12 Top Destinations Every Digital Nomad Dreams of Calling Home
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine.
This sentiment is prevalent in an age when technology has blurred borders and reimagined what a workplace can and looks like. Digital nomadism, a way of life in which professionals can work remotely on the road worldwide, has become increasingly popular over the past few years.
MBO Partners’ 2022 report indicated that the number of digital nomads in the United States alone has boomed over the past three years, rising 131% to 16.9 million.
Technological advances, increasing inbounds for affordable global internet access, and a growing appreciation for work-life flexibility all fuel this trend. Since more and more people find a niche that allows them to search for professional and personal growth, some countries have become the most popular choice among digital nomads. They’re big on cost-friendly living options and thriving coworking scenes, making them a haven for productivity and adventure.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is affordable compared to other European capitals, and its culture is better than any of them. It also attracts the digital nomad crowd.
It’s an irresistible mix of pastel-toned architecture, dynamic coworking space, and an incomparable culinary scene. But weekly digital nomad meetups? That’s a strong sense of community that Portugal provides…and a favorable D7 visa, too, which gives remote workers the flexibility they need without contacting or visiting an embassy.
Lisbon is perfectly balanced between work and leisure, as you can get high-speed internet and gorgeous beaches within a short distance.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
For years, Chiang Mai has been known as the unofficial digital nomad capital of the world. Why? The place is friendly, has plenty of cars to support your remote work, and you work by the mountains.
For $1,200 a month, you have all the modern coworking spaces you need, all the authentic Thai street food you can eat for $1-2, and year-round sunshine. Just be mindful of the “burning season” (February-May) when air quality can drop.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
As South America’s cultural hub, Buenos Aires hosts tango, magnificent architecture, and lively nightlife. This city is famously cheap to live in—the cost of living here averages $1,000 per month—which is why it’s such a popular nomadic spot for art and culture fans.
This vibrant city has more than 20 coworking spaces and a significant expat community, which suits digital nomads who want to achieve productivity while immersing themselves in culture.
Bali, Indonesia
Paradise for digital nomads, and no place embodies that more than Bali. If you take the rice fields of Ubud or the beaches of Canggu, you can’t go wrong in Bali.
It’s the perfect place for nomads seeking wellness and work-life balance: yoga studios, organic cafes, coworking hubs such as Dojo, and cheap living ($1,800 per month). Know that the rainy season time is from November to March.
Berlin, Germany
In Berlin, innovation meets culture. Berlin is known for its liberal atmosphere, varied nightlife, and, perhaps most importantly, for harboring one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
Tech-focused digital nomads are drawn to Berlin thanks to more than 150 coworking spaces and endless networking opportunities.
Medellín, Colombia
In the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín offers a near-perfect climate, affordable living (~$1,300 per month), and a close-knit expat and local community.
Medellín is quickly becoming a favorite of digital nomads. It offers high-speed internet (an average of 130 Mbps) and state-of-the-art coworking spaces while boasting all the urban amenities and vibrant Latin culture any seasoned nomad would demand.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang is not too far from your destination for those looking for a work-life balance whilst indulging in a beach view. Da Nang is known for its incredible cuisine, breathtaking coastline, and developing infrastructure—accessible to remote workers.
This rapidly developing city offers plenty of modern conveniences, including coworking hubs and (pretty good) internet. The cost of living is around $900 (~$300) a month, which is about average.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Digital nomads looking to visit places rich with ancient charm and a touch of modern innovation can look forward to a calendar year with Tbilisi. Remote workers from over 95 countries are politically granted a visa-free one-year stay.
While Russian is widely spoken (necessary for the visa process), English is spoken daily amongst Tbilisi millennials who create the city’s burgeoning tech scene. Furthermore, many streets are picturesque with great wine, and you can live on living expenses alone for just $800 a month in Tbilisi.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town does everything from work-life balance to adventure and is challenging to match. Outdoor enthusiasts will feel at home surfing at Muizenberg Beach or hiking Table Mountain.
In addition to its natural beauty, Cape Town has a developing tech sector, trendy coworking spaces, and cheap ($2,000 a month) living costs. However, power outages (“load shedding”) remain challenging, so plan your work hours around them.
Austin, Texas (USA)
Austin can be a vibrant place with strong tech roots. The city has a startup culture, with major companies like Tesla, Amazon, and Google located here.
Although it could be more expensive (around $3,600 per month), Austin has much to offer digital nomads who want to remain stateside. There are music venues, sunshine (like every day), and a foodie’s paradise.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur provides the perfect answer if you want affordability without sacrificing quality. It has an impressive public transport system, which makes exploring the city beyond walking convenient.
Digital nomads can enjoy a luxury lifestyle, coworking spaces, and next-level dining experiences across cultures for under ~$1300 per month.
Melbourne, Australia
Due to its artsy culture, lovable coffee scene, and excellent quality of living, Melbourne is a dream destination for digital nomads. Though living costs might be more expensive, the city has fantastic coworking spaces, good Wi-Fi, and plenty of opportunities to network throughout most of the day, so you won’t have to spend all your time indoors.
Take note: Laneway cafés are plentiful; ideal spots to bury your head in a latte while fine-tuning your next big pitch.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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