Top 10 Cities for Digital Nomads

Having the freedom to travel and explore the world, while still having a full-time job, is a dream job for some, and a reality for many. Digital nomads are able to work anywhere with a good enough internet connection. This can allow you to see many corners of the world, but some cities are better than others for leading a digital lifestyle. If you’re new to the world of becoming a digital nomad it can feel like a shot in the dark trying to figure out which cities are the best for your lifestyle. 

As a digital nomad, you’re looking for a city that has a solid and reliable internet connection, is cost-effective for housing and workspaces, is safe, and has a culture or community that you can enjoy when you’re not working. Rather than stumbling through cities to find out which ones work and which ones don’t, we compiled a list of the top 10 best digital nomad cities for you! 

1. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest ticks all the boxes for a digital nomad. It is a safe city with a great community of nomads already living there or traveling through, and finding a place to work won’t be a problem. You’ll be able to experience a high quality of life, while still being able to live within your budget. 

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is on almost every single digital nomad list for a reason—it gives you everything you want and need as a digital nomad. It has affordable short-term rentals, a diverse cafe culture with wifi and internet available, great food, and generally a laid back and relaxed atmosphere and environment. There is a good selection of coworking spaces and it’s a common stop on the digital nomad travel schedule. 

3. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a major attraction for tourists and people looking to enjoy somewhere on holiday, and it shouldn’t be overlooked by digital nomads because it’s pretty great for them as well. It doesn’t have a long history of shared workspaces, but it has grown fast and is making changes to its infrastructure to support digital nomads. 

4. Quito, Ecuador

Often overlooked and assumed that it won’t have the amenities that you need as a digital nomad, Quito is a hidden gem. It is affordable, with places to work and live scattered throughout the city. When you’re not working, you can explore the Incan ruins that Quito was built on, or the nearby snow-capped volcano, Pichincha, that is part of the Andes. 

5. Seoul, South Korea

There are stronger and more famous digital nomad spots in Asia, but Seoul is starting to grow in popularity. The internet speed and culture is a major pull for nomads. There are small cafes and coffee shops throughout the city, with shared workspaces when you need them. Safety in Seoul is also a major pull, with the city having a great safety rating, even for women traveling alone, throughout the day and at night.

6. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For many digital nomads, Kuala Lumpur has typically been a stopover city that you might spend a day in, but have no connection to otherwise. However, it’s worth taking a second look in this city that you might have only considered a layover location. Because it is a traveling hub, Kuala Lumpur is becoming one of the best places for digital nomads. 

7. Berlin, Germany

When people hear Berlin, they get skeptical and assume that it will include a high cost of living and not fit their budget. If you were moving to Berlin permanently and trying to get residency there, the cost of living might be higher, but you’re a digital nomad, and you get to play by a slightly different set of rules. Berlin is affordable. There are a ton of coffee shops and coworking spaces that will give you the workspace that you need, and traveling in and around Berlin when you’re not working is efficient and easy with their public transportation system. 

8. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade has been slowly climbing lists for digital nomads because people are starting to finally take a look at this European city and realize its potential. It has a deep and interesting culture with a very healthy arts scene paired together with a thriving nightlife. You’ll be able to find places to both live and work that will fit into your budget so you can enjoy this European capital. 

9. Lisbon, Portugal

A major part of being a digital nomad is having the ability to enjoy a different community and culture. Lisbon gives the style and feel of Southern Europe. Lisbon has become one of the main travel hubs for digital nomads to visit with a perfect mix of culture, weather, people, and coworking spaces. 

10. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has embraced the digital nomad movement and provides a wide selection of workspaces with great connection speeds. Although it is part of the EU, accommodations are affordable and the cost of living fits within the budget of a digital nomad. While it might not be action-packed with a long list of activities and tourist locations, Sofia is cheap and safe, while being within a day’s ride to a handful of other amazing countries.

If you are a digital nomad, it’s important to know how to travel like a local. Wherever you go, travel wisely with Nomatic travel gear. Find the perfect feature-packed bag to organize all of your gear and keep your belongings totally secure and easily-accessible during your adventures.