The Best Digital Nomad Destinations for Remote Workers in 2025
Important Disclaimer: Information about costs, visa requirements, and living conditions reflects general circumstances as of early 2025 and changes frequently. Cost of living estimates are approximate and vary significantly based on lifestyle, neighborhood, season, and currency fluctuations. Visa requirements change and vary by individual circumstances - always verify current requirements with official government sources and consulates. This article provides general information for research purposes only, not specific advice for your situation. International Van Lines is a moving company and does not provide visa, legal, or financial consulting services.
Jake sold everything he owned except what fit in two suitcases, quit his San Francisco apartment, and bought a one-way ticket to Lisbon. His tech company had gone fully remote, and he figured if he could work from anywhere, why pay $3,200 monthly for a studio when he could live better for half that cost in a European city?
Two years later, Jake has lived in seven countries, made friends across four continents, and discovered the digital nomad lifestyle isn’t quite the Instagram paradise it appears to be. Some cities he loved. Others he couldn’t wait to leave. The factors that matter aren’t always what travel blogs emphasize.
If you’re considering the digital nomad life, or just want to test it for a few months, choosing your destination matters enormously. Let’s explore the best cities for remote workers based on real experiences, not just pretty photos.
What Actually Matters in a Digital Nomad Destination
Before diving into specific cities, understand what factors truly impact your day-to-day life as a remote worker abroad.
Internet reliability matters more than internet speed. You can work with 20 Mbps download speeds if they’re consistent. You cannot work with 100 Mbps speeds that cut out twice daily. When researching cities, look for information about reliability, not just advertised speeds.
Cost of living affects how long you can sustain the lifestyle. The cheapest destinations aren’t always the best, but expensive cities drain savings fast. Find the sweet spot where your money goes far without sacrificing comfort and safety.
Time zone overlap with your company or clients determines your working hours. If you’re based in Asia working for a US company, you’ll be on calls at 11 PM. If that sounds fun for a month, remember you’re doing it long-term.
Visa situations range from “stay 90 days no questions asked” to “you need $50,000 in the bank and a local sponsor.” Some countries actively welcome digital nomads. Others make it nearly impossible.
Community size impacts loneliness and networking. Showing up in a city with an established digital nomad community means instant social connections and shared knowledge. Being the only remote worker in town gets isolating fast.
Infrastructure and services—reliable electricity, decent healthcare, safe transportation, good food options—all contribute to quality of life. You can rough it for a few weeks. Months or years require basic reliability.
Lisbon, Portugal
Jake started here for good reason. Lisbon has become the epicenter of European digital nomad life in recent years.
The Good
Weather is fantastic year-round. Mild winters, warm sunny summers, and that Mediterranean climate everyone talks about.
Cost of living is reasonable for Western Europe. Studios rent for €700-1,200 monthly in decent neighborhoods. Meals out cost €8-15. A beer is €3-5. Monthly budget: €1,800-2,800 total.
Internet is excellent in most areas, with fiber widely available at 100-500 Mbps speeds.
English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tech/startup circles. You’ll survive easily without Portuguese, though learning helps.
Digital nomad community is huge. Coworking spaces, meetups, networking events happen constantly. Making friends is easy.
Portugal’s D7 visa and new digital nomad visa offer legal long-term stay options. Many nomads start on tourist visas then transition to residency visas.
Time zone is perfect for working with US East Coast (5 hours ahead) or European companies.
The Challenges
Lisbon’s popularity has driven costs up significantly. It’s no longer the budget destination it was five years ago.
Tourist crowds overwhelm central neighborhoods, especially in summer. The authentic local experience requires venturing beyond central areas.
Bureaucracy is legendarily frustrating. Opening a bank account or dealing with any official process tests patience.
Winter is wetter than people expect. November through February brings frequent rain.
The city has a significant homeless population and petty crime in tourist areas. It’s not dangerous, but you need street smarts.
Best For
European base seekers who want established infrastructure with good weather and an active nomad scene. People who don’t mind paying moderate-to-high costs for the convenience of European location and community.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai held the title of digital nomad capital for years before Lisbon emerged. It remains hugely popular, especially with Asian-focused nomads.
The Good
Cost of living is incredibly low. Studios rent for $250-450 monthly. Meals cost $2-5. Beer is $2. You can live very comfortably on $1,200-1,500 monthly total.
Coworking spaces are plentiful and cheap. $50-100 monthly gets you reliable workspace with community.
Digital nomad community is massive and well-established. You’ll meet dozens of remote workers within days.
Food is amazing and ridiculously cheap. Thai cuisine, international options, health-conscious cafes—all available and affordable.
Thai culture is welcoming and accommodating. The city feels safe and friendly.
Weather is warm year-round. Hot season is very hot, but manageable with AC.
The Challenges
Internet reliability varies significantly by location. Some apartments have perfect fiber. Others struggle. Research specific accommodations carefully.
Tourist visa runs are required every 60-90 days. Thailand’s digital nomad visa (DTV) launched recently, which helps, but the visa situation remains somewhat complicated.
Air quality in March-April is terrible due to burning season. Pollution levels can be unhealthy.
Time zone is challenging for US-based work. GMT+7 means huge time difference. Working with European companies is easier.
The city is small. After a few months, many people feel they’ve exhausted the city’s offerings and crave more variety.
Motorbike accidents are common among foreigners unfamiliar with Thai traffic patterns.
Best For
Budget-conscious nomads who prioritize low costs and don’t need to work US hours. People who love Asian culture, food, and climate. Those comfortable with visa runs and flexible legal situations.
Mexico City, Mexico
CDMX has exploded in popularity among American digital nomads recently, especially since remote work became normalized.
The Good
Time zone aligns perfectly for US-based work. Mexico City is Central Time, making coordination with US companies seamless.
Cost of living is low compared to US cities. Studios in good neighborhoods cost $500-900 monthly. Meals out are $5-12. Monthly budget: $1,500-2,500 comfortably.
Culture is rich and fascinating. World-class museums, incredible food, vibrant art scene, colonial architecture, and endless exploration opportunities.
Internet is generally excellent. Many neighborhoods have fiber. Cafes and coworking spaces have reliable connections.
US citizens get 180-day tourist visas automatically on arrival. Six months without paperwork headaches.
Spanish immersion opportunities abound. If you want to learn or improve Spanish, CDMX is ideal.
Digital nomad and expat community is growing fast. Particularly strong in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco.
The Challenges
Altitude (7,350 feet) affects some people. Shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue are common initially.
Air pollution is significant. The city sits in a valley that traps smog. Air quality is often poor.
Traffic is horrendous. Commutes are long. The metro is crowded.
Safety is a legitimate consideration. Certain neighborhoods are perfectly safe. Others have crime issues. Research carefully and stay alert.
Water isn’t drinkable from the tap. You’ll buy bottled water or use filters.
The city is enormous and somewhat overwhelming. With 22 million people in the metro area, it’s not for everyone.
Best For
Americans who need to work US hours and want to maintain similar time zones. People interested in Latin American culture and Spanish language. Those who thrive in huge, chaotic, vibrant cities.
Bali, Indonesia
Specifically Canggu and Ubud neighborhoods. Bali remains incredibly popular despite some downsides.
The Good
Cost of living is low. Studios rent for $300-600 monthly. Meals cost $3-8. Monthly budget: $1,200-2,000 for comfortable living.
Lifestyle is healthy and outdoorsy. Surfing, yoga, hiking, beach life, and wellness activities are central to Bali culture.
Digital nomad community is huge, especially in Canggu. Making friends is effortless.
Coworking spaces are abundant and cheap. $60-120 monthly for good spaces with fast internet.
Food scene caters heavily to Western preferences. Healthy cafes, vegan options, and international cuisine everywhere.
Visa options include 60-day visa on arrival, extendable to 180 days. Indonesia also offers a digital nomad visa now.
The Challenges
Internet reliability is a constant frustration. Speeds are often fine when working, but outages are common. Always have mobile hotspot backup.
Traffic is absolutely terrible. A 5-mile trip can take an hour on a motorbike.
Motorbike culture is dangerous for inexperienced riders, yet necessary for getting around. Accidents happen frequently.
Rainy season (November-March) brings daily downpours and flooding in some areas.
The scene is very millennial and startup-focused. If you’re older or have different interests, it might feel cliquish.
Healthcare quality is limited. Serious medical issues require evacuation to Singapore or Bangkok.
Best For
Young nomads interested in wellness, surfing, and the startup scene. People willing to trade some infrastructure reliability for low costs and beach lifestyle. Those working Asia-Pacific hours.
Medellin, Colombia
The “city of eternal spring” has become hugely popular with digital nomads in recent years.
The Good
Weather is perfect year-round. Temperatures hover around 70-75°F daily due to the altitude and equatorial location.
Cost of living is very reasonable. Studios in El Poblado (main expat neighborhood) cost $400-800 monthly. Meals out are $4-10. Monthly budget: $1,500-2,500.
Colombian culture is warm and welcoming. People are friendly and social.
Time zone is EST, perfect for working with US East Coast companies.
Internet is surprisingly good in most areas. Fiber is available in many buildings.
The city has transformed dramatically from its violent past. Modern Medellin is progressive and cosmopolitan.
Digital nomad community is growing but not overwhelming. It’s large enough for community but small enough to feel somewhat authentic.
Best For
Americans working US East Coast hours who want warm weather, Latino culture, and reasonable costs. Spanish learners. People who enjoy salsa, reggaeton, and social nightlife culture.
The Challenges
Safety is better than historical reputation but requires awareness. Certain areas are fine. Others are sketchy. Petty crime like pickpocketing happens.
Altitude (5,000 feet) affects some people, though less dramatically than Mexico City.
Dating app scams and drugging incidents have been reported. Exercise caution.
Traffic is bad, though better than CDMX or Bali.
Air pollution during certain months can be significant.
Colombia’s visa situation requires leaving every 90 days or applying for residency visa.
Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia is the underrated European digital nomad destination that tech-focused nomads love.
The Good
Estonia offers a Digital Nomad Visa specifically designed for remote workers. Up to one year of legal residency.
Internet is blazing fast and reliable. Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world.
The startup scene is incredibly strong. Estonia has the most unicorns per capita globally. Networking opportunities abound.
Tallinn’s medieval old town is gorgeous. The city balances history with modernity beautifully.
English is widely spoken, especially among younger people and professionals.
Crime is very low. Estonia is one of Europe’s safest countries.
The Challenges
Cost of living is moderate to high. Studios cost €600-1,000 monthly. It’s cheaper than Western Europe but pricier than Southern or Eastern Europe.
Weather is cold and dark in winter. November through February is harsh with limited daylight.
The city is small. You’ll see everything in a few weeks. Some people love the cozy feeling. Others find it limiting.
Social culture is reserved. Estonians are friendly but not outwardly warm. Making local friends takes effort.
Time zone (GMT+2) is challenging for US-based work. Better suited for European hours.
Best For
Tech professionals and entrepreneurs who value digital infrastructure and startup culture. People who don’t mind cold weather. Those working European hours or with European companies.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires offers European sophistication at developing world prices with a passionate Latin American spirit.
The Good
Cost of living is extremely low due to economic factors and favorable exchange rates. Studios in nice neighborhoods cost $300-600 monthly. Meals out are $5-12. Monthly budget: $1,200-2,000 for excellent quality of life.
Culture is rich and European-influenced. World-class steak, wine, tango, theater, and arts scene.
Architecture is stunning. Buenos Aires feels like Paris or Madrid in many neighborhoods.
Time zone is close to US East Coast (1-2 hours depending on daylight saving).
Digital nomad visa is available with reasonable requirements.
English is more common than in other Latin American cities, especially in educated and business circles.
The Challenges
Economic instability creates uncertainty. Inflation is high. Exchange rates fluctuate. The situation can change rapidly.
Bureaucracy is complicated. Opening bank accounts, dealing with official matters, and navigating systems is frustrating.
Safety is a concern in certain areas. Pickpocketing and theft are common in tourist zones. Research neighborhoods carefully.
Internet can be unreliable. While available, speeds and consistency aren’t always great.
The city is huge and sprawling. Public transit is decent but often crowded.
Argentine Spanish dialect and speed makes it challenging for Spanish learners.
Best For
Budget-conscious nomads who want European sophistication at developing world prices. Steak and wine enthusiasts. People interested in Latin American culture who need to work near US time zones.
Practical Tips for Choosing Your Destination
Test before committing. Spend a month in a city before signing long-term leases or making major commitments. What looks perfect online might not suit you in reality.
Consider rotation. Many successful nomads rotate between 2-4 cities they love rather than constantly moving somewhere new. This provides variety while maintaining some stability and familiar places.
Climate matters more than you think. If you hate humidity, Southeast Asia will make you miserable. If you need sunshine for mental health, don’t choose Tallinn in January.
Healthcare access becomes important the longer you travel. Research hospital quality and health insurance options. Major cities generally have better healthcare than remote locations.
Community fit matters. If you’re 45 years old and not into startup culture, Bali’s Canggu scene probably isn’t your vibe. If you’re 25 and entrepreneurial, you’ll love it.
Legal status reduces stress. Tourist visa hopping works short-term but gets exhausting. If you find a place you love, consider applying for proper residency visas.
When you’re ready to try the digital nomad lifestyle or relocate somewhere long-term, getting your belongings to your new base requires professional help. We specialize in international moves and can help you ship what matters while keeping costs reasonable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do digital nomad visas work?
Digital nomad visas allow remote workers to legally stay in a country for extended periods (typically 6-24 months) while working for foreign companies. Requirements usually include proof of remote employment, minimum income thresholds, and health insurance. Each country’s program has specific rules.
Do I need travel insurance or international health insurance?
Yes. Most countries require proof of health insurance for visa applications. Beyond that, you need coverage since your US insurance probably doesn’t cover you abroad. Companies like SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Cigna Global offer digital nomad-specific plans for $40-150 monthly.
How do I handle taxes as a digital nomad?
US citizens must file US taxes regardless of where they live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion can exempt up to $126,500 (2025) from US income tax if you meet requirements. You might also owe taxes in countries where you spend significant time. Consult a tax professional specializing in expat taxation.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
Technically, no. Tourist visas don’t allow work, even remote work for foreign companies. In practice, enforcement is minimal for digital nomads working quietly on laptops. But you’re taking legal risk. Digital nomad visas and work visas provide legal protection.
What about banking and receiving payments?
Keep your US bank accounts open. Use services like Wise (TransferWise) for receiving international payments and currency conversion at better rates than traditional banks. Many nomads use multiple banks and payment services for redundancy.
How do I make friends as a digital nomad?
Coworking spaces are the easiest entry point. Most host events and foster community. Facebook groups and apps like Meetup help you find other nomads. Take classes, join sports leagues, or attend language exchanges. The digital nomad community is generally welcoming and social.
