If you're reading this, you're probably a digital nomad or at least dreaming of becoming one.
You know the drill: work from anywhere, live everywhere, and turn the globe into your personal office. But where to next?
If you're looking for a vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a cost of living that lets you enjoy it all, we've got just the places for you. Pack your laptop and your sense of adventure because we're heading to South America.
What Makes South America Ideal for Digital Nomads?
South America is becoming a digital nomad's paradise, and it's not hard to see why. The continent is a melting pot of cultures, each with its unique charm and lifestyle. From the tango-filled streets of Buenos Aires to the sun-soaked beaches of Playa del Carmen, there's a city for every kind of nomad.
But it's not just the culture and scenery that's attracting the digital nomad crowd. The numbers tell an exciting story too. According to a 2023 report, South America is gaining popularity among digital nomads, with 13% of the global nomad population choosing it as their base. Buenos Aires, Argentina, leads the pack with an 8.3% share of digital nomads in South America.
The cost of living in South American cities is generally lower compared to North America and Europe, making it an attractive option for digital nomads. The average digital nomad has a budget of $1,875 per month, which goes a long way in most South American cities.
Internet connectivity, once a challenge in some parts of South America, has also improved significantly. Cities like Medellín, Santiago, and Lima now boast reliable high-speed internet, making it easier for digital nomads to work from these locations.
Safety, a crucial factor for digital nomads, has seen improvements in many South American cities as well. While it's always important to stay informed and take precautions, many nomads find cities like Buenos Aires, Medellín, and Santiago to be safe places to live and work.
One last factor to consider is the community. And we can safely say that the digital nomad community in South America is thriving. From co-working spaces to digital nomad meetups, finding like-minded people and making connections is easier than ever.
So, let's now see which are the best cities in South America to check out as a digital nomad.
Best Digital Nomad Cities in South America
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Medellín, Colombia
- Lima, Peru
- Florianópolis, Brazil
- Santiago, Chile
- Quito, Ecuador
- Cuenca, Ecuador
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Bogotà, Colombia
• Numbeo for the cost of living data
• Nomadlist for internet speeds and overall cost of living for nomads
• Ookla Speed Test Index for internet speed data
• Google Maps User Ratings for the best coworking spaces
• Local rent websites for rent prices
The data are also accurate at the time of writing so they might change over time! 🙌 We think though they are still good at giving a pretty accurate picture of what to expect.
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is a city that combines European grandeur with Latin passion. It's a city that's alive with energy, from its vibrant arts scene to its bustling nightlife.
Digital Nomad Scene
Buenos Aires is a popular hotspot for digital nomads, with a thriving community that's always ready to welcome newcomers. The city has a number of coworking spaces, such as AreaTres and La Maquinita, which offer not just workspaces but also networking opportunities and events.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Buenos Aires is relatively low compared to other major cities. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $6.91, while a decent one-bedroom apartment rents for about $600 per month. The expected expenses for a nomad are then expected to be around $1,600 per month.
Internet Speed
Internet connectivity in Buenos Aires is pretty fast, with the city offering an average download speed of 92 Mbps.
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2. Medellín, Colombia
Known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant weather, Medellín is a city that has transformed itself in recent years. Once infamous for its drug-related violence, it's now a vibrant and safe city that's attracting digital nomads from around the world.
Digital Nomad Scene
Medellín has a strong digital nomad community, with many coworking spaces like Selina Cowork and Publico Coworking. These spaces offer excellent facilities and a great environment to network with other remote workers.
Cost of Living
Medellín is easy on the pocket, and a meal at a budget-friendly restaurant would set you back by about $5 while a one-bedroom apartment in a reasonable area is available for rent at approximately $700 per month. A nomad's living cost is around $1,400 per month.
Internet Speed
Medellín boasts robust internet infrastructure, with high-speed internet readily available in most parts of the city. The average download speed is around 30 Mbps.
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3. Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital of Peru, is a city that's known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. It's a city that's full of life and culture, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
Digital Nomad Scene
Lima has a growing digital nomad community, with a growing number of coworking spaces like Comunal and WeWork. These spaces offer a great environment for work and networking with other nomads so they are definitely worth checking them out while there.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Lima is quite affordable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $4.15, and a one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents at about $500 per month. A nomad can generally expect to spend only $1,332 per month to live in Lima, which is pretty appealing if you ask me!
Internet Speed
Internet connections are unfortunately not amazing in Peru but you can expect a decent 15 Mbps download speed which should be enough to carry out the work of a large majority of digital nomads.
4. Florianópolis, Brazil
Florianópolis, also known as Floripa, is a vibrant city in Brazil that's surrounded by 42 beaches. It's a paradise for surfers and nature lovers, with a rich history and lively nightlife. The city is also known for its excellent seafood and traditional Brazilian cuisine.
Digital Nomad Scene
The digital nomad community in Florianópolis is thriving. With a number of coworking spaces Impact Hub and SANDBOX and cafes with good Wi-Fi, it's a great place for remote work. The city's relaxed vibe and beautiful surroundings make it popular among digital nomads.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Florianópolis is moderately low. While it's more expensive than some other cities in Brazil, it's still affordable compared to many Western cities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $600 per month with a budget-friendly meal costing around $6.27. As a digital nomad, you can expect your total expenses to be around $1,603 per month.
Internet Speed
The average internet speed in Florianópolis is 32 Mbps, which is pretty fast for most online work.
5. Santiago, Chile
Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a city that's nestled between the Andes and the Chilean Coastal Range. With its vibrant culture, bustling nightlife, and stunning natural surroundings, it's a city that has truly a lot to offer digital nomads.
Digital Nomad Scene
Santiago has a thriving digital nomad community, with many great coworking spaces where to catch up with other digital nomads. Among others, WeWork and Co-Work Latam stand out.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Santiago is not as low as the other South American cities but still relatively affordable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $11.20, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for about $800 per month. A good budget to keep in mind as a nomad is $2,000 per month.
Internet Speed
Santiago is known for its high-speed internet, with the city offering some of the fastest internet speeds in South America. Chile ranks 2nd in the world for fixed broadband speeds during May 2023, according to the Speedtest Global Index with the median download speed for fixed broadband standing at 183.27 Mbps and the mobile speed at 26.61 Mbps.
6. Quito, Ecuador
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a city that's rich in history and culture. It's located high in the Andes and is known for its stunning colonial architecture and vibrant local markets. The city also has a number of beautiful parks and green spaces. But it's the city's low cost of living and pleasant climate that makes it very attractive for remote workers.
Digital Nomad Scene
Quito has a quite growing digital nomad scene. The city has several coworking spaces like Play House and IMPAQTO, and many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
Cost of Living
Living in Quito is affordable and also very low compared to many South American cities, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around $450 per month and a meal costing only $3.75. If you want a city that has a cost of living below $1,600 per month, then Quito is for you.
Internet Speed
The average internet speed in Quito is 16 Mbps. While this is lower than in some other cities, we think it's generally sufficient for most remote work tasks (unless you have specific needs for your job).
7. Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca is another charming city in southern Ecuador that's known for its beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including the Cajas National Park. Cuenca's relaxed pace of life and affordable cost of living make it an overall popular choice for remote workers.
Digital Nomad Scene
Cuenca has a small but growing digital nomad community. The city has several coworking spaces like CoWorking Cuenca and Selina, and the local cafes often have good Wi-Fi.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Cuenca is very low. A one-bedroom apartment in a normal area costs only $400 per month, making it one of the most affordable cities for digital nomads. To live a comfortable life in Cuenca, a reasonable budget would be $1,700 per month.
Internet Speed
The median internet speed in Cuenca is 19.31 Mbps. While this is on the lower end, it's usually adequate for most remote work tasks.
8. São Paulo, Brazil
Brazil's pulsating heart is São Paulo, a city of towering skyscrapers and rich cultural heritage. It's one of the world's most populous cities, where modern architecture rubs shoulders with historic landmarks. The city's cultural tapestry is woven with threads of diverse museums, vibrant music scenes, and a gastronomic paradise.
Digital Nomad Scene
The digital nomad community in São Paulo is on the rise, with a variety of coworking spaces sprouting across the city. Among them, Sextante Coworking stands out for its conducive work environment and ample networking opportunities.
Cost of Living
While São Paulo's cost of living is higher than in other Brazilian cities, it remains relatively affordable when compared to many Western cities. Here you can enjoy a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for around $8.15, while a one-bedroom apartment in a decent area will set you back at about $800 per month. A digital nomad can budget around $2,000 a month to live well in São Paulo.
Internet Speed
In São Paulo, you can expect reliable internet connectivity, with numerous providers offering high-speed internet options. The average internet speed you can expect is 67 Mbps.
9. Bogotá, Colombia
The last city in our least (not for importance!) is Bogotá. Colombia's capital is a city that teems with life, offering a vibrant culture, active nightlife, and breathtaking natural surroundings. It's a city that never sleeps and has much to offer to digital nomads.
Digital Nomad Scene
Bogotá is home to a thriving community of digital nomads and the city boasts many coworking spaces, including Panda Lab.
Cost of Living
Life in Bogotá comes with an affordable price tag. Data suggests that a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $4, and a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is priced at about $500 per month.
Internet Speed
Bogotá has a very decent internet infrastructure, with good internet speeds readily available in most parts of the city. You can expect an average connection of 19 Mbps which should be enough for most remote workers.
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Are You Ready To Explore South America As A Digital Nomad?
That was our top pick of the most favorable destinations for digital nomads and remote workers.
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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!
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