Top 15 Destinations in 2022 For Digital Nomads
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Digital nomads are becoming more common as technology continues to advance. Now, more than ever, it is possible for millions of people to opt to work anywhere they would like. But instead of working from your home, why not push it to the limit and work from another country? If you have the flexibility to do so, why not combine work and play, traveling to the top destinations in the world while earning a living?
Below is the top 15 list of the best places to live as digital nomads. These places were chosen based on several factors, including their cost of living, level of safety, co-working spaces, wifi availability, and activities in the area.
All of the places listed contain thriving digital nomad communities which will be key while living in a new country!
Lisbon, Portugal
This city has a wonderful, old-world feel that is sure to appeal to the digital nomad looking for the European experience without the steep price tag. As one of the oldest cities of the world, Lisbon is a great place to get a glimpse into the past while still enjoying easy access to modern amenities. While in Lisbon, check out the Torre de Belem, a picturesque 16th-century tower representing Portugal’s ‘Age of Discovery.’
Monthly Cost of Living: $2167
Walkability: 5/5
Average Internet Speeds: 26 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Many digital nomads and English speakers
Cons: Not the cleanest city in the world (lots of dog poop) and many tobacco smokers
Canggu, Indonesia
When one thinks of digital nomads, Bali is often the first place that comes to mind isn’t it? This location is great if you want to live in a place with a large digital nomad population, while living in paradise and saving on monthly expenses. The lure of Bali has caused the area’s digital nomad population to rise significantly, and with that comes a rise in the cost of living as well. If you are looking for a healthy paradise where you could easily run into likeminded individuals, I would certainly consider Bali. Top co-working spaces include ZIN Cafe and Outpost Canggu.
Monthly Cost of Living: $1030
Walkability: 3/5
Average Internet Speeds: 21 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Very affordable and warm all year round
Cons: Unsafe roads and can feel crowded
Berlin, Germany
Despite the higher cost of living, Berlin is one of the best digital nomad locations. Berlin’s central location in the European Union is ideal for the nomad who wants to take the train to local countries in their spare time. With an infamous nightlife and respectable art scene, there is plenty to do see and do locally such as a visit to the famous Brandenburg Gate as pictured above.
Monthly Cost of Living: $3114
Walkability: 5/5
Average Internet Speeds: 31 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Inexpensive food and safe roads
Cons: Expensive overall and difficult to make friends.
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey is the perfect place to experience the intersection of two worlds. As the central point between Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is great for the digital nomad who wants to see a blend of cultures in action. The Hagia Sophia is one such must-see attraction, containing elements of both Islam and Christianity. If you’re looking for a great area to stay for digital nomads, check out the Kadiköy and Beyoğlu neighborhoods.
Monthly Cost of Living: $1114
Walkability: 5/5
Average Internet Speeds: 12 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Great coffee culture and unmatched historical sites
Cons: Not always very democratic and not very walkable
Tbilisi, Georgia
No, not Georgia the American state but Georgia, the European country! Even though Tbilisi may not be a well known destination (yet), it’s hidden charms and friendly locals are sure to entice you. This city is sometimes referred to as a big small-town because its definitely a city but not in a monumental sense like London or Tokyo. Tbilisi is an ideal location for a nomad looking for an up-and-and coming Bohemian location with visible remnants of the Soviet era.
Monthly Cost of Living: $1258
Walkability: 3/5
Average Internet Speeds: 26 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Great wine culture and affordable transportation
Cons: Difficult to find accommodation with central heating and many abandoned buildings
Mexico City, Mexico
If you have adequate Spanish speaking skills, Mexico City is a fantastic option. As the 5th largest city in the world by population, you’ll have to be comfortable with the hustle and bustle that comes with a large metropolis. Mexico City has a high level of co-working spaces, which is crucial when it comes to networking for additional jobs and having a quiet place to get work done. Zona Rosa, La Condesa, and Polanco are a few of the top neighborhoods to stay.
Monthly Cost of Living: $1447
Walkability: 5/5
Average Internet Speeds: 20 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Highly affordable and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites nearby
Cons: Safety concerns and poor air quality
Krakow, Poland
Beautiful, old, and clean is how Krakow is explained by many. Don’t let the picture above fool you – Krakow can get quite cold in the winter. But that may be a plus if you’re into that sort of thing! Keep in mind, with any destination that experiences the full seasons, you’ll have to pack more or relocate to sunnier climates when the cold starts to creep in. Krakow has been developing rather quickly since the fall of the U.S.S.R., but still retains its historic charm as it was not rebuilt as much as its famous neighbor Warsaw.
Monthly Cost of Living: $1663
Walkability: 5/5
Average Internet Speeds: 40 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Affordable food and small-town charm
Cons: Not LGBTQ+ friendly and poor air quality
Toronto, Canada
If you can stomach the higher cost of living, Toronto may be your ideal destination as a digital nomad. For an American, this Canadian city will feel the most like home out of any city on this list. If you are not a fan of winter or distinct seasons, this may not be the place for you unless you opt to stay in just the spring or summer months. While the people are friendly, it can be difficult to make friends during the winter months, as with all cities located in chilly climates. Looking for a co-working space? Check out Workhaus.
Monthly Cost of Living: $3273
Walkability: 5/5 (Great)
Average Internet Speeds: 25 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Highly multi-cultural and lively nightlife
Cons: Very cold winter and high cost of living
Budapest, Hungary
Europe has its fair share of beautiful cities with amazing history, but not all of them are this affordable! Located in the landlocked central European city of Hungary, Budapest is world-renowned for its calming thermal springs, gorgeous centuries-old architecture, and the Great Market Hall, constructed in 1897. Kaptar is one of many great co-working spaces in Budapest and as a bonus, it’s located next to a cat cafe!
Monthly Cost of Living: $1604
Walkability: 5/5 (Great)
Average Internet Speeds: 42 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Safe neighborhoods and beautiful architecture
Cons: Cold winters and a difficult language to learn
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Austin, Texas, United States
One may not automatically think of America as an ideal place for digital nomads due to the often high cost of living, but don’t let that make you count out Austin. Texas is unique in that it can be relatively affordable, with great cities that attract millions to live and visit. Austin is a fast-rising tech hub with plenty to do and see including a visit to its famous breweries or its popular annual Austin City Limits and SXSW festivals. Consider living outside of the city limits to save on your monthly expenses, while taking public transportation when going to the city for work or leisure activities.
Monthly Cost of Living: $4402
Walkability: 5/5 (Great)
Average Internet Speeds: 82 mbps (Super Fast)
Pros: Great for those in the tech scene and young people
Cons: Expensive and very hot in the summer months
Singapore
This modern, clean city-state is a great place for the digital nomad looking to network and doesn’t mind the higher cost of living for Southeast Asia. You will find a mix of international people who call this place home and some of the fastest WiFi you can get in the world. The humidity may leave you dripping in sweat but the lush greenery and beautiful architecture all around may make it worth it. The Changi Airport is one of the best in the world and is a great mirror of the beauty of Singapore.
Monthly Cost of Living: $2886
Walkability: 5/5 (Great)
Average Internet Speeds: 93 mbps (Super Fast)
Pros: Very clean city and lots of diversity
Cons: Expensive and feels very crowded
Porto, Portugual
Much like Lisbon, Porto is an interesting and affordable city for someone who wants to live in Western Europe. But Porto is smaller and quieter in comparison, making it an easier city to get around on foot. Experience the Porto Bridge Climb or visit the beautiful 12th century Porto Cathedral during your time off. CRU Cowork and Mesa 325 are just two of the several co-working places for digital nomads to work and mingle.
Monthly Cost of Living: $2022
Walkability: 5/5 (Great)
Average Internet Speeds: 31 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Low cost of living compared to European Union and relaxed pace for a city
Cons: Can rain a lot and central heating is not common
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Growing in popularity, Tenerife is a great place for digital nomads because the relative isolation from other countries can help you focus on your work, but with plenty to see and do, you won’t experience much FOMO (fear of missing out.) In the north of the island, you’ll find a more authentic vibe with a lot of beautiful nature while the south is warmer and tends to attract a lot of tourists. Check out Nine Coliving, for a great place to work with extremely fast internet speeds.
Monthly Cost of Living: $2137
Walkability: 5/5 (Great)
Average Internet Speeds: 22 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Pretty safe and warm all year round
Cons: Few co-working spaces and subpar nightlife
Bangkok, Thailand
Your first day in Bangkok may leave you feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, but if that’s something that interests you, look into moving to Bangkok as a digital nomad. There can be quiet areas of Bangkok, as with every city, with more Buddhist temples than you can count. If you are new to being a digital nomad and looking for like minded people in an international city that will never bore you, I would highly suggest Bangkok.
Monthly Cost of Living: $1344
Walkability: 5/5 (Great)
Average Internet Speeds: 30 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Lots of fun things to do and kind locals
Cons: Poor air quality and dangerous roads
Prague, Czechia
Widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, you’ll quickly see for yourself as you look around at the prestigious architecture all around. Located in the middle of Europe, Prague is both affordable and in easy reach of other destinations you may like to visit during your down time. Prague can get quite crowded in the busy peak months but its a small price to pay to live among beautiful sites such as the world’s biggest castle, appropriately named Prague Castle, built in the 9th century.
Monthly Cost of Living: $2305
Walkability: 5/5 (Great)
Average Internet Speeds: 30 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Centrally located in Europe and great transportation
Cons: Not easy to make friends and very cold in the winter
***Honorable Mention***
Chiang Mai, Thailand
This beautiful, serene location is actually one of my favorite places I have ever traveled to! To me, it’s like a big small town. It doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, which can help in focusing on day-to-day digital nomad tasks. But by no means is this in the middle of nowhere. There are a great amount of bars, restaurants, temples, and so much more to explore. It has a serene, slower pace of life but there is plenty of activities to enjoy, often within walking distance.
Monthly Cost of Living: $999
Walkability: 4/5 (Good)
Average Internet Speeds: 26 mbps (Fast)
Pros: Very safe and relaxed pace of life
Cons: Bad air quality during burning season and isolated from other Thailand and Southeast Asian destinations
Do you see yourself becoming a digital nomad? If you could live in any of these destinations, which one speaks to you the most? I would love to know in the comments below!
***PIN FOR LATER!***
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