The digital nomad lifestyle has evolved from a niche movement to a global phenomenon. With more companies embracing remote work permanently, the question isn't if you can work from anywhere—it's where you should go.
After analyzing cost of living data, internet reliability, visa policies, and community feedback, here are the best cities for digital nomads in 2025.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Why it's great: Portugal's capital has become the unofficial European hub for remote workers. The combination of excellent weather, affordable (by Western European standards) living costs, and a vibrant tech scene makes it irresistible.
Cost of living: $2,000-2,500/month Internet: 100+ Mbps widely available Visa option: D7 visa for remote workers Time zone: GMT (perfect for working with US and European clients)
Best neighborhoods: Alfama for character, Principe Real for hipster vibes, Baixa for convenience.
Downsides: Getting pricier each year, can feel touristy in summer.
2. Mexico City, Mexico
Why it's great: CDMX offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle at a fraction of US prices. The food scene is world-class, the culture is rich, and the nomad community is massive and welcoming.
Cost of living: $1,200-1,800/month Internet: 50-100 Mbps in most areas Visa option: 180-day tourist visa, easy to renew Time zone: CST (aligned with US)
Best neighborhoods: Roma Norte, Condesa, Coyoacán for families.
Downsides: Air quality, traffic, altitude adjustment.
3. Bangkok, Thailand
Why it's great: Bangkok remains a perennial favorite for its unbeatable value. Incredible food, excellent healthcare, and a mature nomad infrastructure make it easy to settle in quickly.
Cost of living: $1,000-1,500/month Internet: 100+ Mbps common Visa option: 60-day tourist visa, various long-term options Time zone: GMT+7
Best neighborhoods: Thonglor, Ekkamai for upscale, Ari for local vibes.
Downsides: Hot year-round, air pollution, traffic.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Why it's great: Once known for very different reasons, Medellín has transformed into a digital nomad paradise. The "City of Eternal Spring" offers perfect weather, friendly locals, and a low cost of living.
Cost of living: $1,000-1,500/month Internet: 50-100 Mbps Visa option: 90-day tourist visa, easy digital nomad visa Time zone: EST (same as US East Coast)
Best neighborhoods: El Poblado (popular but pricey), Laureles (more authentic).
Downsides: Safety requires awareness, Spanish is essential for deeper connection.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Why it's great: Canggu and Ubud have become synonymous with the nomad lifestyle. Stunning natural beauty, spiritual atmosphere, and countless coworking spaces create an inspiring environment.
Cost of living: $1,200-2,000/month Internet: 30-50 Mbps (improving) Visa option: 60-day tourist visa, B211A for longer stays Time zone: GMT+8
Best areas: Canggu for beaches and cafes, Ubud for rice fields and yoga.
Downsides: Internet can be unreliable, tourist overcrowding, visa runs necessary.
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Why it's great: The OG digital nomad destination still delivers. Lower costs than Bangkok, surrounded by nature, and a tight-knit community make it ideal for those seeking focus.
Cost of living: $800-1,200/month Internet: 100+ Mbps Visa option: Same as Bangkok Time zone: GMT+7
Best neighborhoods: Nimman area for everything you need.
Downsides: Smaller city limits variety, burning season (March-April) affects air quality.
7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Why it's great: European architecture meets Latin American prices. The peso's devaluation makes this cultural powerhouse incredibly affordable for dollar-earners.
Cost of living: $800-1,200/month (with blue dollar) Internet: 50-100 Mbps Visa option: 90-day visa, easy renewal Time zone: GMT-3
Best neighborhoods: Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo for tango vibes.
Downsides: Economic instability, currency complexity, late dinner culture might not suit everyone.
8. Seoul, South Korea
Why it's great: Lightning-fast internet, incredible food, and a fascinating blend of traditional and ultra-modern culture. Seoul is underrated among Western nomads.
Cost of living: $1,500-2,500/month Internet: 500+ Mbps (best in the world) Visa option: 90-day visa-free for many countries Time zone: GMT+9
Best neighborhoods: Hongdae for young energy, Itaewon for expats, Gangnam for luxury.
Downsides: Language barrier, cold winters, work culture can feel intense.
9. Tbilisi, Georgia
Why it's great: A hidden gem that's gaining popularity fast. Incredibly affordable, fascinating history, delicious cuisine, and one of the world's most generous visa policies.
Cost of living: $800-1,200/month Internet: 50-100 Mbps Visa option: 1-year visa-free for most nationalities Time zone: GMT+4
Best neighborhoods: Vera for local life, Fabrika area for creative vibes.
Downsides: Small city, limited flight connections, language barrier outside center.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Why it's great: Natural beauty that rivals anywhere on Earth, combined with excellent cafes, wineries, and a growing tech scene. The time zone works well for European clients.
Cost of living: $1,200-1,800/month Internet: 100+ Mbps (fiber widely available) Visa option: 90-day visa-free, extensions possible Time zone: GMT+2
Best neighborhoods: Sea Point, De Waterkant, Camps Bay for luxury.
Downsides: Safety concerns, load shedding (power outages), not ideal for US time zones.
How to Choose Your Base
Consider these factors:
- Time zone alignment: Critical if you have regular meetings
- Visa situation: Long-term sustainability matters
- Internet reliability: Test speeds in specific neighborhoods
- Community size: Important for networking and social life
- Cost of living vs. quality of life: Cheapest isn't always best
Final Advice
Don't commit to a long lease immediately. Most nomads recommend staying 2-4 weeks in a place before signing anything longer. Use that time to test different neighborhoods, coworking spaces, and understand the rhythm of daily life.
The perfect destination is deeply personal. What matters is finding a place where you can do your best work while enjoying life outside of it.
Ready to plan your nomad adventure? Use TripPlan to create a customized itinerary for any of these destinations—completely free.
