scenery, and an unbeatable lifestyle need to look no further than Cambodia. It’s the ultimate destination for you!

Exploring Cambodia has never been easier or more affordable with the digital nomad scene gaining traction.

From coworking spaces in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you can work remotely while having a mini getaway – take advantage of local cafes and pubs as your office.

Surrounded by attractions to explore during your stay, this is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe

8. Bansko, Bulgaria

Get ready to pack your bags, digital nomads! Bansko, Bulgaria is the place to be for an adventure of a lifetime. With its gorgeous mountain views, delicious local cuisine, and affordable living, it’s the perfect spot for digital nomads to live and work in style!

Living costs in Bansko, Bulgaria are relatively low, making digital nomads feel welcome. It’s easy to stretch your budget and make the most of your digital nomad experience here. Smaller supermarkets offer reasonable prices on basic items, and there are plenty of digital stores where you can stock up on any gear you need.

Accommodations in Bansko range from cozy apartments to picturesque chalets, depending on your budget and preferences. My studio apartment, complete with a kitchenette, was only €300 a month.

Many digital nomads find it convenient to stay at one of the many coworking spaces around town, which offer free Wi-Fi and other digital-friendly amenities.

Mexico City is bustling with digital nomads, allowing digital nomads to find their tribe within a thriving community. With digital nomad meetups and workshops happening regularly, you can always stay connected and inspired.

Join the group chat here.

9. Lisbon, Portugal

Another city that satisfies most of the above needs, Lisbon is fast emerging as the next big digital nomad hub. It’s definitely got the weather, considering that it’s in the top 3 European cities that receive the most sunshine a year.

Plus, it’s affordable – by Europe standards anyway – and its buzzing nightlife scene is a massive draw for young travellers looking to hang out and meet new people.

It’s got great food, cool cafes and whatever cultural fixes you might crave. It’s also a perfect place for photography fans.

While you won’t get the beach bum lifestyle here or a huge amount of green space, you can spend your time hanging on the banks of the River Tagus instead.

10. Berlin, Germany

Berlin, Germany, the land of bratwurst and techno music, is the perfect spot for digital nomads who want to live and work in style. With its rich history, stimulating art scene, and affordable cost of living, you’ll be able to have the time of your life and grow your career at the same time.

Berlin is surprisingly affordable for digital nomads, with most basic necessities available at reasonable prices from its countless supermarkets.

Plus, digital nomad-friendly accommodations are easy to find—from cozy apartments to modern hotels—giving digital nomads plenty of options when it comes to lodging.

Moreover, the digital scene in Berlin is thriving, with digital nomad meetups and workshops happening regularly. This provides digital nomads with an opportunity to stay connected and inspired and find their tribe.

11. Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain

Las Palmas in Canary Islands, Spain is the place to be for digital nomads who want to work and play in paradise. With its year-round sunshine, crystal clear waters, delicious seafood, and affordable cost of living, you’ll be able to soak up the good life while you work and grow your career!

Las Palmas is one of the most digital nomad-friendly cities on the planet. With its low living costs, digital nomads are able to stretch their budgets and get more bang for their buck.

Moreover, digital nomads will have easy access to all the digital amenities they need with many hotels and hostels offering free Wi-Fi, digital nomad cafes, and digital stores providing digital supplies.

And last but not least, there are plenty of digital nomad hangouts where digital nomads can meet up and network with each other—the perfect way to stay connected while exploring this beautiful city!

12. Sintra, Portugal

Sintra, Portugal

Just picture yourself working remotely while surrounded by fairytale palaces, lush gardens and medieval castles, all nestled in the rolling hills of Portugal’s scenic Sintra region.

Sintra, Portugal is a hidden gem for digital nomads looking for a picturesque and historic location to work from.

With its affordable cost of living and convenient location, digital nomads can enjoy living in the scenic Sintra region while exploring some of the most iconic destinations in Portugal.

Just a few miles away, digital nomads can explore the exciting capital city of Lisbon and its many attractions.

Whether it is the enchanting cobblestone alleyways, the lively street markets, or the gorgeous beaches, digital nomads will have plenty to explore and enjoy.

What’s more, digital nomads can stay connected with reliable Wi-Fi services in major cities and towns throughout Portugal.

In addition, digital stores and cafes offer digital services at accessible prices so digital nomads can make the most out of their digital nomad lifestyle.

Best Digital Nomad Cities in North America

13. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Aloha to all the digital nomads out there! San Juan, Puerto Rico is the ultimate location for soaking up the sun and getting some work done. With its beautiful beaches, delicious local cuisine, and tropical vibe, it’s the perfect place to live, work, and play.

San Juan is a top destination for digital nomads on the hunt for an affordable city to call home. With living costs significantly lower than in other popular locations, basic necessities are still accessible at great prices from local stores and street vendors – making sure that your budget never has to feel overwhelmed!

With its wide selection of lodgings—from cosy hostels to extravagant beach resorts—San Juan is the perfect destination for travellers from all walks of life.

Moreover, digital nomads will be delighted by the city’s many coworking spaces, providing them with an opportunity to stay productive and make meaningful connections during their visit.

Best Digital Nomad Cities in Central America

14. Mexico City, Mexico

Palace of Fine Arts, Mexico City

Get ready to salsa your way through Mexico City, the ultimate destination for culture, cuisine, and non-stop fiestas! From ancient Aztec ruins to modern street food, this lively metropolis will leave you craving more.

Mexico City is a haven for digital nomads, offering an unbeatable combination of low living costs and plenty of opportunities to explore! You won’t have to choose between tacos or bills – enjoy both with the extra cash in your pocket. From sipping on margaritas along the lively streets to creating unforgettable memories, Mexico City has everything you need for an amazing experience.

Mexico City offers digital nomads a variety of lodging options, from economical hostels to stylish mid-range apartments. Plus, numerous coworking spaces exist throughout the city, ensuring you’ll never run out of places to work and be productive with your digital hustle.

This city of Mexico is an ideal environment to foster your networking goals. Surrounded by countless co-working events and digital industry gatherings happening all year round, this city allows you to mingle with some of the brightest minds in tech. It’s time to immerse yourself in exciting conversations and make lasting connections.

15. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Get ready to feel the sand between your toes and work in paradise! Playa Del Carmen in Mexico is the place to be with its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, delicious local cuisine, and thriving digital scene, you’ll be able to live, work and play in style.

Digital nomads can capitalize on their budget when living in Playa Del Carmen, due to its affordability. With a low cost of living, this Mexican paradise allows you to truly maximize your earnings and make the most out of every dollar spent.

In addition, digital nomads can find all the requisite amenities of a modern lifestyle with plenty of digital stores and cafes offering free Wi-Fi and other related items at accessible prices.

You can stay connected with the digital community through digital meet-ups and workshops that offer opportunities to network, learn from each other, and share ideas.

Best Digital Nomad Cities in South America

16. Medellin, Colombia

Medellin, Colombia is the land of eternal spring and it’s the perfect spot for digital nomads who want to live and work in style.

With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and affordable cost of living, you’ll be able to soak up the good life while you work and grow your career in this beautiful city.

Not only does this area boast year-round springtime temperatures, it also provides an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking in its lush green hills or exploring its colourful neighbourhoods! Come to Medellin if you want something more than just your average destination; experience culture, adventure, and relaxation all at once.

Medellin is digital nomad-friendly with plenty of accommodation options, digital stores, and digital cafes to provide digital nomads with all the amenities they need.

The Medellin digital nomad community is an inviting and varied group. From all corners of the globe, they come to work in nearby coffee shops or pubs to meet up for casual events. It has one of the best nightlife for a reason! In addition, there are a variety of coworking spaces across the city that provide ideal environments to complete remote tasks without hassle.

Not only that, digital nomads have a plethora of chances to collaborate and build relationships with other travellers at the various digital meetups held here. And thanks to its warm atmosphere towards us digital nomads, everyone can make the most out of this amazing place!

Join the group chat here.

17. La Paz, Bolivia

City Centro Iglesia, La Paz Bolivia

An ideal paradise for digital nomads, La Paz offers a low cost of living that enables you to rent a comfortable and cosy apartment without breaking your budget.

Eating delicious local cuisine in La Paz doesn’t have to take away from your precious resources either, as the affordable prices make it possible to enjoy the area’s delightful treats too!

La Paz is an ideal home base for digital nomads, boasting an energetic community with frequent meetups and social gatherings.

Cable cars are the default mode of transport in La Paz!

There are plenty of chances to connect with other remote workers in La Paz, whether it’s organized events like the annual Digital Nomad Meetup or casual hangouts at nearby cafes and pubs.

Lastly, digital nomads will find La Paz to be conveniently situated near other hubs of digital nomad activity in South America.

Benefitting from quick and easy access to lively cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago, adventurers can explore the area’s varied cultures while taking advantage of their remote work opportunities.

18. Sucre, Bolivia

Picture working remotely and relishing in the robust culture, historical landmarks, and tranquil way of life that Bolivia has to offer – all while enjoying a cost-effective lifestyle.

A high-spirited and colourful city that offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and adventure for digital nomads, is the land of Sucre, Bolivia.

With an abundance of coffee shops and coworking spaces, digital nomads have the perfect opportunity to remain connected while living a hassle-free lifestyle here.

Furthermore, digital nomads will be enchanted by Sucre’s affordability; they can relish delicious meals and luxuriant lodgings for an unbeatable price.

19. Buenos Aires, Argentina

With its delicious food, tango dancing, and beautiful architecture, Buenos Aires in Argentina a perfect place to work remotely while immersing yourself in a new and exciting culture.

The city offers a remarkably affordable cost of living compared to other major cities around the world. Not only are everyday items such as groceries, transportation, and utilities relatively low-cost in Buenos Aires, digital nomads can also take advantage of the many digital stores and cafes offering digital services at reasonable prices.

This city provides an enchanting and captivating cultural backdrop, with its passionate tango dancing, mouthwatering cuisine, and astonishing architecture. It is the ideal spot to work remotely while getting a chance to embrace a fresh culture all at once!

Digital nomads must have reliable internet access in order to work remotely, and Buenos Aires is the perfect place for that. Not only does it offer strong connectivity but there are plenty of coworking spaces as well as cafes with speedy internet connections.

So, digital nomads can stay connected and keep their workflow going even while living in this beautiful city. When it comes to digital nomad hotspots, Buenos Aires is definitely one of the top contenders!

20. Ecuador

Digital nomads looking to experience South America’s captivating charm will find Ecuador the perfect destination. Its location gives you easy access to many unforgettable sights and activities, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity.

Ecuador presents a splendid opportunity for digital nomads who hope to save money on their travels. Its cost of living is incredibly low, and you’ll have the rare chance to explore its cultural attractions and sample delectable local dishes. So if you’re looking for an affordable yet captivating travel experience, Ecuador should be at the top of your list.

Ecuador is an ideal destination for digital nomads, providing a dazzling community of remote professionals who are easy to connect with. Its welcoming atmosphere and abundance of networking opportunities make it one of the best places In South America for expanding your professional network or just making friends along the way!

Time to explore!

If you can’t decide which digital nomad hotspot you prefer, you can always do what my friends do and bounce around between a few!

One of my close friends here spends 4 months in Hoi An, 4 months in Bali, 3 months in Chiang Mai and the rest of her time at home in Australia. She’s fully embraced the digital nomad lifestyle and loves it!

So check out a few of these places, and if you have any more to add to the list, feel free to leave a comment!

Happy travels! xxx

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