Best Cities for Digital Nomads to Travel and Work
Despite what headlines would try and have you believe, the remote work bubble is far from popped. There’s still a huge number of digital nomads globally - in fact, the whole Freaking Nomads team is fully-remote.
But traveling full-time can be exhausting - after two full years on the road, I know better than most. The desire to plant loose roots is real. But home cities often lack the appeal of international home bases. That’s why so many digital nomads choose to live abroad, in digital nomad hotspots.
In this article, we’ll cover exactly what you should look for when choosing a digital nomad city before sharing ten of the best cities for remote work. From Medellín and Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur and Sofia - here are our top digital nomad cities.
1. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its temperate weather. Expect lows of 17-18°C and highs of 27-28°C year-round. It’s a fantastic, inexpensive place to spend time with a wonderful digital nomad community. There are plenty of expat groups, language exchanges, meetups, and a great nightlife scene that is perfect for meeting people.
Fast internet speeds pose no problem for remote workers with both impressive WiFi and mobile data options available. Choose one of the many coworking spaces to benefit from the most reliable connections.
Safety has long been a concern for travelers visiting Medellín. A string of violent crimes against tourists has alarm bells ringing once again, but this is the exception - not the rule. As with all of our recommended destinations, practice caution and keep up to date with the government advice, and only travel if deemed safe.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Tucked away in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has long been a digital nomad hotspot - particularly for SEO entrepreneurs and online business owners. As a result, there’s a huge number of coworking spaces, from the world-famous Yellow to the lesser-known Alt_ChiangMai.
The cost of living is low and apartments or coliving can be sourced for a fraction of the price elsewhere in the world. It’s a safe city, although traffic accidents are common in Thailand and we would always recommend helmets when renting scooters. Chiang Mai is, however, very hot - expect temperatures around 35°C year-round. Avoid January to March in the period known as the burning season due to the poor air quality and eerie haze across the city.
Chiang Mai is full of charm - from the night markets and old town to the specialty coffee shops throughout the Nimman district. It’s always a pleasure to live and work in the city.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico’s capital, unimaginatively named Mexico City, should be on the bucket list of every digital nomad, traveler, and tourist. The vibrant, high-energy destination is perfect for those getting their first taste of Latin culture.
CDMX has great public transport options, plenty of green spaces, and a welcoming digital nomad community. Choose from Colony Spaces Colima, WeWork, Openhub, and so many more. Alternatively, check out one of the many coliving options - including the always-popular Selina, based in the downtown district.
The city is safe, and full of friendly locals, a large percentage of the population speaks English, and the hospitality is second to none. Check out the wide range of museums, food markets, restaurants, and nightlife. A month almost definitely isn’t long enough - book at least three.
4. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia is one of the original digital nomad hotspots and remains popular among travelers today. Canggu has long been the go-to neighborhood and there’s everything a digital nomad could want and need.
From coworking/coliving spaces to surf shops and SCUBA schools - Canggu has it all. Choose from Tropical Nomad Coworking, B Work Bali, and the always-popular ZIN Cafe. There’s a great nomad community - although the neighborhood has undergone rapid modernization in recent years. Some criticize that the Canggu that we used to know and love is now just a distant memory.
The neighborhood is super safe and there’s great internet speeds and connectivity. Public transport, however, isn’t the best and it’s recommended to rent a scooter if you’re planning on staying for longer periods.
5. Oaxaca, Mexico
Known officially as Oaxaca de Juárez, the Mexican city is vibrant with color, cultural traditions, and friendly locals. There’s mild weather year-round, stunning landscapes, and affordable living - all of which make Oaxaca perfect for digital nomads.
The pull of global nomads has led to the opening of a number of coworking spaces, including Co404, Centrico, and Gubixi. All offer wonderful services with fast WiFi that remote workers can rely on throughout their working day.
Safety should always be a key consideration for digital nomads and Mexico doesn’t always have the best reputation. Thankfully, Oaxaca is not recognized as a dangerous destination and has a strong digital nomad community as a result. Always employ safe behavior practices and only travel when the local governments deem it safe to do so.
6. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
The capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas is a true digital nomad hotspot for lovers of the warm weather. Positioned in the Canary Islands, expect temperatures in the low to mid-20s year-round.
Las Canteras Beach, lining the West of the capital, is the biggest pull for holidaymakers and digital nomads alike. Spend your time in the sun, exploring the local beachfront bars and restaurants, or - if you’re particularly adventurous - SCUBA diving in the Atlantic or hiking, camping, and stargazing in the national parks.
Short-term rentals are a popular choice among digital nomads searching for accommodation, but there’s a high demand for coliving spaces, too. Choose your favorite and head out to one of the many coworking spaces on the island. Find fast WiFi and great people with easy-going attitudes. Explore one of the many local fitness clubs and find out why the Canary Islands are just so popular among expats.
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires has long been a digital nomad hotspot thanks to all the city has to offer. The vibrant lifestyle, affordable cost of living, and large expat community make Buenos Aires a top destination to spend a portion of your year.
The city is safe, has a phenomenal food scene, and there are plenty of coworking and coliving spaces to choose from. La Maquinita, Huerta Coworking, and WeWork are among some of the most popular choices offering fast WiFi and wonderful nomad communities. There’s also a wealth of cafes, coffee shops, and libraries that are great for remote working.
It’s often best to visit the city in the winter (Nov - March) with lows in the regions of 20°C regions and highs in the 30°C region. The summers are mild with lows of 10°C and highs of 15°C. From the theatres and art exhibitions to the gardens and waterfronts - there’s a huge amount to see and do in the city.
8. Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second city, Porto is often overlooked in favor of Lisbon, especially by digital nomads.
But the home of Port is just as good - if not better - for remote workers. The romantic city is full of great food, activities, and a wonderful digital nomad community. Choose from several wonderful coworking/coliving spaces with b, including Selina - a centrally located space filled with like-minded travelers.
The city is both safe and affordable for digital nomads with fabulous Portuguese charm. The highlight is without doubt the Luís I Bridge, but explore the historic streets, secluded beaches, and award-winning restaurants to find your favorite corners. Rent an affordable apartment or Airbnb in the center or opt for a coliving space to make the most of your stay.
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is often considered a layover city thanks to the number of connecting flights in KL International Airport. Many travelers choose to spend just 24 hours in the city, but there’s so much more to KL.
The low cost of living is an obvious pull and with plenty of highrise apartments to choose from, the quality of life is high. Many of these buildings come with top-quality amenities, including gyms, pools, and coworking spaces with fast WiFi that are free to use.
The city itself is diverse and full of interesting neighborhoods and phenomenal food. The climate is warm with thunderstorms most days - not for everyone but it adds a real charm to the city. It’s also an incredibly safe city with a fantastic digital nomad community. In Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur is my personal favorite.
10. Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s historic capital city, Sofia is a hotspot for digital nomads thanks to its low living costs and booming tech scene. The speedy internet encourages plenty of coworking opportunities from top spots in the city. Choose from NETWORKING Premium, Campus X, and SOHO - Sofia Holistic Coworking - among many others.
Sofia is a relatively green city with a number of parks scattered around the center. Head out for a run and explore nature in the moderate spring and fall climates. Summers and warm in the city and winters are cold - best spent in nearby Bansko for top-quality skiing and hearty local meals.
The city itself is a safe destination for digital nomads and there’s a fantastic community of remote workers. Head to one of the aforementioned coworking spaces, or stay in a coliving space to meet one of the many who call Sofia their temporary home.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Digital Nomad City
We digital nomads can and often will work from anywhere - from Switzerland to Sri Lanka and Turkmenistan to Thailand - the possibilities are endless. But to get the most out of our longer trips, there’s a short criterion we use to find the perfect city.
Internet and Connectivity
There are two things we need as digital nomads. A laptop (or tablet) and an internet connection - the rest we can do without.
When looking for a city to work remotely from, internet connectivity has to be a priority. Most of us don’t need blistering speeds - but a reliable connection that won’t drop during meetings, file uploads, and large downloads.
Mobile hotspots and eSIMs are great options for WiFi replacements, but we always look for accommodation and coworking spaces with a good connection. For a long-term commitment, it’s imperative.
Cost of living
Next up on the checklist, is the cost of living. Nomadic living costs are usually much higher than if you were to live in a city full-time. This can make life on the road expensive. It makes sense to seek out those cheaper destinations to stretch the dollar just that little bit further.
Accommodation is one of the most difficult parts of budgeting as a digital nomad, but regular meals, groceries, travel expenses, and activities all add up. Budgeting apps can be a helpful tool for digital nomads - but the biggest hack is to spend more time in those destinations with a lower cost of living.
Visa Requirements
The legalities surrounding whether or not you can stay within a country's borders is another key consideration of digital nomads.
Due to the surge in the popularity of digital nomads, many countries have begun offering special digital nomad visas. These offer long-term stays (1 year+) to remote workers looking to visit. Find out more about the available digital nomad visas and eligibility requirements.
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority for digital nomads and choosing a great destination is the first step. Avoid dangerous countries, cities, and neighborhoods, and practice safety when exploring new places.
The vast majority of digital nomad hotspots are safe for everyone. However, additional research may be required for women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Travel is great for opening new perspectives in the world, but attitudes can be negative towards certain groups.
Personal Preference
Finally, personal preference should always be a top priority for digital nomads. The nomad lifestyle allows travelers to live and work among their favorite scenes.
Whether you’re a lover of the mountains, the beaches, the big cities, or the small towns - you can always find a place that suits your preferences. We always recommend traveling to see the world - but if you’re looking to spend a long time in one spot - make sure it ticks the boxes on your preference sheet.
Ready to Pick Your Next Digital Nomad City?
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