10 of the Best Cities in the World for Digital Nomads
Thanks to the rise of telecommuting and other types of flexible jobs, professionals are now able to take their work with them, wherever in the world they may be.
Many cities around the globe are suitable for location-independent professionals, but there are a few that stand out. Based off Fast Company’s 10 Affordable Cities To Live Abroad And Work For Yourself and World Travel Guide’s 10 best cities for digital nomads lists, we’ve compiled a list of top cities for the location independent across Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa.
Here is the Remote.Co list of 10 of the best cities in the world for digital nomads to work:
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has become increasingly popular over the years with digital nomads. With its low cost of living, $440 a month on average, fast-paced metropolis vibe, and “delicious cheap street food,” it’s no wonder Ho Chi Minh City is gaining traction amongst the location independent. “Loud, busy, and chaotic,” quotes Fast Company, Ho Chi Minh City is no longer just a destination for the Southeast Asia backpacking communities.
Bangkok, Thailand
With the cost of a meal averaging $1.73, Bangkok is a popular and affordable spot for digital nomads. From fancy rooftop bars and cheap lodging options to widespread wi-fi and numerous cafes and coworking spaces, it’s no surprise that this international culture hub is on our list.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a virtual nomad’s paradise—complete with low cost of living, amazing food, friendly people, and a laid-back vibe. The mountainous city also has a number of coworking spaces and a large digital nomad community, as well as vibrant history and architecture.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
With its stable wi-fi, cheap rent, and pristine beaches, Ubud is not only a destination for retreat goers. Ubud is perfect for digital nomads because many people speak English, it’s easy to find a healthy meal, and it maintains a calming and relaxed vibe. A popular spot amongst nomads for years, Ubud boasts a number of coworking spaces, and a growing community of “global independent workers.”
Quito, Ecuador
This South American city is known for its affordable housing options, its welcoming community, and of course, $1 cervezas. Popular amongst digital nomads because it shares similar time zones to the U.S., Quito also uses the American dollar, making it an easy transition for American professionals.
Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of one of the only countries in the world to believe that access to the Internet is a human right, Tallinn, Estonia, is also one of Europe’s startup hubs. With rent around an affordable 530 euros per month, lively summer culture, and a vibrant IT culture, it’s no wonder professionals are flocking to Tallinn.
Valencia, Spain
Once a vital 15th century Mediterranean port town, Valencia is now a bustling city, with a growing craft beer scene and widespread wi-fi. The paella, which originated just south of Valencia, is of course, delicious, and with a comprehensive metro system, professionals have the option of renting in a cheaper suburb, or paying around $1,300 per month for a sea-view apartment in the heart of the city.
Belgrade, Serbia
Both an “affordable and picturesque” city, Serbia is growing in popularity amongst independent professionals and digital nomads in Eastern Europe. Serbia’s capital city is home to over one million residents, and is known to exceed digital nomad expectations with its low cost of living, creative feel, and gorgeous architecture.
Santiago, Chile
Chile is home to South America’s most prevalent broadband, and its capital, Santiago, is booming with digital nomads who enjoy the city’s many options for free wi-fi. Professionals can find a rental for around $500 per month, and there is never any shortage of activity on the weekend, including surfing, hiking in the Patagonian wilderness, or rafting down the Andes’ meltwater.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, also known as “Silicon Cape,” acts as the main technology center of Africa, and is ideal for nomads who also enjoy the beautiful outdoors. With multiple Information and Communications Technology (ICT) initiatives in the city, Cape Town is a relatively affordable (expect to pay upwards of $750 a month), relaxing, and technical bustling city of choice for the location independent.
Here is the Remote.Co list of 10 of the best cities in the world for digital nomads to work:
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has become increasingly popular over the years with digital nomads. With its low cost of living, $440 a month on average, fast-paced metropolis vibe, and “delicious cheap street food,” it’s no wonder Ho Chi Minh City is gaining traction amongst the location independent. “Loud, busy, and chaotic,” quotes Fast Company, Ho Chi Minh City is no longer just a destination for the Southeast Asia backpacking communities.
Bangkok, Thailand
With the cost of a meal averaging $1.73, Bangkok is a popular and affordable spot for digital nomads. From fancy rooftop bars and cheap lodging options to widespread wi-fi and numerous cafes and coworking spaces, it’s no surprise that this international culture hub is on our list.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is a virtual nomad’s paradise—complete with low cost of living, amazing food, friendly people, and a laid-back vibe. The mountainous city also has a number of coworking spaces and a large digital nomad community, as well as vibrant history and architecture.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
With its stable wi-fi, cheap rent, and pristine beaches, Ubud is not only a destination for retreat goers. Ubud is perfect for digital nomads because many people speak English, it’s easy to find a healthy meal, and it maintains a calming and relaxed vibe. A popular spot amongst nomads for years, Ubud boasts a number of coworking spaces, and a growing community of “global independent workers.”
Quito, Ecuador
This South American city is known for its affordable housing options, its welcoming community, and of course, $1 cervezas. Popular amongst digital nomads because it shares similar time zones to the U.S., Quito also uses the American dollar, making it an easy transition for American professionals.
Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of one of the only countries in the world to believe that access to the Internet is a human right, Tallinn, Estonia, is also one of Europe’s startup hubs. With rent around an affordable 530 euros per month, lively summer culture, and a vibrant IT culture, it’s no wonder professionals are flocking to Tallinn.
Valencia, Spain
Once a vital 15th century Mediterranean port town, Valencia is now a bustling city, with a growing craft beer scene and widespread wi-fi. The paella, which originated just south of Valencia, is of course, delicious, and with a comprehensive metro system, professionals have the option of renting in a cheaper suburb, or paying around $1,300 per month for a sea-view apartment in the heart of the city.
Belgrade, Serbia
Both an “affordable and picturesque” city, Serbia is growing in popularity amongst independent professionals and digital nomads in Eastern Europe. Serbia’s capital city is home to over one million residents, and is known to exceed digital nomad expectations with its low cost of living, creative feel, and gorgeous architecture.
Santiago, Chile
Chile is home to South America’s most prevalent broadband, and its capital, Santiago, is booming with digital nomads who enjoy the city’s many options for free wi-fi. Professionals can find a rental for around $500 per month, and there is never any shortage of activity on the weekend, including surfing, hiking in the Patagonian wilderness, or rafting down the Andes’ meltwater.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, also known as “Silicon Cape,” acts as the main technology center of Africa, and is ideal for nomads who also enjoy the beautiful outdoors. With multiple Information and Communications Technology (ICT) initiatives in the city, Cape Town is a relatively affordable (expect to pay upwards of $750 a month), relaxing, and technical bustling city of choice for the location independent. 
