The rise of remote work has changed the way we approach living and working abroad. Many digital nomads and remote workers are now seeking cities with affordable living, reliable internet, coworking spaces, and a vibrant expat community. As we head into 2024, here are the top 10 cities that offer a perfect blend of work and lifestyle for remote workers.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Why it’s great:
Lisbon is one of the most popular destinations for remote workers in Europe. The city offers a great combination of affordable living (by Western European standards), reliable Wi-Fi, and a growing tech scene. You’ll also find an abundance of coworking spaces and cafes that cater to digital nomads. The city is steeped in culture, history, and vibrant nightlife, making it easy to balance work and leisure.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Short-term rentals are common, but consider looking for long-term stays via local rental platforms like Uniplaces or Idealista for better rates.
- Networking: Check out Lisbon Digital Nomads Meetups and events at coworking spaces like Second Home and Cowork Central.
- Culture: Enjoy delicious seafood, explore the city’s historic neighborhoods like Alfama, and unwind in the sun-drenched parks.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Why it’s great:
Bali has long been a hub for digital nomads, and it remains one of the top remote work destinations in 2024. With its affordable cost of living, stunning beaches, and peaceful rice paddies, Bali offers the perfect balance between work and relaxation. The area around Ubud and Canggu is home to a large expat community, coworking spaces, and wellness retreats.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Rent a villa or stay in a guesthouse to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
- Networking: Coworking spaces like Dojo Bali and Outpost offer excellent facilities for remote workers to network and collaborate.
- Culture: Explore temples, enjoy traditional Balinese cuisine, and take advantage of Bali’s wellness scene, including yoga and spa treatments.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
Why it’s great:
Mexico City is a thriving metropolis with a dynamic work culture, excellent internet connectivity, and a relatively low cost of living. It offers an abundance of coworking spaces, cafes, and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re into history, art, or food, Mexico City has something for every remote worker.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Mexico City offers a wide range of affordable apartments in trendy neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma.
- Networking: Join local expat groups or attend events at coworking spaces like WeWork, BBVA Coworking, or Red Coworking.
- Culture: Savor tacos and other street food, explore world-class museums, and immerse yourself in the city’s bustling cultural scene.
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
Why it’s great:
Tbilisi is one of the best-kept secrets in Eastern Europe for remote workers. Georgia offers a unique visa for remote workers (the Remotely from Georgia program), allowing you to stay for up to a year. The city is affordable, with a welcoming local culture, great food, and a burgeoning digital nomad community.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Look for apartments through local sites like MyHome.ge or rent in the historic Old Town for a more authentic experience.
- Networking: Tbilisi has a small but growing expat community, and coworking spaces like Fabrika and Terminal are ideal for meeting fellow remote workers.
- Culture: Enjoy delicious Georgian wine, explore the ancient architecture, and hike in the nearby Caucasus Mountains.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why it’s great:
Chiang Mai has been a remote work hotspot for years, and in 2024, it’s still a top choice for digital nomads. With affordable living, fast Wi-Fi, and a laid-back lifestyle, Chiang Mai remains one of the best cities in Southeast Asia for remote workers. The city is also home to a thriving expat community, especially in the tech and digital industries.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Chiang Mai offers a range of budget accommodation, from hostels to serviced apartments.
- Networking: Coworking spaces like CAMP and PunSpace are popular for networking, while digital nomad meetups are frequent.
- Culture: Explore ancient temples, enjoy traditional Thai massages, and take advantage of Chiang Mai’s proximity to nature for weekend trips.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Why it’s great:
Barcelona is a great remote work city thanks to its Mediterranean climate, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent infrastructure. The city is home to many coworking spaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and a huge expat community. With a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European cities, Barcelona is a favorite for remote workers in Europe.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Look for apartments in areas like Gràcia or El Born for a local experience, or consider Eixample for a more modern feel.
- Networking: Coworking spaces like Betahaus, WeWork, and MOB are ideal places to meet fellow remote workers.
- Culture: Explore Gaudí’s masterpieces, enjoy tapas, and soak up the vibrant nightlife and beach lifestyle.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Why it’s great:
Prague is a hidden gem for remote workers, offering an affordable cost of living, fast internet, and a great work-life balance. The city is also rich in history, with beautiful architecture, charming streets, and a well-established expat community. As one of the top digital nomad destinations in Central Europe, Prague has plenty of coworking spaces and cafes.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Look for rentals in Prague’s lively neighborhoods like Vinohrady or Karlin.
- Networking: Coworking spaces like Node5 and K10 are great for digital nomads.
- Culture: Enjoy the city’s historical sites, try Czech beer, and stroll along the Charles Bridge for some of the best views in Europe.
8. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Why it’s great:
Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, affordable city with a fast-growing remote work scene. The cost of living is low, and the city offers a vibrant mix of local culture and modern amenities. There are numerous coworking spaces, great food, and plenty of opportunities to network with other remote workers.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Choose from budget apartments or rent in areas like District 1 for easy access to cafes and coworking spaces.
- Networking: Head to coworking spaces like The Hive or Dreamplex for meetups and events.
- Culture: Explore the city’s rich history, try pho, and visit the Cu Chi tunnels for a deeper understanding of the country’s past.
9. Medellín, Colombia
Why it’s great:
Medellín has quickly become one of South America’s leading remote work hubs. The city offers a mild climate year-round (known as the “City of Eternal Spring”), affordable living, and excellent infrastructure. Medellín also has a growing number of coworking spaces and a thriving digital nomad community.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Medellín has affordable rent, and areas like Poblado and Laureles are popular with expats.
- Networking: Connect with other remote workers at coworking spaces like Selina or WeWork.
- Culture: Enjoy the city’s music scene, beautiful parks, and vibrant nightlife.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Why it’s great:
Cape Town is a stunning city with great weather, scenic views, and a laid-back lifestyle. It’s increasingly becoming popular with remote workers, thanks to its affordable cost of living, diverse culture, and reliable internet. The city offers a variety of coworking spaces and opportunities for networking with digital nomads.
Tips:
- Accommodation: Opt for Airbnb or rent an apartment in areas like Sea Point, the Waterfront, or Green Point.
- Networking: Join events at spaces like The Working Space or the Salt River Hub.
- Culture: Explore Table Mountain, enjoy local wines, and visit the nearby Cape Winelands for weekend getaways.
Final Thoughts:
These cities represent the best of what 2024 has to offer for remote workers. Whether you’re looking for affordable living, a strong community, or plenty of networking opportunities, each of these destinations has something unique to offer. Consider what’s most important to you—be it the weather, local culture, or coworking facilities—and start planning your remote work adventure!
