Living as a digital nomad family is both a profoundly rewarding and challenging experience. It's a life filled with adventure, learning, and flexibility, where parents and children alike can grow in a dynamic, global classroom.
But this lifestyle is not without its practical considerations. Choosing where to live, for example, is more than just a backdrop for digital nomad families; it affects everything for them, from work connectivity to children's education.
In this article, we'll delve into what a digital nomad family like you should consider when picking your next destination and will present our curated list of the best places worldwide for digital nomad families. Plus, we'll share our tips on how to make the most of this lifestyle, focusing on how your family can do more than just adapt but truly thrive as nomads.
Read on to discover these top destinations that cater to the unique needs of digital nomad families, promising a balance of work, education, culture, and fun!
Best Places for Digital Nomads Families
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Melbourne, Australia
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Bali, Indonesia
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Budapest, Hungary
• 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. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, offers an appealing mix of history, culture, and modern amenities for digital nomad families. It has fast median internet speeds of 107Mbps and numerous coworking spaces and cafes with Wi-Fi access suitable for work and online schooling. The cost of living is lower than in many other European capitals, with estimated monthly costs of $5,550 for a family. Lisbon is relatively safe, with a low crime rate, and has accessible healthcare.
The education system comprises free public schools (mostly Portuguese-speaking) and private international schools (costly, smaller classes). Homeschooling is also an option with authorization. Beyond school, Lisbon’s history and culture, from landmarks to art galleries and festivals, provide enriching experiences for the whole family.
The weather is pleasant year-round, especially in Spring and Fall. Easy access to the sea and nature also provides outdoor recreation to complement urban living.
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2. Melbourne, Australia
A vibrant city celebrated in Australia and worldwide for its cultural diversity, Melbourne offers digital nomad families urban sophistication alongside natural charm. It has a median internet speed of 55Mbps, suitable for remote work. Coworking spaces like Happy Hubbub also provide on-site childcare. The cost of living is high but delivers a quality lifestyle, with estimated monthly family costs of $4,193 excluding rent ($1,609-$2,123 for apartments).
Known for safety, Melbourne has low crime and world-class healthcare facilities. It is renowned for educational excellence through varied quality public and private schools catering to different curricula.
Melbourne’s vibrant culture includes museums, galleries, festivals and a multicultural fabric for rich experiences. Easy access to numerous parks, beaches and nature reserves allows for outdoor recreation and work-life balance for families.
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3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai blends traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it the perfect destination for digital nomad families. Internet speeds average 15-25Mbps in most cafes, while coworking spaces offer up to 100Mbps. The cost of living is highly affordable, with estimated monthly family costs of $1,023. Restaurant meals average $1.75-$15.70.
The city has a low crime rate and quality international hospitals/clinics for sound healthcare. Education-wise, international schools with diverse curricula are highly recommended for expat families.
Culturally, Chiang Mai offers over 300 temples, ancient sites like the Lanna capital, farms, parks and more. Surrounded by mountainous landscapes, it provides plentiful outdoor adventures, enabling families to easily balance work and leisure.
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4. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a major digital nomad hub and a popular destination for families seeking a tropical lifestyle. Coworking spaces like Finns Recration Club cater to working parents, with amenities like kids' clubs. The cost of living is affordable at around $1,957 per month.
Bali is generally safe, though standard travel precautions should be taken. While Bali's healthcare system is still developing, the island has a range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, catering to both locals and expatriates.
International schools are the preferred choice for expat families due to curriculum compatibility, while public schools taught in Bahasa Indonesia can present language barriers.
Bali is also a cultural treasure trove, with family-friendly attractions such as Mount Batur, Uluwatu Temple and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple. At the same time, natural attractions like Sekumpul Waterfall and Lake Batur allow opportunities to engage with Bali's beautiful landscapes.
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5. Cape Town, South Africa
Nestled between the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain and the vast Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is an emerging destination for digital nomad families, offering a dynamic yet family-friendly environment. It has an excellent internet speed of 46.61 Mbps, with many coworking spaces available. The cost of living is more expensive compared to other African cities but still affordable versus Western countries, with estimated monthly costs for a family of four around $1,972 without rent (around $635 for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center).
Well-regarded safe neighbourhoods include Greenpoint, Seapoint, Waterfront, and Camps Bay, while private hospitals like Mediclinic Constantiaberg provide accessible healthcare. Public schools vary in quality by suburb but primarily use English.
Cape Town's cultural landscape is as diverse as its people, offering a range of attractions like the Labia Theatre, District 6 Museum, vibrant Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and more. Nature activities range from seal snorkeling in Hout Bay to exploring the biodiverse Cape Point Nature Reserve and birdwatching in Kirstenbosch Gardens.
6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City offers a vibrant, bustling environment blended with traditional and modern lifestyles for digital nomad families. It has excellent median internet speeds of 125.31 Mbps and many coworking spaces/cafes. The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City is considerably lower than in many Western cities. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs, excluding rent, are approximately $1,816.
Vietnam is considered one of the safest countries globally, though petty theft can occur in busy areas. Education options include private, international and public schools, with some families choosing public schools for cultural immersion despite the different teaching methods.
Families can enjoy many cultural activities, including riverboat tours, Cu Chi tunnels, Kidzoona, local markets like Ben Thanh, water puppet shows, walking streets, flower markets, museums and temples. Ho Chi Minh City also offers opportunities to connect with nature, including exploring the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.
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7. Budapest, Hungary
The enchanting capital of Hungary, Budapest is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and old-world charm. It stands out as a child-friendly city, offering a multitude of experiences and activities for families. The city offers high-speed internet with median fixed broadband speeds of 180 Mbps as well as numerous coworking spaces and cafes that provide places to work.
Cost of living is attractive, with estimated monthly costs for a family of four about $2,638 USD without rent. Budapest is considered very safe, with access to quality healthcare and English-speaking doctors/paediatricians. There are many high-quality local and international schools, with free public schools also available although potential language barriers exist. Bilingual schools provide other options.
Top family cultural attractions include the historic Budapest Zoo, Kopaszi Park along the Danube with playgrounds and cafes, and the interactive Natural History Museum. Nature activities range from enjoying the scenic Danube River, numerous green parks and spaces in the city, and destinations like the Buda Hills and nearby national parks for weekend getaways.
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What Makes a Location Ideal for Digital Nomad Families?
When selecting your next destination as a digital nomad family, you must weigh several key factors to ensure a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle. These include:
Safety and Healthcare
The well-being of your family is another fundamental aspect. Destinations with a reputation for accessible and quality healthcare services are non-negotiable for peace of mind.
Educational Resources
The availability of educational facilities and resources is also vital for the intellectual and social development of your children. This includes schools, libraries, and cultural learning opportunities.
Cost of Living
Affordability is another important factor. A destination with a lower cost of living will allow your family to enjoy a better quality of life and allocate resources to experiences rather than just necessities.
Internet Connectivity
Reliable and high-speed internet is still the backbone of the digital nomad lifestyle. It's a must for parents to effectively manage work commitments and for children to access online education or homeschooling activities.
Culture
Immersing in the local culture enriches the family’s experience, offering unique learning opportunities and a broader worldview. So it cannot be left out from the criteria to be considered.
Nature and Recreation
Finally, access to natural environments is essential to ensure a healthy balance of outdoor activities and a connection with nature. These are key elements to consider for the overall development and well-being of your children.
How to Make the Most of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle with a Family
We already mentioned how a a digital nomad lifestyle with your family can be one of the most enriching and transformative experiences (you know better than us!). So, here are our tips to help you make the most of this beautiful journey:
- Establish a Routine: Create a stable routine for meals, sleep, and study to help children adapt to new environments.
- Smart Packing: Pack essentials, including favorite toys, educational materials, and specific health items, but remember most things can be bought locally.
- Family-Oriented Accommodations: Choose nomad accommodations that are conducive to both work and family needs, like apartments with dedicated workspaces and family-friendly amenities.
- Set Work-Family Boundaries: Allocate specific times for work and family. Flexibly adjust your work schedule to fit family needs.
- Co-working Spaces and Childcare: Take advantage of co-working spaces, especially those that offer childcare facilities (yes, they do exist!), allowing parents to focus on work while children are engaged and safe.
- Local Cultural Immersion: Encourage interaction with local communities, participate in events, and learn the local language to enrich your family's cultural experience.
- Regular Family Check-ins: Discuss and check in with your children about their feelings and experiences to understand and address their needs.
Remember, adaptability and openness to new experiences, while ensuring your family's comfort and well-being, are key to thriving in a digital nomad lifestyle!
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