Last Updated on August 7, 2024
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves in Bali or enjoying a coffee in a bustling café in Barcelona while working remotely. The world is your office! This is what digital nomads can do: live and work in the most exotic and exciting places worldwide. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote employee, plenty of cities cater to digital nomads’ needs. A nomadic lifestyle is possible with a digital nomad seeking freedom and telecommunication technologies allowing them to live and work from anywhere. However, which remote location is the best for a digital nomad? This article will show you some places to enjoy a productive day’s work while living comfortably on an affordable budget.
Additionally, digital nomads typically seek locations that offer reliable internet, a supportive community of fellow remote workers, affordability, and safety. High-speed internet is crucial for maintaining productivity. In contrast, a vibrant community provides networking opportunities and social interaction. Affordability ensures that living expenses are manageable, allowing for a sustainable lifestyle, and safety is essential for peace of mind. Popular digital nomad hubs include Chiang Mai in Thailand, Medellin in Colombia, Lisbon in Portugal, and Bali in Indonesia, all known for their unique blend of these essential elements.
Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand: The cost of living and quality of life are low. Did you know you can live comfortably on $1000 a month here? Not really, as it’s no secret that Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads. With its low cost of living, abundant work-from-home jobs, and relatively relaxed culture, Thailand is perfect for those who want to live and work on a budget. Bangkok has long been considered the birthplace of digital nomadism; however, it is not the cheapest place to live in Thailand. If you want to save money, consider moving to Chiang Mai instead!
Thailand also offers a long-term resident visa, the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa. This program, which started in 2022, allows you to stay in Thailand for five years and has a 10-year renewable visa option.
In terms of taxation, the country applies a progressive tax rate. As a digital nomad in Thailand, you will find that the higher your taxable income is, the higher your tax rate will be. However, the country has a lenient approach toward digital nomads as long as remote workers do not replace local employment. Moreover, the remittance tax scheme has not been strictly implemented. The change will come once the government starts issuing tax identification numbers to tourists staying longer than 180 days. However, to avoid exceeding the 180-day mark, you can permanently or temporarily relocate to Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, or Malaysia. However, staying longer will have the same implications as expats with foreign-sourced income.
Additional Information
- Internet speeds and reliability: In Thailand, major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer reliable internet speeds of 50-100 Mbps.
- Popular coworking spaces: Popular coworking spaces include The Work Loft, WeWork, and Punspace.
- Community aspects and safety: The digital nomad community is vibrant, especially in Chiang Mai, and safety is generally good with low crime rates.
South Africa
Cape Town’s stunning landscapes and vibrant tech scene make it a hidden gem for digital nomads. However, South Africa offers many opportunities for digital nomads. The cost of living is low, and there are abundant career opportunities in various industries, including technology. Also, the weather is good, too. South Africans are friendly and welcoming people who enjoy meeting new people from all over the world. There are many exciting things to see and do during your downtime! Not to mention the breathtaking landscape that draws thousands of tourists to the country yearly.
Also, great news is that South Africa recently introduced a digital nomad program. It is not the most attractive, even though the location is. However, in terms of taxes, South Africa follows a pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) tax system. Based on this tax system, foreign companies must register and comply with the tax regulations. There are also some challenges for digital nomads operating in the software development space, as amendments to the country’s copyright bill could jeopardize copyright protection.
Additional Information:
- Specific cities: In South Africa, Cape Town and Johannesburg are key cities for digital nomads. However, Durban offers a more relaxed environment with excellent weather.
- Internet quality and coworking spaces: Internet quality is good, with popular coworking spaces like Workshop17 and OPEN.
- Practical advice on navigating the local culture and safety tips: Embrace local culture by being open and friendly, but stay aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions.
Colombia
With cities like Medellin offering spring-like weather year-round and excellent internet, Colombia is quickly becoming a digital nomad hotspot. Still, Colombia is one of the best places in the world to live and work as a digital nomad. It has a great climate, beautiful beaches, delicious food, friendly people, and excellent infrastructure. The capital city of Bogota has excellent internet access with fast speeds and affordable rates (compared to many other countries). There are plenty of cafes where you can spend hours working online with your laptop or tablet. Colombia also has some incredible travel opportunities within its borders: from coffee farms in the Cordillera de Los Andes mountains to hiking trails in the La Guajira desert; from jungle villages along the Amazon river to coral reefs off Colombia’s Caribbean coast; from colonial cities such as Cartagena de Indias, or Santa Marta on Colombia’s northern coast south through Medellin − once known as Colombia’s murder capital − down into Barranquilla. You can use Colombia’s excellent healthcare system for less than $100 monthly, including dental care! A haven for those seeking a digital nomad lifestyle.
More so, as a foreign remote worker in the country, meaning as a non-resident, you will be classified as a tax exemption. You will not need to pay local taxes. However, you must pay taxes if you earn an income within the country’s borders.
Additional Information:
- Breakdown of cost of living in major cities: In Colombia, Medellin and Bogota offer a cost of living of around $1,200-$1,500 per month.
- Popular coworking spaces: Popular coworking spaces include Selina and Atom House.
- Community and safety aspects: The digital nomad community is vital, particularly in Medellin, and while safety has improved, it’s important to stay vigilant and follow local advice.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a stunning backdrop for your digital nomad lifestyle, from pristine beaches to lush rainforests. Indeed, Costa Rica is one of the most popular places for digital nomads to live and work. The climate is excellent; the beaches and mountains are beautiful, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Also, the cost of living is low, but the internet price can be high (a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi may set you back $5-$10/day).
You’ll find a good coffee shop with free Wi-Fi anywhere in Costa Rica. The major cities have many options, but even smaller towns usually have at least one or two places to get online. The good thing is that if you need to drive around looking for a spot, you can use your car by shipping it to Costa Rica.
Regarding visa requirements, you can apply for a renewable digital nomad visa. The great thing about Costa Rica is that you are exempt from profit tax during your visa period. You also benefit from tax-free import of any technological equipment needed for your work.
Additional Information:
- Internet reliability in different regions: In Costa Rica, internet reliability varies but is generally good in urban areas.
- Community and safety tips: The digital nomad community is welcoming, especially in cities like San José and Tamarindo, and safety is decent, though standard precautions are necessary.
- Practical advice on daily living expenses: Daily living expenses can be managed on a budget of around $1,200-$1,500 per month.
Spain
Imagine working remotely in vibrant Barcelona, where the Mediterranean lifestyle meets modern convenience. Spain is an excellent place for digital nomads to live and work. It has a high quality of life, good weather, cheap living costs, and a sound healthcare system. Also, it’s easy to get around with excellent transport links, including trains, planes, and buses. There are also many beautiful beaches! The food is delicious – especially the seafood! You can quickly get by speaking English as most young Spaniards speak some English. You can still manage to communicate if you don’t speak Spanish. Spain is also in the European Union. This makes doing business very easy here. Everything is standardized across Europe at no extra cost (like when we had to pay for our visas).
The new digital nomad visa is available if you work remotely for a foreign company. Moreover, you can work for a local company if not more than 20% of your income comes from that source. Additionally, to apply for a digital nomad visa, you will need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a university or college or at least three years of work experience in your current field of activity.
Moreover, you will be subject to tax. You can qualify for tax benefits, such as a reduced tax rate as a non-resident. It is best to consult with a tax professional to better understand Spain’s tax regime and how it will impact you as a digital nomad living and working in the country, especially since you will need a tax identification number while on the digital nomad program.
Additional Information:
- Comparison of cost of living between significant cities: In Spain, the cost of living varies, with Madrid and Barcelona being more expensive than Valencia and Seville.
- Popular coworking spaces and digital nomad communities: Popular coworking spaces include Impact Hub and Talent Garden, with vibrant digital nomad communities in major cities.
- The visa application process: The digital nomad visa requires an undergraduate degree or three years of work experience, and allows for tax benefits and up to 12 months of stay.
India
India offers digital nomads a unique and affordable lifestyle, from bustling cities to serene beaches. India is a very diverse country. It has every climate, from the snow-capped Himalayas to the tropical south. There are many different places to live, from beach towns and desert cities to mountain villages with little electricity or running water. The cost of living in India is quite reasonable compared to other developed countries, although it’s more expensive than most Asian countries. Plus, the food is delicious (mainly vegetarian), and plenty of it—you’ll never go hungry here! The people are friendly once you get over your initial culture shock; they love talking about themselves and don’t mind being interrupted mid-sentence (but try listening anyway). If you’re staying long enough in one place, you’ll probably make friends with some locals at an internet cafe or coworking space. The weather can be hot and humid during summertime but cools off nicely by fall; this may not appeal to those who prefer warmer climates or want year-round sunshine. Winters here tend towards chilly rather than cold weather. You may require winter clothes from December through February (although no polar bears are roaming around, so there is no need for fur coats).
If you want to globetrotting through India, it is a digital nomad’s dream. Only people from these countries can’t apply for the digital nomads visa: Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, United Kingdom, or Uzbekistan. However, if you are from the United States or Japan, you can apply for a 10-year visa.
Additional Information:
- Internet quality and coworking spaces in different regions: In India, internet quality is generally good in urban areas with popular coworking spaces like 91springboard and WeWork.
- Community aspects and safety tips: The digital nomad community thrives in cities like Bangalore and Goa, improving safety but requiring vigilance.
- Practical advice on cultural adjustments: Respect local customs, understand the diverse cultures, and try to adapt to their different communication styles.
Mexico
Mexico is a top choice for digital nomads with its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and affordable living. Mexico is a great place to live and work as a digital nomad. Mexican culture is amiable, so getting involved in the local community is easy. The food is also delicious. Numerous cultural events happen throughout the year. As far as business goes, Mexico is one of the best countries for starting your own business because of its low cost of living and high standard of living. It has low tax rates (especially compared with other Latin American countries).
This means that you can keep more money if you choose not to hire employees or rent an office space; however, if you do opt for hiring employees or renting an office space, this will increase your costs slightly, depending on how much staff/space you need.
You must obtain a digital nomad visa to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days, six months to 4 years. Commonly referred to as Mexico’s Temporary Resident Visa, this visa gives you the right to stay and work remotely in Mexico. One of the benefits of this visa is that you can import your household and personal items without incurring tax charges, primarily if you are based in the U.S. You will also have access to healthcare via Mexico’s IMSS. You will be eligible to obtain a Mexican driver’s license.
Additional Information:
- Key cities and their respective pros and cons: Mexico City and Playa del Carmen are key digital nomad hubs in Mexico. Mexico City offers a vibrant culture and many amenities, while Playa del Carmen provides a relaxed beach lifestyle.
- Internet quality and coworking spaces: Both cities have good internet quality, with coworking spaces like WeWork in Mexico City and BUNKER in Playa del Carmen.
- Community and safety tips: The digital nomad community is active, but it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and follow local safety advice.
Bulgaria
Experience Europe’s hidden gem: Bulgaria, where you can live comfortably on a budget and enjoy fast internet. Bulgaria is the cheapest place to live in Europe. Also, Bulgaria has good weather, several cafes and restaurants, and excellent transport links to other countries. Bulgaria is a great place for families. It has a unique digital infrastructure with fast internet connections in most areas. Many coworking spaces offer free or cheap desks from which digital nomads can work.
However, the country does not offer a digital nomad visa. You will need to apply for a long-stay Type D visa. With this work visa, you can stay in the country for six to twelve months. Also, if you are American, you can enter the country without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days.
Additional Information:
- Internet speed and reliability: In Bulgaria, internet speed is highly reliable, especially in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv.
- Popular coworking spaces and digital nomad communities: Popular coworking spaces include Betahaus in Sofia and Hackafe in Plovdiv, with active digital nomad communities in both.
- Practical advice on daily living and safety: Daily living is affordable, but it’s essential to be cautious in less touristy areas and stay informed about local customs and safety practices.
Israel
Tel Aviv, Israel: A bustling tech hub by the beach, perfect for digital nomads. Israel is an exciting place to live and work. It’s home to many of the world’s most innovative companies, constantly looking for new talent in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Plus, living in Israel gives you access to some of the best beaches in the world! There are many reasons for digital nomads to consider making Israel their home: a strong tech community, a high-tech hub, a good quality of life, an excellent work-life balance, and a low cost of living.
Additional Information:
- Specific cities: In Israel, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are key cities for digital nomads.
- Internet quality and coworking spaces: Tel Aviv offers excellent internet quality and popular coworking spaces like Mindspace and WeWork, while Jerusalem has a growing coworking scene.
- Community and safety aspects: The digital nomad community is vital in Tel Aviv, with plenty of networking opportunities, and both cities are generally safe, though it’s wise to stay informed about regional security updates.
Turkey
Discover Turkey’s blend of history and modernity, where Istanbul offers a vibrant lifestyle for digital nomads. Turkey is a country that provides many opportunities for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. It’s one of the most popular countries for digital nomads to live and work in due to its low cost, high standard of living, and great weather. The country has an active start-up culture with many coworking spaces catering to digital nomads worldwide. Many online resources are also available on Facebook groups like Digital Nomad Hub Istanbul. Here, you can connect with other like-minded people who want to work remotely while exploring Turkey’s rich history, cuisine, and culture!
Additional Information:
- Internet quality and coworking spaces in different regions: In Turkey, internet quality is reliable in urban areas, with coworking spaces like Kolektif House in Istanbul and CoZone in Ankara.
- Community aspects and safety tips: The digital nomad community is vibrant, particularly in Istanbul. Safety is generally good, but staying updated on local advisories is essential.
- Practical advice on daily living expenses: Daily living expenses are affordable, with an average monthly budget of $1,000-$1,500.
Unique places to live and work as a digital nomad!
There are many places around the world where you can work and live comfortably on a budget. The best places to live and work in terms of cost are Chiang Mai, Thailand; Budapest, Hungary; Bali, Indonesia; Lisbon, Portugal; Bangkok, and Thailand.
The Best Places to Live and Work in Terms of Quality of Life:
- Reykjavik, Iceland (best place for cold weather)
- Albury/Wodonga, New South Wales, Australia (best place for warm weather)
- Wellington, New Zealand (best place for great food); Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (best place for safety).
Conclusion: Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live & Work
Choosing the right place to live and work as a digital nomad can transform your remote working experience. Where will your next adventure take you? Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution; it’s up to you how much you want to spend on living expenses and how much time you dedicate to finding remote work. We know from experience that it can take some research and patience before finding the right place for you, but we promise it will be worth it!
Ready to elevate your digital nomad lifestyle? Book a free consultation with Aristo Sourcing today to hire a virtual assistant. With a VA handling administrative tasks, you’ll have more time to explore and enjoy new destinations. Maximize your productivity and live your dream lifestyle with Aristo Sourcing!
3 Key Takeaways
Here are the three key takeaways from the article:
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Many places worldwide are suitable for digital nomads, offering various benefits. The article explores locations across continents, highlighting affordability, visa options, weather, and internet connectivity. From budget-friendly Chiang Mai to innovation hubs like Israel, there’s a place to suit your priorities.
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Cost of living and visa requirements are crucial factors to consider: Throughout the article, the emphasis is on balancing affordability with visa options for remote work. Countries like Bulgaria might be cheap but lack dedicated digital nomad visas, while places like Costa Rica offer visa benefits but may have a higher cost of living.
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Quality of life goes beyond work-related aspects: The article acknowledges that finding the perfect spot goes beyond work logistics. It explores destinations with solid communities, cultural experiences, and beautiful landscapes, all contributing to a well-rounded digital nomad lifestyle.