Housing Options for Digital Nomads: The Best Rental Sites
We digital nomads all know that housing is certainly the biggest expense when traveling. And gone are the old days when we could just book a cheap Airbnb and hop from one country to another freely. Airbnb, once the king of digital nomad accommodation keeps being criticized for being too expensive. There is apparently even a study that shows that hotels are becoming less expensive than Airbnb.
So, what are other options when it comes to digital nomad housing, and are there any other rental sites that offer flexible, comfortable (and even cheaper) accommodations? The answer is yes. There are plenty of options.
In this guide, we will list the top rental sites that cater to the needs and preferences of digital nomads, so keep reading if you want to know your options.
What Types of Digital Nomad Accommodations Exist?
Before going into the actual list of top accommodations, it's worth evaluating the options you have. Choosing the right digital nomad accommodation type will heavily depend on your travel plans, trip length, and, of course, budget.
Here are the different options you have:
- Short-term rentals: Hotels or local private apartments that can range from 1 day to a couple of weeks
- Extended stay apart-hotels: Private apartments within hotel complexes that provide private accommodation or rooms from 1 week to several months. They are generally cheaper than hotels as they cater to longer-term stays
- Local guest houses: Mid- to long-term apartments or rooms owned by local hosts. They might not necessarily be equipped with home-office equipment, but they are usually cheaper and have the advantage of being usually in more local areas
- Coliving spaces: Community-driven shared houses or apartments in the same complex, usually with a choice of ensuite vs private bathroom, a shared kitchen, a coworking space, and common areas to connect and spend time with other nomads.
- Remote work-travel programs: They are a form of coliving experience but are thought for new nomads who want to kickstart their remote work journey without the hassle of travel planning, finding accommodation and searching for nomad communities around the world. Sometimes referred to as workations (or "workcations"), they generally go from one week to a month.
- Hostels: Generally not catered to digital nomads but more broadly to backpackers and travelers. They are usually shared accommodations that are more suitable for meeting other travelers than for remote work, so they might not necessarily have all the amenities that nomad workers need (with some exceptions)
- Home exchange platforms: Suitable for digital nomad homeowners who want to save money by trading their houses. They are usually member-only platforms with annual memberships although there are also free alternatives. Here are some of the best home-swap platforms to check out.
Best Accommodation and Rental Sites for Digital Nomads
Now that you know what your options are, let's look at the actual rental sites on which you can find digital-nomad friendly accommodations.
1. Flatio
Kicking off our list is Flatio, a platform that's all about supporting the digital nomad lifestyle. Flatio understands that as a digital nomad, you're not just looking for a place to sleep – you're looking for a space that can double as a home and a workspace.
Flatio's mission is to offer fully furnished apartments that are move-in ready, saving you the hassle of setting up utilities or buying furniture. Plus, all their listings come with a reliable internet connection, so you can start working from the moment you arrive. It's a great site for mid-term rentals and is perfect for digital nomads who prefer to stay in a place for a few months at a time.
2. Coliving.com
Next up, we have Coliving.com, which specializes in coliving space specifically. They offer among the biggest selection of shared living spaces in the world, where digital nomads can live, work, and socialize together.
These spaces are designed to foster collaboration and community, making them perfect for digital nomads looking to network and make new friends. Plus, all their spaces come with high-speed internet, shared workspaces, and communal areas.
3. Homelike
Homelike is an accommodation platform that's all about making you feel at home in more than 500 European cities. They offer a wide range of fully furnished apartments and coliving spaces that are available for a month or longer, making it a great choice for digital nomads, as well as expats looking for a base in Europe while slow traveling.
All Homelike's apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a workspace, providing all the comforts of home for remote workers. Plus, with 'pet-friendly' or 'deposit-free' options, you're sure to find a place that suits your needs.
4. Nomad Stays
Another top rental site in our list is Nomad Stays, a platform built by nomads for nomads. With a presence in over 70 countries, Nomad Stays offers a wide range of accommodations tailored to the needs of digital nomads. Whether you're looking for a cozy apartment in the heart of a bustling city or a tranquil retreat in the countryside, you might find it here.
What sets Nomad Stays apart, though, is its focus on vetting all listings to ensure they offer fast, reliable Wi-Fi (a must-have for any digital nomad). Plus, with a minimum stay of just 7 days, you can easily explore a new location without committing to a long-term lease.
5. Outsite
Next, we have Outsite, a platform that's all about balancing work and lifestyle. They offer a range of co-living spaces in beautiful locations around the world. All designed for digital nomads and remote workers.
Outsite is also heavily focused on community and work-life balance. Their spaces have been thought to foster collaboration and relaxation, with dedicated workspaces and communal areas. Plus, Outsite organizes regular events and activities, providing opportunities for networking and relaxation.
If you're the type of digital nomad seeking a balance between work and play, Outsite could be the monthly rental platform for you.
6. Nomadico
Nomadico is one of the most rising housing solutions among digital nomads right now. It's the ideal choice for digital nomads who prioritize community but also local impact.
They partner with local owners to transform guesthouses, hostels, and apartments into vibrant coliving spaces, offering affordable weekly or monthly stays in authentic destinations, from coastal towns to mountain retreats.
Nomadico places a strong emphasis on providing comfortable workspaces, fast Wi-Fi, and fostering a tight-knit community through events, adventures, and skillshares. They also provide a supportive environment for both work and exploration, allowing you to build meaningful connections with both fellow nomads and locals. If you're looking for a coliving experience that balances productivity with cultural immersion while supporting the local communities, Nomadico is worth checking out.
7. VRBO
VRBO is one of the most established rental sites on our list. It's a platform that's all about providing unique vacation rentals for travelers and digital nomads alike. They offer a wide range of properties, from condos and houses to unique accommodations like cabins and beach houses.
What makes VRBO a great choice for digital nomads is its vast selection of properties in destinations around the world. This allows you to choose a place that suits your lifestyle and work needs. Plus, many of their properties come with amenities like Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces, making them suitable for digital nomads.
8. TripOffice
Another platform designed for digital nomads' accommodation booking is TripOffice. This relatively new site focuses on the practical aspect of accommodation. Namely, the amenities that are crucial for remote workers.
With TripOffice, you get straight to the point: each listing guarantees a desk, an ergonomic chair, and a stable internet connection. Their database doesn't cover the whole world yet, but they've already got a nice selection of over 200,000 hotels, apartments, and villas in more than 100 countries. It's a growing platform, but definitely one to watch if you need a workspace that's as nomadic as you are.
9. Wunderflats
If you've got your heart set on exploring Germany for a while, Wunderflats takes the stress out of finding the perfect temporary home. They specialize in furnished, mid-term rentals all over major German cities – think Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt – putting your convenience and comfort front and center.
Browse listings online, book the apartment that feels right, and rest easy knowing everything from furniture to utilities is already taken care of. No more hauling furniture, no more surprise bills – just a cozy, ready-to-live-in space designed to make you feel at home.
10. RemoteBase
Another useful resource when it comes to renting a place as a digital nomad is RemoteBase, a newsletter that's all about helping digital nomads save on accommodations.
Unlike other rental sites in our list, RemoteBase doesn't own or manage properties. Instead, it curates and shares top accommodation deals for digital nomads and remote workers.
The best thing about RemoteBase is that they scour the internet to find the best deals on accommodations around the world, offering savings of up to 76%. These deals are then shared with members through both a free and a premium newsletter, making it easy for digital nomads to find affordable accommodations in their desired locations.
11. Blueground
Coming up next is Blueground, a platform that's changing the game for digital nomads. Unlike other platforms, Blueground owns and manages its own rental apartments around the world, ensuring a high standard of quality and comfort.
Blueground offers fully furnished, move-in-ready apartments in some of the world's most sought-after cities. Plus, all their apartments come with high-speed internet, making them perfect for digital nomads. With flexible lease terms and a hassle-free booking process, Blueground will make finding your next home super easy.
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12. GoGoplaces
GoGoplaces is a platform that promises to give digital nomads the freedom to choose their neighborhoods. They take a unique approach by securing multiple properties within walking distance of each other, exclusively for remote workers.
This way allows you to choose a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Plus, it provides a community of digital nomads right at your doorstep.
If you're a digital nomad who values location and community, GoGoplaces is definitely worth a look.
13. Behere
Behere understands the unique challenges faced by women digital nomads and that's why they designed a housing solution that's both safe and flexible for women digital nomads specifically.
They offer month-to-month living options in cities around the world, so you can choose from a variety of digital nomad accommodations, workspaces, and fitness studios and even change your location each month. Plus, Behere provides a community of like-minded women, offering a supportive network no matter where you are in the world.
14. NomadPass
Another housing solution for digital nomads is NomadPass. They offer a selection of handpicked properties that are perfect for remote work.
What sets NomadPass apart is its focus on flexibility and convenience. With NomadPass, you can, in fact, book a place for a few weeks or a few months, depending on your needs. And if you are worried about internet, you will be pleased to know that all their properties are vetted for remote work to ensure they have reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable workspaces.
15. Facebook Groups
Looking for more house options? Look no further than the oldie but goldie Facebook. Facebook Groups, are actually a resource that's often overlooked by digital nomads. They are still a great way to find accommodation, connect with other digital nomads, and get local advice, so make sure to not skip it.
There are numerous Facebook Groups dedicated to digital nomads, where members share available accommodations, tips, and job opportunities. We actually have our own Freaking Nomads Facebook group if you want to check it out.
By joining Facebook groups, you will be able to exchange information with like-minded individuals who can offer support and advice on digital nomad accommodation options. So, if you're a digital nomad seeking a community resource for accommodations and connections, trust us, don't overlook Facebook Groups. You might find some hidden gems!
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