The worst cities in the U.S. for digital nomads are primarily in California and Florida, while the best cities for traveling remote professionals are in the Midwest and South.
This is according to a May 2023 report by online real estate platform Zumper, cited by CNBC.
To create the rankings, Zumper evaluated the 100 most popular cities in the U.S. based on a number of factors, including availability of public transportation, average cost of short-term rentals, and air quality. Here are the top 10 U.S. cities for digital nomads:
- Columbus, Ohio
- Portland, Oregon
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Houston, Texas
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Chicago, Illinois
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- San Antonio, Texas
- Detroit, Michigan
- Denver, Colorado
Columbus holds the coveted top spot as the best city for digital nomads in the United States. Columbus is known for its vibrant culture, affordable cost of living, and robust amenities, making it an ideal environment for remote workers.
The city has an excellent public transportation network - an important consideration for those who rely on a hassle-free commute. In addition, the average cost of short-term rentals in Columbus is inexpensive, making the city an enticing option for digital nomads looking to balance their budget with their wanderlust.
Analysts, as CNBC reports, advise digital nomads to consider the Midwest, as cities like Kansas City, Cincinnati, and St. Louis offer many things that are important to them, such as affordable living costs, fast Wi-Fi, and numerous entertainment options.
Explore more: Canada Launches New Initiative for Remote Workers
Interestingly, cities like Portland, Houston, and Chicago consistently top lists of best cities for digital nomads.
New York and Los Angeles, on the other hand, didn't make the top 20 best cities for digital nomads. Los Angeles ranked 24th and New York City 31st, largely due to the high cost of living.
While the market for remote workplaces is shrinking in some cities, others are thriving. A recent study by the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), cited by CNBC, found that Washington, D.C., is the best city to find a remote job in the U.S., followed by San Francisco and Chicago.
So, if you're a digital nomad who wants to take advantage of the freedom of remote work while exploring the vibrant corners of the U.S., consider the Midwest and South as your next destination. These regions offer a perfect blend of affordability, connectivity, and adventure for the modern nomad.
Are you a digital nomad looking for a new destination to explore? Then we believe you can find your ideal accommodation on Flatio.
Browse our listings in over 300 destinations in Europe and beyond, most of which are deposit-free and meet the unique needs of remote workers, such as fast Wi-Fi. Looking forward to seeing you on Flatio.
Begin your search HERE!
