These days, everyone’s asking me the same question: Where’s the best spot for a digital nomad to set up shop? With more bosses giving the green light to work from anywhere, people are packing their bags and leaving expensive cities for more affordable places around the globe.
Our team at Nomadic Matt is a perfect example. We’re all over the place, from the US to Sweden and Australia, and we’re often on the move. So, if you’re wondering where to plant your digital roots, I’ve got some suggestions, along with five key things to consider before you make your choice.
Choosing Your Digital Nomad Destination
When you’re deciding where to live and work, there are a few things that can make or break your experience. After 15 years as a digital nomad, here’s what I’ve found to be most important:
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Wi-Fi connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi is a must. Don’t waste your day hunting for a signal. Check reviews for Wi-Fi comments, and ask your host directly about their internet speeds. Also, if a place has a lot of coworking spaces, it’s a good sign they have reliable Wi-Fi.
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Cost of living: Make sure your destination fits your budget. Accommodation, food, and transportation will be your biggest expenses, so choose a place that’s affordable in these areas.
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Community: Traveling solo can get lonely. Find a community through Facebook groups, Meetup.com, and coworking spaces. Networking with other remote workers and locals can enrich your experience and help you adjust to your new home.
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Activities: Don’t forget to have fun! Choose a place with plenty to see and do. This will help you maintain a healthy work/life balance.
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Transportation hub: If you’re on a remote island, those pricey flights will add up. Choose a place with good transportation links.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are my top ten cities for digital nomads:
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Oaxaca, Mexico: This city is safe, affordable, and has a great mezcal scene. There are plenty of day trips, weekend getaways, and coworking spaces.
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Medellín, Colombia: This tech-forward city is a hotspot for remote workers. It has a vibrant community, fast Wi-Fi, and lots of events.
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Bangkok, Thailand: Despite its chaos, Bangkok offers a cheap cost of living, a large expat community, and great food and nightlife scenes.
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Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon is warm, cheap, and full of creatives and entrepreneurs. It’s a beautiful city with lots of coworking spaces.
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Berlin, Germany: Berlin is diverse and has a lot to offer, from efficient transportation to a vibrant nightlife. It’s a great choice for those wanting to stay in Europe.
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Santiago, Chile: Santiago is one of the safest cities in South America. It has fast internet, coworking spaces, and a high quality of life.
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Mexico City, Mexico: This city has a robust expat and digital nomad scene, lots of networking events, coworking spaces, and great food.
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Austin, USA: Austin is full of startups and has a huge tech scene. It’s one of the best cities in the US for remote workers and creatives.
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Tbilisi, Georgia: Tbilisi is a young, fresh city with a low cost of living, fast Wi-Fi, and a growing expat community.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand: Chiang Mai is affordable and has a large digital nomad community. It offers a great work/life balance with plenty of street food and beautiful temples.
The shift to remote work is only going to continue, giving more people the freedom they deserve. So pack your bags and start your digital nomad journey!
