Today, there are 35 million digital nomads in the world, and this number is predicted to surpass 1 billion by 2035.
Travel is becoming more accessible, and technology is getting better by the second. This is the perfect recipe for you to try something new, especially if you’re finding your traditional job unsatisfying.
But before you set off, you need to have an idea of where you’re going. Some cities are better than others for digital nomad survival, so choose your destinations carefully.
To help you out, here’s a list of the best digital nomad cities of 2023 you should consider.
Best Digital Nomad Cities
Austin, Texas, USA
If you don’t want to leave the country, or want to get your bearings first, then start off with Austin, TX. You won’t have to get an up-to-date passport to move here, so it’s great for a test run as a new digital nomad.
The cost of living isn’t too high for a large American city. You should expect to spend around $3,500 a month as a single person.
More importantly, digital nomad communities want internet that’s fast and reliable. You’ll regularly get over 100 Mbps for download speeds, so you can work without frustrating disconnections and long waits.
Austin also puts you in the middle of rich culture, arts, and music. So when you’re not working, you’ll have plenty of interesting things to do.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
There’s nothing more idyllic than working remotely from a gorgeous beach with fantastic weather. This is what makes Playa del Carmen so appealing, and its close proximity to the US doesn’t hurt either.
Many digital nomads flock here, so it’s not a true Mexican experience. However, it can be a stepping stone in your path, as you’ll live in another country and learn its ins and outs.
The cost of living in Playa del Carmen is low, and there are lots of cafes to work in. The internet speed reaches 100 Mbps, and you can get wifi practically everywhere (albeit at much lower speeds in some areas).
And the bonus is you can get lost in the local nature of the cenotes when you put your computer away.
Bali, Indonesia
In Bali, you have two top choices: Canggu or Ubud. The former is a beach town, while the latter is immersed in nature. But while you’d expect Canggu to have a laid back atmosphere, you’ll find this in Ubud instead.
No matter which city you choose, you’ll enjoy a low cost of living (around $1,200 per month). Internet speeds average 25 Mbps, and wifi can be unstable in some places. But you’ll find many coworking spaces and cafes in both.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand has long been a popular digital nomad destination. It’s renowned for its low cost of living, which is around $950 per month. Your remote work will go a long way here, as things are incredibly affordable and cheap.
Internet speeds average 25 Mbps, which is decent for most online work. The city’s also teeming with coworking spaces, so you can always duck into one.
Chiang Mai is the place to go if you’re a foodie, as it’s bursting with excellent restaurants.
Lisbon, Portugal
Like the other best digital nomad cities, Lisbon has many coworking spaces and cafes, as well as meetup groups and events. It’s a great place to be if you’d like to network as a digital nomad, especially since there’s a large international feel.
Internet speeds average 25 Mbps in Lisbon. There’s also free wifi in many public spaces.
You’ll be immersed in the culture while in Lisbon. The city also offers tasty food and beautiful views, as it’s built on hills. Plus, Lisbon offers fantastic surf spots if you’re into the beach scene.
The cost of living in Lisbon is a bit higher than in the aforementioned cities, but that’s to be expected of a European destination. Expect to pay around $2,000 a month here.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Not many people would think of Bulgaria as a hotspot for digital nomads, but you’d be surprised; Bansko is one of the biggest ones in Europe! So if you’re afraid that you won’t have many international friends in Bulgaria, then think again.
This is a small mountain town, so life is slower-paced. When you’re not working, you can go for a walk or hike and get some fresh air. Also, Bansko is home to several ski and snowboard slopes, which you can conquer if you’re up for a challenge.
The cost of living is low as well, including rent, so those with smaller budgets will fare well in Bansko.
The average internet speed is 17 Mbps, and there are many coworking spaces available. Wifi isn’t terribly reliable here, so your best bet is to go to the coworking spaces or use your smartphone as a hotspot.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taiwan is an outstanding Asian country to choose if your language skills are shaky and you feel more comfortable with proficient English speakers. Many Taiwanese have solid English skills, especially in Taipei (the capital).
The cost of living is pretty low compared to American and European cities, but not quite as low as Thailand. However, the city’s chock-full of fantastic food with affordable price tags.
The average internet speed in Taiwan is over 80 Mbps, and its skyscrapers have lots of coworking spaces.
Taipei is hustling and bustling at all hours of the day, so if you enjoy vibrant and energetic cities, then you’ll love it here. Public transportation is also reasonably priced, meaning you can take day or weekend trips to other parts of the country without it being expensive.
Head Over to the Best Digital Nomad Cities
With this list, you’ll be able to travel to the best digital nomad cities. Not only will you earn a living still, but you’ll also get to see the world without draining your savings.
When you join the ranks of global nomads, you’ll make unforgettable memories that’ll change your life forever. It’ll definitely be worth leaving the comforts of home.
Before you book a flight, form your business in the States first. We at Business Anywhere can help; sign up with us now.
