In 2018, my husband, Ben, and I traded in our cushy desk jobs and comfortable lives in Vancouver to travel and work abroad as digital nomads. We explored Europe, Africa and settled in Australia for our last year abroad. Although we had some of our most memorable travel experiences from this trip, it didn’t come without some ups and downs. Finding affordable places to live, balancing travel and work, meeting like-minded people, and finding good internet, were just some of the challenges we experienced. We wished we had more guidance before embarking on our trip, which is why I created this list of best places for digital nomads
Travelling as a tourist, you only see so much. I’ve spent considerable time in each of these places and try and offer unbiased, honest opinions that’ll help you decide whether or not each destination is the right fit for you.
From these recent years as a digital nomad, and based on past travels, here are the top 10 best places for digital nomads to work and live if you are thinking of working remotely for the first time.
What is a Digital Nomad?
According to Wikipedia:
“Digital nomads are people who use telecommunications technologies to earn a living and, more generally, conduct their life in a nomadic manner. Such workers often work remotely from foreign countries, coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, or recreational vehicles.”
Most employees can now do their jobs or run a business entirely online, thanks to email, social media, zoom calls and other recent technology. Plus, with the unfortunate onset of covid-19, most people have been sent home to do their jobs. But now these employees realize they can do their jobs just as well at home as in the office.
Because of this, there has been a rising interest in the digital nomad lifestyle. And after travel restrictions lifted, and people feel safe to travel again, we have seen more professionals wanting to work remotely.
How to Pick the Best Digital Nomad Destination
This topic deserves a whole other post, but here are some things to keep in mind when picking where you want to work remotely.
First, decide what your priorities are.
Digital nomads have a rare opportunity to choose places based on a life they wished they lived. So, write a list of what’s important to you (learning a new language, warm weather, like-minded people, access to nature, etc.) and find a destination that matches these priorities.
Second, consider the cost of living.
If you want to save money, or live on less than you do at home, examine the cost of living in the location you are contemplating. So, to help you with your cost of living research, I’ve included the average cost of living per month, which I’ve taken right from this website. It includes rent, transportation, food, utilities, and entertainment for all the places on this digital nomads list. Keep in mind your cost of living might be higher or lower than this based on your needs, and if you stay in an Airbnb versus rent a home like a local would (ie. from a site similar to Craigslist).
Also, I highly recommend joining ex-pat Facebook groups from the cities you’re interested in. In these groups you can ask people about their recent experiences, the average cost of an apartment in certain parts of the city, and potential make new friends if you actually move there. These groups can also help with visa information and admin information you might not find so easily online.
Lastly, internet.
Unless you’re an artist or someone who doesn’t need to access the internet, you’ll want to make sure the location you choose has excellent work conditions. And I don’t mean an office with a view. I mean, access to fast wifi, cell service, and no blackouts (see the section on South Africa below). Sure, you can use your phone to tether, but it gets expensive. Check out this website, which lists co-working spaces, meeting rooms, or desks around the world you can rent for the day if you pick a destination that might not have steady internet at cafes or home.
A Blissful Wanderers’ Best Places for Digital Nomads
Now that you know who digital nomads are and how to choose the perfect destination, let’s get onto the best places to work remotely. I’ve given you my unbiased, honest opinions about each city, and why it might be the perfect place for you as a digital nomad.
1. Budapest, Hungary
Perfect for city lovers who want to learn more about Europe’s history.
Love the cosmopolitan life but hate the high cost of living?? Then Budapest, Hungary is your answer! Budapest is extremely clean, safe, and easy to get around with its adorable yellow trolly system. Also, because the Hungarian language isn’t globally used, almost everyone here speaks English. And Hungarians are very friendly, so making new friends isn’t an issue.
While living here, discover Hungary’s dark history during the war, admire the Parliament Building’s remarkable architecture, or visit the beautiful thermal spas located around the city. You’ll also find an abundance of great cafes with reliable wifi to work in, as well as other city amenities like gyms, theatres, malls, and museums. In other words, you’ll never get bored here, which makes Budapest one of the best places for digital nomads.
Best Seasons in Budapest for Digital Nomads:
I’ve been to Budapest three times in my life, and it still continues to amaze me. In fact, I would 100% move back for another working remotely season. I’ve visited twice in December and once in August. December is a magical month to visit because of all the Christmas markets, holiday lights and outdoor skating rinks. But the summer is equally spectacular because the city comes alive with locals enjoying restaurant patios, parks, and strolling along the Danube River. Overall, Budapest does draw in tourists year-round, with the peak season being in the summer months, so be sure to keep this in mind.
Pros: Low cost of living, everyone speaks English, city lifestyle and amenities.
Cons: Cold winters, and lots of tourists.
Cost of Living: $1,392
Visa: North Americas can stay in Budapest for 90-days without a visa.
2. Byron Bay, Australia
Perfect for: Laid-back beach lovers in search of eternal summer.
Byron Bay is the definition of work-life balance, which is why it is one of the best places for digital nomads. Imagine starting every morning with a surf, working at a beach cafe with the sound of waves as your background noise, and then strolling the beach at sunset to cap off your day. This hippie surf town draws in hundreds, if not thousands, of roaming entrepreneurs every year for its wholesome lifestyle. Which means it’s easy to meet a vibrant community of open-minded friends.
However, I’m warning you that if you move to Byron Bay, there is a high chance you will never want to leave. This is precisely what happened to us. We planned to live in Byron Bay for 6-months, and over a 18 months later, we now want to buy a home in Byron Bay so that we can come back here every year! And we aren’t the only ones. All our ex-pat friends who have lived in Byron Bay have left feeling the same way.
The cost of living is a lot higher than other places on this list; however, most of our ‘entertainment’ or what we did on the weekends didn’t cost us anything. There is so much to do and see for a small town – especially if you love being outside in nature.
Pros: Incredible lifestyle, warm weather year-round, delicious restaurants, and lots of things to do.
Cons: High cost of living and lots of tourists.
Cost of Living: $2,550 Canadian per month (based on our experience as a couple living in a one-bedroom apartment, less than a 5-minute walk to the beach).
Australia Visa Tip:
If you are a Canadian seeking an Australian visa, $20 can buy you 3-months in this beautiful country, no matter what your age. Or if you don’t have an online job and are searching for a career in the country, you can apply for a working holiday visa, which gives you 1-year to work in Australia; however, you have to be under the age of 35 to apply for this.
Finding Byron Bay Accommodation:
We used a real estate agent to find us a furnished apartment, but some of our friends have had some luck using this Soulful Abodes Northern Rivers NSW Facebook group.
Or stay with my aunt & uncle in law in their beautiful treehouse studio, right in Wategos Beach (the best beach in the Byron Bay area) until you find somewhere to live longer-term.
3. Bali, Indonesia (Canggu)
Perfect for sun-seeking first-timer digital nomads.
Due to the low cost of living but the high quality of life, Bali is one of the best places for digital nomads in the world.
As a matter of fact, Bali has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for epic surf breaks, tranquil jungles of Ubud or an overall healthy way of living, Bali is an incredible destination to work remotely.
More specifically, on the south coast of Bali, you’ll find Canggu, which is flooded with digital nomads. Here you’ll find co-working spaces, business development courses, and digital nomad networking events. And if you are looking for an incredible ex-pat community in Bali, this is where you want to be.
Pros: Low cost of living and huge digital nomad community
Cons: Can be touristy and popular for digital nomads, so it has lost cultural authenticity. Accommodation prices are on the rise.
Cost of Living: $1,700 Canadian per month
Airbnb Recommendation: Beach Side Villa at Cemagi – Surf Side
Indonesia Visa Tip:
Bali has a $40-50 CAD visa on arrival for most countries (including Canada and Australia); however, it’s only for 30 days. To stay longer, you either have to leave the country for a day, and you’ll get a new visa when you return. Or, you can pay a fee upfront for a 60-day visa.
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Perfect for travellers searching for unique experiences and culinary delights!
Cape Town in South Africa is another attractive place for digital nomads, especially for North Americans who want to trade in winter weather for summer. Specifically, summer months run from December to March in Cape Town, where the days will reach the high 20’s or low 30’s (celsius).
When you aren’t working, enjoy bathing at beautiful beaches, exploring some of Africa’s best wildlife reserves, and wining and dining in their world-renowned wine regions. Needless to say, there are endless things to see and do.
South Africa’s Unreliable Internet:
Something to consider before moving to Cape Town is their somewhat unreliable internet. Also, many people don’t know that South Africa has rolling blackouts where the government regularly schedules power outages (or, “load shedding” as they call it). This means no power for a couple of hours in specific neighbourhoods each week at certain times of the year. It can be frustrating, especially when you need to work, but these are scheduled so that you can plan your week around them.
To put your mind at ease, we worked remotely in South Africa for over a month, and these issues did not hinder our work. We also have friends who return to Cape Town every year to work remotely, and they love it!
Pros: Lower cost of living. Especially with food, alcohol and Ubers. Endless things to see and do!
Cons: Slow wifi, power outages (or load shedding), and safety can be a concern.
Cost of Living: $1,790 Canadian per month
Visas: “Canadian citizens can currently visit South Africa for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. Stays exceeding 90 days will require a visa.” – South Africa Visa.
Finding Cape Town Accommodation:
In Cape Town, there’s a Facebook group called Huis Huis where people post rooms or flats at a much more affordable rate than Airbnb or staying at a hotel.
5. Crete, Greece
Perfect to get off the beaten-path and enjoy Greek culture and cuisine.
Want the real Greek experience? Then skip the popular tourist islands, like Santorini and Mykonos, and be a digital nomad in Crete.
Crete is the largest Greek island and is famous for its authentic food and pink sandy beaches. There might not be a large digital nomad community, but there are friendly ex-pats, and the cost of living is low, especially for European standards. On top of that, Cretians are incredibly kind and generous, which will make your visit a memorable one.
Pros: Low cost of living, extremely friendly locals, lots of hikes & beautiful beaches.
Cons: Becoming more popular, so you have to search for a ‘good deal’ for accommodation or live in smaller towns.
Cost of Living: $1,235 Canadian per month
Visa: Like other European countries, North American passport holders can visit for 90 days without a visa.
Best Months for Digital Nomads in Greece:
Many restaurants, stores and tours close for the winter in Greece because of the lack of tourism. July and August are their busiest months, so I recommend working remotely in Greece during the shoulder seasons (May & June, September & October).
Crete Airbnb Tip:
While travelling with another friend who works remotely, we stayed in this stunning Airbnb, where we had a hot tub, kitchen, and beautiful patio. It was located across the street from a protected bay, where we swam every day and was surrounded by quaint restaurants and hiking trails.
It was about a 20-minute drive outside of the main town and new on Airbnb, which is why we got a killer price on it. Unfortunately, two years later, it’s become a popular listing, and the price has more than tripled. I share this because there are still new Airbnb listings out there that are incredible and affordable. You just have to dig a bit outside the city centres.
6. San Sebastian, Spain
Perfect for surfers and food aficionados with deep(er) pockets.
One place that does not get talked about enough is San Sebastian! Located on the north coast of Spain, right on the border of France, this area, known as Basque Country. San Sebastian has a cool mix of laid back surf culture, world-renowned cuisine and modern luxury.
Digital nomads who love food will delight because San Sebastian has the most Michelin starred restaurants per square meter in Europe. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for fine dining, spend your evenings wandering around the cobblestoned old town to discover pintxo bars. What are pintxo bars, you may ask? They’re similar to tapas bars with bite-sized foods with locally paired wines, and a lot of fun!
Pros: Safe, fast internet, and beautiful beaches with surf!
Cons: Expensive, cool winters and many people don’t speak English.
Cost of Living: $2,552 Canadian per month
Visa: If you have a Canadian passport, you do not need a special visa to visit Spain. But you are limited to a 90-day stay in the country. Similar to all European countries.
7. Krakow, Poland
Perfect for energetic individuals who want to be on the doorstep of history.
The young, vibrant energy in Krakow and low cost of living are drawing digital nomads worldwide. Famous for its rich history, picturesque city centre, delicious cuisine (perogies, anyone?), and an abundance of inexpensive bars, this destination is one to add to your list.
You’ll also find plenty of uber-trendy cafes with stable wifi to work in, like Puro Hotel Mak.
Best Months for Digital Nomads in Poland:
If you do make this your digital nomad destination, be warned that Poland faces some cold winter weather. Snowy days are great if you love to ski or snowboard, but if not, visit in the shoulder seasons to avoid the swarm of tourists in the summer months. We visited at the end of March-April and were shocked by how warm and sunny the weather was. For example, the photo above was taken in March and everyone was out on patios or picnicing!
Pros: Large digital nomad community, low cost of living, and strong internet. Most people speak English in the bigger cities of Poland.
Cons: Colder winter weather and not as many things to do.
Cost of Living: $1,436
Visa: Like other European countries, North American passport holders can visit for 90 days without a visa.
8. Lisbon, Portugal
Perfect for first-timers, looking for a friendly digital nomad community in a cosmopolitan city.
The vibrant lifestyle in Lisbon has caused it to be one of the most popular places for digital nomads in Europe. Here you’ll find a cosmopolitan ambiance with a bustling restaurant and cafe scene, delicious food, plenty of co-working spaces, and friendly people.
If that’s not enough, Lisbon is famous for its engaging freelance community. They even host Digital Nomad Meetups, the global Websummit Conference and the DNX Nomad Festival. As I said, out of all the places in the world, Lisbon is a hub for digital nomads, and they are proud of it!
Cheaper Places in Portugal
Because of Lisbon’s popularity with digital nomads, the cost of living has gone up considerably in this city. But other cities or towns in the country have lower rent and cost of living, and your experience would be equally as incredible. So if you want to save money, I recommend looking into Porto, Peniche or Faro.
We house-sat for a friend who had a villa in the country town called Tomar. Staying in a place where no one spoke English, gave us an authentic Portuguese experiene. The best part was it was only an hour to Lisbon, so we would work at our (free) country home during the week and stay in the city for the weekend to enjoy all Lisbon had to offer. Even if you don’t have a house sitting opportunity to lower your costs, consider renting in a small town during the week, and enjoy exploring the bigger cities on the weekends.
Pros: Great weather, huge digital nomad community, lots to do.
Cons: Cost of living is increasing, and it is harder to find a place to live.
Cost of Living: $2,330
Visa: Similar to other European countries, North American passport holders can visit for 90 days without a visa.
9. Kotor, Montenegro
Perfect for adventurers who like being immersed in nature.
Not only is Montenegro ridiculously inexpensive, but it is also absolutely gorgeous! Its towering fjords reminded me of Norway or New Zealand, and the old medieval town felt similar to Croatia.
There isn’t a massive digital nomad community here, but I imagine it’s just a matter of time till this small country becomes popular due to its low cost of living and natural beauty. Overall, Montenegro is perfect for the adventurer that wants to hike, ski, swim and explore when they aren’t pounding the keyboard.
We stayed close to Kotor, called Persat, and I recommend you do the same. Living in this quaint area made us fall in love with Montenegro and gave us access to hikes, beaches, and other adventures. If the picture above made your heart skip a beat, then the Kotor area is for you. However, if you are looking for lower cost with city amenities (yoga studios, gyms, malls, bars, etc.), Podgorica might be a better fit.
I also suggest visiting in the shoulder seasons (the months before and after July to mid-September) to avoid peak season prices and crowds.
Pros: Low cost of living, beautiful scenery and lots to do.
Cons: No digital nomad community. Few co-working spaces, and cold winters.
Cost of Living: $1,318
Visa: Similar to other European countries, North American passport holders can visit for 90 days without a visa.
10. Palermo or Ortigia, Sicily
Perfect for working remote couples, looking for a romantic seaside destination
Bursting with culture, rich with history, and surprisingly affordable, Sicily is a location every digital nomad should try.
Palermo is the biggest city on the island and boasts fantastic architecture and cheaper accommodation. However, if you want my opinion, stay in Ortigia. Although it might not be popular with digital nomads, it is one of my favourite places in the world, and it will satisfy all your senses.
This small seaside town produces some of the best Italian food you will ever eat. The weekend market is a bustling wonder. And the ancient architecture with the Mediterranean sea in the background is so beautiful it’ll make you want to cry. Almost everywhere you look, you can admire ocean views, and every day I recommend stopping at your lunch break to enjoy a swim in the sea. Plus, the cost of living is relatively inexpensive, and the internet is fast!
Pros: Incredible food culture, laid-back lifestyle, less touristy than mainland Italy.
Cons: Not a big digital nomad community, so it can be hard to make friends if travelling solo.
Cost of Living: $1,608
Visa: Similar to other European countries, North American passport holders can visit for 90 days without a visa.
11. Malta
Perfect for digital nomads on a budget, searching for sun and fun!
They say that Malta is Europe’s best-kept secret, and they are right! The cities are uniquely beautiful and filled with history, the locals are SO friendly, beaches are plentiful, and because it isn’t overrun with tourists, everything is relatively inexpensive. Essentially, it ticks all the boxes for a digital nomad destination.
Also, since Malta used to be under British rule, almost everyone speaks English!
To read more about my experience in Malta, and to see if it’s the right fit for you, be sure to check out my Malta Travel Guide.
Pros: Everyone speaks English. Inexpensive. Warm weather year-round and fast internet.
Cons: Scorching in the summer, and not a lot of air conditioning. Hard to find accommodation.
Cost of Living: $2,001
Visa: Similar to other European countries, North American passport holders can visit for 90 days without a visa.
More Resources on the Best Places for Digital Nomads
- Rent European Apartment, Rooms, or Co-working Spaces here.
- More Digital Nomad Guides here.
- Flexible, furnished accommodation for digital nomads here.
Where Do You Want to Work Remotely?
When it comes to picking a place to work and live as a digital nomad, the world is your oyster! There are endless destinations where people can work remotely, but to pick one requires a bit more research and consideration. I hope this list of best places for digital nomads to live and work will help you narrow down your decision. Although I’ve worked remotely in a lot more countries, these were my favourites and the places that I hope to return to.
If you have any questions about being a digital nomad or about the places mentioned, please leave them below. And if you already know where you’re heading next, please tell me in the comments.
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