As technology continues advancing and remote work becomes more common, an increasing number of people are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. Digital nomads are location independent professionals who leverage technology to work while traveling and living around the world.
If you’re considering becoming a digital nomad, one of the most exciting parts is getting to choose where in the world you’re going to live and work from. But with so many options out there, deciding on the best destinations can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top places digital nomads are flocking to right now and what makes them so appealing.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Consistently ranking at the top of lists for digital nomad destinations is Chiang Mai. Located among lush mountains in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has developed into a major hub for digital nomads in Southeast Asia. One of the biggest appeals is the incredibly low cost of living – you can easily find modern apartments for under $400 per month. These inexpensive living costs combined with Chiang Mai’s laid back vibe and abundance of cafes with fast, reliable WiFi make it a digital nomad haven.
The weather is also very pleasant, albeit a bit warm, and there are tons of cultural attractions from ornate temples to cooking classes to explore when you need a break from work. While English isn’t widely spoken in Thailand beyond major tourist centers, Chiang Mai has a rapidly growing expat community, making it easy to meet other digital nomads and acclimate to the area. The city is very safe and transportation around town is convenient with services like Grab taxi.
Lisbon, Portugal
In recent years, Lisbon has also earned a reputation as one of the top European cities for digital nomads. Portugal’s capital city has a lot going for it in terms of lifestyle and ambiance. Lisbon offers a sunny Mediterranean climate, colorful streets lined with vibrant tiles, and sweeping vistas looking out over the Atlantic. You can walk to most places around the hilly central neighborhoods or make use of the very affordable metro and tram system.
Beyond the lovely scenery and pleasant weather, Lisbon scores major points as a remote work hub thanks to its improving digital infrastructure. Coworking spaces have been popping up across the city, providing fast WiFi and modern facilities for a reasonable price. In terms of living costs, shared apartments can be found for under $800 per month while food, transportation, and other regular expenses are very budget-friendly compared to most capital cities in Western Europe.
English is also widely spoken in Lisbon, especially among young professionals, making it easy for digital nomads to get by day-to-day. The only downside is that Lisbon has recently faced over tourism issues, so living long-term as a digital nomad allows you to experience a more authentic side of the city.
Canggu, Bali
For digital nomads craving beach vibes along with their laptop lifestyle, Canggu on the Indonesian island of Bali is a popular choice. What started off as a surf town has morphed into a digital nomad paradise blending tropical paradise with WiFi-enabled cafes and coworking spaces.
In Canggu, you can walk from a bountiful brunch spot through lush rice paddies to a trendy coworking venue in minutes. Here you’ll often find seas of other location independent workers focused intently on their laptops. When you need a break from work, you’re just steps away from world-class surf breaks, serene yoga studios, and Instagram-worthy sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Cost of living in Canggu is very affordable, especially when it comes to spacious villas, healthy food options, and nightlife. Getting around by motorbike taxi or car is easy and Canggu sits just north of the main airport. The only drawbacks are that internet reliability can still be spotty, crowded streets require patience, and novices should be cautious of the strong surf. But for digital nomads who prioritize stunning scenery, Bali life is hard to beat!
Prague, Czechia
Affordable living costs? Check. Excellent infrastructure? Check. Centrally located for European travel? Check. It’s no wonder the Czech capital consistently tops “best destination” lists across categories from digital nomads to students abroad.
Known for its stunningly preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and plentiful beer, Prague also punches well above its weight class when it comes to having the speedy, reliable internet that digital nomads rely on. The city has worked hard on improving both its connectivity and growing its reputation as a startup hub. Coworking spaces like Impact Hub now dot the city center and cafes compete to offer the fastest WiFi.
You can get by easily in Prague on around $1,500 per month when it comes to housing and other cost of living expenses. Public transportation like trams, the metro, and Bolt scooters make it simple to zip around different neighborhoods. Prague is also perfectly positioned in Central Europe near countless countries if you ever need a change of scenery or want to do weekend trips. For digital nomads seeking an optimal blend of beauty, livability, and stunning architecture, it’s hard to top Prague.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
For digital nomads who aren’t ready to take the full plunge into life overseas, you can still escape to beautiful beaches and glorious weather without going too far. Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Caribbean coast has developed into a haven for digital remote workers just a short flight away.
Situated along the popular Riviera Maya south of Cancun, Playa (as locals call it) offers all the sandy beaches, cerulean waters, and picturesque palm trees one could ask for. The city is very pedestrian and cyclist friendly, meaning you can ditch your car and walk or bike to most cafes, coworking venues, and provisioning stops. Playa also features excellent global food and music thanks to tourists and expats from across Latin America, Europe, and North America.
You can get by on under $2,000 per month in Playa fairly comfortably. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, knowing some Spanish will enrich your experience. Safety is an understandable concern for Mexico but Playa del Carmen has lower crime rates compared to similar resort towns. As digital nomadism takes off, Playa is evolving quickly with more and more infrastructure to keep location independent workers connected, productive, and happy.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Not all digital nomads are chasing tropical beach destinations. For remote workers who prefer historic cities surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, Tbilisi, Georgia should be high on your radar. Georgia was also one of the first countries to launch a digital nomad visa – making staying long-term simple from an immigration perspective.
Resting in the shadows of the Caucasus mountains, Tbilisi has undergone a cultural and technological renaissance over the last decade. Where crumbling Soviet architecture once characterized the city, you’ll now find quaint cobblestone streets lined with charming cafes tucked between modern glass buildings. The food and wine scene in Tbilisi has also started gaining international acclaim – offering remote workers no shortage of places to refuel while burning the midnight oil.
Perhaps most appealing about Georgia for digital nomads is the fact that living costs are among the lowest in Europe. You can find very nice centrally located apartments on Airbnb for $500-800 per month. Eating out at delicious local restaurants or stocking up at markets is incredibly affordable. For remote workers who want to maximize savings potential so they can keep up a location independent lifestyle longer, it’s hard to beat Tbilisi when it comes to value.
The challenges you may face relate to the language barrier as English is not widely spoken. However, Georgia’s young population is eager to engage with foreigners. Coworking spaces are rapidly expanding and a quick SIM card upgrade easily resolves connectivity issues that existed just a couple years ago. For digital nomads fascinated by Eurasian culture, ancient sites like cave cities, or venturing deep into wine country, don’t overlook dynamic Tbilisi.
Where to Next?
We’ve only just started unpacking the multitude of amazing destinations digital nomads are currently living, playing, and getting productive work done from. This remote work revolution means professionals no longer have to limit their office to just a single place. And more flexible companies mean workers have increasing freedom over not just when they work but where they get their best job done.
So as you mull over where to put down temporary roots next as a digital nomad, consider what’s highest on your priority list. Is it securing reliable high-speed internet access? Finding a spot with built-in community and coworking spaces? Or do you just want to maximize your money and stretch your savings as far as possible? Matching your location independent goals and working style to destinations supporting them will help ensure digital nomad success abroad.
The world is full of incredible, vibrant cities and stunning natural places waiting to be discovered while tackling your remote job. Where will you set up your “workation” next? Let professional Kirill Yurovskiy help you choose the best direction for digital nomadism.