14 Best Cities Around the World for Working While on Vacation
Flexible remote work has opened up exciting opportunities for professionals to blend work and leisure. Welcome to the age of the “workation”: a concept where individuals can maintain productivity while exploring the world. With remote work on the rise—16% of companies globally are now fully remote, according to Owl Labs—the appeal of taking your laptop to a new city each month has never been stronger.
According to a 2023 survey by Buffer, 98% of remote workers preferred to continue working remotely for the rest of their careers, with many citing the opportunity to explore new destinations as a key perk. Which cities are best suited for this work-and-play lifestyle? Keep reading for 14 places that balance professional productivity and recreational joy perfectly.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona attracts remote workers with its Mediterranean climate, stunning architecture, and growing coworking culture. Aticco and Spaces offer ideal environments to build a productive work-life balance. Spain’s new digital nomad visa also makes it easier for professionals to stay long-term.
A single person’s average monthly cost of living in Spain is around $1,480 USD, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. Barcelona offers a mix of productivity and leisure. After work, enjoy fresh tapas or stroll around the bustling Plaça de Catalunya.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon ranks high among digital nomads thanks to its vibrant cityscape, warm beaches, and welcoming locals. The city features coworking spaces such as Second Home and IDEA Spaces, making finding a productive and inspiring workplace easy.
Living expenses average around $1,700 monthly, while the internet speeds are a steady 103 Mbps. Lisbon also offers plenty of networking opportunities for remote workers, helping you find a community while enjoying the city’s charm.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
For those dreaming of mornings at the desk and afternoons on white sandy beaches, Playa del Carmen is the perfect destination. This tropical paradise combines a laid-back vibe with coworking hubs like Nest CoWork.
Playa del Carmen offers an affordable and idyllic work-life balance, with living costs around $1,200 per month and fast internet speeds. Snorkeling through cenotes or exploring the Tulum ruins are just a short trip away when the workday ends.
Bali, Indonesia
A long-time favorite among digital nomads, Bali offers a serene and affordable environment. With an average monthly cost of $1,000—including stays in beautiful villas—Bali is perfect for remote workers seeking a relaxing yet productive lifestyle.
Coworking spaces like Dojo Bali provide excellent work environments. Outside work, wellness activities like yoga and plant-based dining are abundant, making Bali a haven for those looking to recharge.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto combines cultural diversity, top-tier coworking spaces, and proximity to the U.S., making it an excellent choice for professionals seeking access to major North American markets. Though on the pricier side, with average monthly expenses of $2,500, Toronto’s fast internet speeds of 145 Mbps and vibrant urban scene make it worth the investment.
Whether you’re working on a significant project or exploring the city’s bustling neighborhoods, Toronto offers a dynamic environment for remote workers.
Singapore
With its world-class infrastructure and tech-savvy environment, Singapore is a standout destination for remote professionals. The city’s excellent public transportation and eco-friendly initiatives make getting around seamless while reducing your carbon footprint.
Though living costs are higher—averaging $4,000 per month—Singapore’s blazing internet speeds of 200 Mbps and luxury amenities justify the expense. Spend mornings working in the central business district and evenings unwinding at Marina Bay Sands.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro blends work and relaxation with its scenic coastline and vibrant culture. The city offers modern coworking spaces like WeWork Rio and stable internet speeds.
Monthly living expenses are around $1,500, making it an affordable option for remote workers. After finishing your tasks, enjoy a refreshing caipirinha on Copacabana Beach or enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere.
New York City, USA
Remote work in the city that never sleeps? Absolutely. New York offers an expansive range of coworking spaces, including The Wing and Industrious, providing premium options for setting up your workspace.
While living costs are higher at $4,500 per month, the experience is often worth it. With lightning-fast internet averaging 150 Mbps, NYC’s energy and endless networking opportunities make it an exciting destination for remote workers.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a bustling yet incredibly budget-friendly city, combining modern amenities with rich cultural heritage. Popular coworking spaces like HUBBA Thailand offer professionals an inclusive and dynamic environment.
With monthly expenses averaging $1,200 and internet speeds of 110 Mbps, the city is affordable and well-connected. After work, you can savor street food from vibrant stalls or take a relaxing cruise along the Chao Phraya River.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is a multicultural metropolis known for its affordability, delicious food, and growing community of remote workers. Living expenses average just $1,000 per month, making it one of the most cost-effective options for digital nomads.
Its internet speeds, averaging 89 Mbps, are reliable for online work. The city’s unique blend of history and modernity inspires creative professionals.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is rapidly gaining popularity among digital nomads thanks to its lenient visa policies and affordable cost of living. For a single person, monthly expenses (including rent) in Tbilisi, Georgia, range between $1,470 and $1,500. The median download speed for mobile internet is 36.17 Mbps.
The cobblestone streets and stunning Art Nouveau architecture create a charming and creative atmosphere.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With thriving coworking spaces and proximity to other European hubs, Amsterdam is a fantastic choice for a workstation. The average cost of living is $3,948.70 per month, but the city makes up for it with super-fast internet speeds of 107.78 Mbps.
Cycling around its iconic canals brings joy to your daily work routine, making Amsterdam an inspiring and efficient place to work remotely.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne’s progressive culture, vibrant art scene, and world-class coffee make it a beloved destination for remote workers. Excellent coworking spaces like Hub Australia and The Commons provide professional and creative environments.
A single person’s average monthly living cost in Melbourne, Australia, is approximately $993. The city has a median internet download speed of 54.46 Mbps and an upload speed of 18.45 Mbps, with maximum speeds reaching up to 110 Mbps, as reported by Compare Broadband. The city’s innovative and creative energy ensures you’ll stay inspired daily.
Budapest, Hungary
Nestled along the Danube River, Budapest is quickly becoming a favorite destination for remote workers. As one of Europe’s most affordable cities, Budapest combines low living costs with a vibrant coworking scene featuring spaces like Kaptár and Impact Hub. According to Budapest Business Journal, the city also has reliable internet, with an impressive upper quartile download speed of 401.96 Mbps in Q3 2023.
Beyond work, Budapest has plenty to explore, from its iconic thermal baths to its vibrant nightlife. Budapest is ideal for digital nomads and culture enthusiasts, with an average monthly cost of living around $1,200 (including rent, utilities, and dining).
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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