Digital nomads are on the rise. In a world where we can work from anywhere, people like you and I have the opportunity to travel to new places to fuel creativity and live an adventurous life.
If this is your dream, read on for our recommendations of top destinations for digital nomads in 2023!
Throughout this article, we will discuss the best destinations for digital nomads based on the cost of living, fun, and safety.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon comes in at number one on our list of the best destinations for digital nomads. To put things in perspective, Kevin and I spent two months in Lisbon in the fall of 2021, and now we are debating buying a place there. We loved it that much.
There are not enough incredible things that I can say about this vibrant city for anyone who wants to work remotely or be a digital nomad. Lisbon is full of history, beauty, and culture with a very low cost of living.
You can easily find apartments for rent in Lisbon for around $700/month. And, the food is fantastic and very inexpensive. I typically spend about $15/day on food, which is less than half of what I would spend in other cities.
Also, the city has terrific bike and scooter paths, so we scootered everywhere, allowing us to truly experience the city.
One more notable thing about Lisbon is how easy it is to get to places such as the Algarve and Sintra. These are both day trips from Lisbon, two of the most beautiful places I have ever been to.
Top things to do for remote workers and nomads in Lisbon:
While working remotely in Lisbon, there are plenty of amazing things for you to do!
When Kevin and I spent our time there, here were some of our favorites:
- Attend the local events! They always seemed to have a festival, sporting event, or something happening around the city.
- Explore the city by scooter or bike.
- Visit Sintra and the Algarve.
- Check out Bairro Alto for some incredible views of the city.
- Ride the Tram 28. This is a must-do when visiting Lisbon.
- Go for a surf.
- Find some hidden beaches.
- Go for a meal at the Time Out market.
- Enjoy the nightlife!
Pros for why many digital nomads chose Lisbon:
- Lisbon is a beautiful, historic city with plenty of cafes, restaurants, museums, and galleries to explore on your days off!
- It has an affordable public transportation system (a monthly pass will only cost you about $32) and is accessible for digital nomads who like to travel light when working from abroad.
- The weather is pleasant year-round, with an average temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The people are warm and welcoming.
- The food is fantastic.
- The nightlife is vibrant.
- Internet is perfect, and there are great coworking spaces, coffee shops, and other areas to work from.
Cons of the digital nomad lifestyle in Lisbon:
It can sometimes be expensive if you’re looking for someplace more remote, which might not be the best option for those who want something cheap but still exciting.
Cost of Living: 2,500/month
Fun: 9/10
Safety: 9/10
2. Nosara Costa Rica
Nosara is what I call the hidden gem of Costa Rica, and it is the perfect destination if you want to work remotely at any time throughout the year. This is where Kevin and I spent 6 weeks, living in some of the nicest Villas on earth for free! To learn how we stay in luxury villas at no cost, check out this article.
It’s situated on the Nicoya Peninsula, a trendy beach destination, and boasts an excellent climate.
The town has plenty of activities to keep you occupied in your free time, so make sure that you have some work that can be done remotely at times!
Top things to do for remote workers and nomads in Nosara:
- Go surfing on the incredible beaches.
- Hike in the stunning national parks.
- Zipline through the jungle.
- Go deep sea fishing.
- Go on ATV rides and tours.
- Swim underneath waterfalls.
Pros for digital nomads in Nosara Costa Rica:
- If you are looking for Surfing, Nosara is host to some of the best and most consistent surf in Latin America.
- If you are looking for fine dining, Nosara has plenty of that and ranges from fresh seafood and authentic Costa Rican dishes to North American dishes.
- Nosara is also located in one of 5 blue zones on earth, which exemplifies the healthy way of life in this region of Costa Rica. To learn more about the Blue Zone of Nosara, check out this article: Breaking Down Costa Rica’s Blue Zone – Live to be 100!
- The people are incredibly friendly and welcoming.
- Beautiful rainforests, beaches, day treks, and lots of activities nearby.
Cons for digital nomads in Nosara Costa Rica:
The Internet can be spotty at times and it is not always the most reliable.
The cost of living is a bit high, but this is to be expected given its location and the amenities that are available.
Cost of living: 2000USD/month
Fun: 9/10
Safety: 10/10
3. Canggu, Bali
Within the digital nomad community, digital nomads tend to favor Bali and Thailand when planning their first trips.
For countless reasons, Bali is the perfect destination for someone who wants to become a digital nomad.
Bali has one of the highest remote worker populations and a diverse remote workforce. Bali may be perfect for you if you want to network and work with like-minded people.
Canggu is the perfect digital nomad destination for the digital nomad who wants to live in a low-key area.
Canggu is home to a host of fantastic beaches and an emerging nightlife scene, and its proximity to Bali makes this location desirable for remote workers and travelers alike.
Top things to do for remote workers and nomads in Canggu:
- Take a surf lesson.
- Hike up to the Canggu Waterfalls.
- Visit the Old Man’s surfing beach bar.
- Explore the rice terraces.
- Shop at the local markets.
- Visit the Tanah Lot temple.
- RELAX!
Pros of becoming a digital nomad in Canggu Bali:
- There are fantastic coffee shops that have smoothie bowls, friendly faces, and high-speed wifi
- The Ricefields are a wonderful place to walk or ride a bike, and the beaches are world-renowned.
- Canggu is also a yoga mecca, with many studios and retreats offering daily classes.
- The cost of living is very low, especially if you cook at home often.
Cons of living in Canggu Bali:
The cons to being a digital nomad in Canggu Bali are that traffic can get very frustrating, the sidewalks are not always walkable, and there aren’t many beaches. Clean water for swimming or surfing isn’t an easy find either.
Cost of living: 1,350USD/Month
Fun: 8/10
Safety: 9/10
4. Ubud, Bali
Ubud Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia for digital nomads in 2023.
Ubud is a small city with ancient temples, traditional markets, and authentic Balinese culture that will charm any traveler who visits the island of Bali.
Top things to do for remote workers and nomads in Ubud:
- Visit the Monkey Forest.
- Explore the rice terraces.
- Take a cooking class.
- Visit the Ubud Art Market.
- Admire the Museum Puri Lukisan.
- Explore Puri Saren Palace.
Pros:
- Coworking spaces: There are many coworking spaces available to work from and opportunities to get involved in local businesses by volunteering at organic farms or art centers, among others.
- The cost of living: The cost of living here is low compared to other major cities like Singapore, which allows digital entrepreneurs plenty of room in their budgets to travel around Indonesia.
- Healthy lifestyle: For those looking to maintain an active lifestyle while still working remotely, Ubud has excellent cycling paths through rice paddies.
Cons:
One of the main cons of Ubud is that health care can be challenging to find! Also, many locals do not speak English.
Cost of living: 1,200USD/Month
Fun: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
5. Prague, Czech Republic
Recently, Prague has become one of the top digital nomad destinations. Its excellent transport system and culture give it an edge over other cities and its international links.
Due to this, Prague is a great place for digital nomads looking for an excellent work-life balance with affordable prices and high quality of life standards.
The cost of living in Prague ranges from $700 – 2500CZK per month, depending on your chosen accommodation.
This means they have cheaper rent than most European capitals but still offer similar amenities, making it another of the best places in Europe for remote workers.
Top things to do for remote workers and nomads in Prague:
- Visit the Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock.
- Explore Prague Castle.
- Wander through Charles Bridge.
- Check out the Jewish Quarter.
- Visit Petrin Hill.
- Take a boat ride on the Vltava River.
Pros for Digital nomads in Prague:
- Some of the reasons why many digital nomads love to work remotely from Prague include:
- The local food: Czech food is hearty but not as heavy or sweet as other Eastern European cuisines, so it’s great for those watching their weight or who have dietary restrictions like gluten allergies
- Ease of Connectivity: Prague has excellent transport connections to all major European cities, so you can work remotely from here even if your destination doesn’t offer this option!
- Consistent and nice weather year-round
- Safety: Prague is one of the safer cities in Europe, making it great for foreigners and travelers.
Cons to living in Prague:
According to the nomad list, Prague is not very racially tolerant and is still fairly expensive in comparison to other places on the list.
Cost of Living: $2,227/Month
Fun: 7/10
Safety: 7/10
6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the top places on our list for digital nomad destinations in 2023. Amsterdam is located in western Europe and has a solid global reputation for creativity and innovation.
Forbes magazine ranked the Netherlands as one of the top digital nations and is home to some big tech companies like Philips, AkzoNobel, ASML, and TomTom (all Fortune 500 firms).
Amsterdam also ranks among the best cities worldwide regarding the availability of wifi connections: It’s so good that you can access over 94% of channels with your mobile phone alone.
Additionally, this city offers coffee shops on every corner – perfect for those who need their daily dose of caffeine while crushing a day of remote work!
Best Time of Year: The best time for digital nomads in Amsterdam is from November until April. This is because it’s just cold enough not to have too many bugs out while still being nice and warm without harsh winter weather like we see here in Canada.
Top things to do for remote workers and nomads in Amsterdam:
- Explore the canals by boat
- Visit Anne Frank House
- Wander Vondel park
- Check out the Red Light District
- Take a day trip to Keukenh of Gardens
Pros for digital nomads in Amsterdam:
- If you are looking for fun, Amsterdam is the place for you. The activities in Amsterdam include the famous Red Light District and a visit to the Sex Museum, but there are plenty more!
- Easy internet access and countless coffee shops.
- Plenty of other digital nomads to mingle and network with.
Cons for digital nomads in Amsterdam:
The biggest downside to being a digital nomad in Amsterdam is the cost of living! On average, living comfortably costs around 4,000 Euros per month, which doesn’t precisely scream a digital nomad lifestyle.
Also, wandering the streets at night can be dangerous at times. However, it is fairly safe the majority of the time.
Cost of Living: $4000/month
Fun: 9/10
Safety: 6/10
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is an up-and-coming hotspot in the digital nomad movement. Buenos Aires makes an excellent destination for a digital nomad community because of the culture, safety measures, and low cost of living. Many digital nomads choose to live in Buenos Aires for its Latin flavor, wild nightlife, low living expenses, and immersive local culture.
Argentina has been one of the most welcoming countries for digital nomads, with a visa that allows you to stay for up to four months and work remotely. Additionally, the government offers a “rebajas” or tax exemption for those who are looking to invest in businesses in the country.
Best Time of Year: The best time for digital nomads in Buenos Aires is from September to November and then again from March to May. This is because the weather is warm but not too hot, and there are fewer tourists during these months.
Top things to do for remote workers and nomads in Buenos Aires:
- Visit La Boca
- Check out an Estadio
- Wander Plaza Serrano in Palermo Soho
- Visit an Argentinean Winery
Pros of Buenos Aires:
- The nightlife scene in Buenos Aires is lively and exciting, meaning you’ll never be bored here! There are many different bars all over town; some even offer happy hour specials. Life can be fun if you’re willing to take advantage of what this city offers!
- Safety: Safety shouldn’t be a problem as there’s always someone out on the street every day lending a hand or practicing good behavior by being kinder
Cons:
Traffic noise, Urban sprawl, Petty crime, Crowds, Currency fluctuations.
Cost of living: $1100/month
Fun: 8/10
Safety: 7/10
8. Medellin, Colombia
Medellín, Colombia, is second only to the capital of Bogota in size and population but is protected from overcrowding by a valley location and a temperate climate. What makes this place an excellent location for remote workers and digital nomads?
Medellin is full of rich culture, amazing food, and friendly people, and is very safe. The city has a lot of character with its narrow and hilly streets. The public transportation system makes getting around town a breeze, and there are plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to get work done.
Top things to do for remote workers and nomads in Medellin:
- Visit the Botero Museum
- Check out Parque de los Deseos
- Wander through Jardín Botánico
- Take the cable car up to Parque Arví
- Climb Piedra El Peñol – Take in the stunning views from 650 steps up on this granite massif near Guatapé town (a two-hour bus ride from Medellín) for spectacular vistas over deep blue man-made lakes.
Pros:
- Medellin offers a digital nomad-friendly infrastructure, with many cafes and coworking spaces.
- It also has an active startup scene that is making waves on the global stage.
- If you are interested in saving money while working remotely, then Medillin is perfect for you. The cost of living for digital nomads in Medellin is significantly lower than in other areas.
- Another perk for digital nomads is that Medellín has been ranked as one of the friendliest cities in Latin America by Lonely Planet, so you will not have trouble finding a place to live or people who speak your language.
- Its proximity to Bali makes this location desirable for remote workers and travelers.
Cons:
One of the biggest cons is that Medellin is not very female-friendly! Sometimes, a caucasian female is known to draw unwanted and uncomfortable attention.
Cost of living: 1000/month
Fun: 8/10
Safety: 6/10
9. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand’s northernmost city was once primarily known as a destination for backpackers and gap-year travelers who wanted to experience life in the Buddhist culture of Southeast Asia.
Nowadays, it is home to some of the best digital nomad destinations in all of Bangkok because of its low cost of living, an abundance of coworking spaces, and hostels that provide inexpensive accommodation.
Chiang Mai also boasts spectacular scenery throughout much, if not most, of the city. It is also a great place to learn more about Thai culture and Buddhist religion.
Top things to do for remote workers and nomads in Chiang Mai:
- Visit Wat Chedi Luang
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Chiang Mai Night Safari
- Wat Umong
- Cooking Classes at Bangkok Cooking School
Pros:
- It has a less humid climate than Bangkok
- Great high-speed internet connections
- An abundance of coffee shops.
- Chiang Mai’s airport is also one of the most convenient in Asia, with flights to major cities like Hanoi, Beijing, and Shanghai taking as little as two hours due to its location just north of Thailand’s borders with Burma.
- The digital nomad population here are diverse professionals from around the world, including entrepreneurs, writers, programmers, and artists who make their homes in Chiang Mai every year because there are so many job opportunities available for them at any given time.
- Also, Chiang Mai is known for having incredible and authentic cuisine!
Cons:
One of the biggest cons to living in Chiang Mai is the pollution! It is said to be covered in grime with a lot of noise pollution.
Cost of living: $1300/month
Fun: 9/10
Safety: 8/10
Conclusion – best foreign country to embrace a newfound digital nomad lifestyle:
Becoming a digital nomad or remote worker is becoming more popular as technology continues to evolve. It allows people to work from anywhere in the world, whether it be their home country or another country altogether.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best foreign country to embrace a newfound digital nomad lifestyle. Countries like Portugal, Thailand, Vietnam, and Mexico offer great opportunities for those looking for an affordable place to live and work remotely. On the other hand, countries like Amsterdam and Prague provide a higher quality of life with better infrastructure.
Ultimately, the best decision is up to the individual and what they are looking for in a foreign country. Each person’s situation is different, so it is important to weigh all of the pros and cons before making a decision.
F.A.Q:
How do digital nomads get paid?
There are many ways that digital nomads get paid, and it can be an online business, venture, or job that suits that nomad’s skillset. For a list of 114 different jobs for full-time travelers, check out this article:
How many digital nomads are in Chiang Mai?
There are estimated to be over 3000 digital nomads living in Chiang Mai.
Do all digital nomads own their own business?
No! There are plenty of jobs that allow you to be a digital nomad. The travel industry can be a great one for nomads to join.
Is there good internet speed in Bali?
It depends where you are! But if you go to one of the main cities, you can expect quality wifi.
What tax system do digital nomads need to follow?
It is different for each individual! Many digital nomads try to avoid paying taxes, which is very ill-advised. Check out this link to learn more about taxes for digital nomads.
How do I get remote work?
There are many ways to get remote work, depending on the country. Digital nomads often try to earn multiple income streams and have a few passive income sources. For more information on remote work, check out this article:
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