With the growing popularity of remote work and flexible schedules, more people are becoming digital nomads. These individuals use technology to work from anywhere in the world as freelancers, entrepreneurs, or remote employees. Contrary to common belief, this lifestyle can be affordable with various strategies to manage expenses.
The ability to work while exploring new places has made digital nomadism appealing. Like any career, however, it has its pros and cons. A major challenge is the constant travel, which can be tiring. This is where the idea of a "home base" becomes important.
Having a stable place to return to between travels offers routine and stability, making it easier to concentrate on work and enjoy the benefits of travel.
Here are 10 best cities for setting up your home base as a digital nomad, according to TheTravel.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal, stands out as a top destination for digital nomads for several reasons.
- Firstly, its relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities makes it affordable for remote workers.
- Secondly, Lisbon has modern infrastructure, including high-speed internet and excellent co-working spaces. Its natural surroundings, from stunning beaches to lush parks, offer a tranquil retreat from work.
- Additionally, Portugal's digital nomad visa program provides a straightforward option for nomads to stay up to a year, appealing to those seeking long-term stays. Overall, Lisbon is an ideal choice for digital nomads seeking a comfortable, affordable, and inspiring home base.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Lisbon
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City offers digital nomads an ideal environment with its affordable cost of living, great infrastructure, and lively atmosphere. With budget-friendly housing and dining choices, nomads can manage expenses while enjoying city life. The city has numerous coworking spaces, cafes, and other places conducive to work.
Additionally, Mexico City is rich in culture, featuring museums, art galleries, and historic sites. Those new to the area should research before settling down. As with most international locations, it's essential to follow safety guidelines.
Moreover, Mexico's Temporary Residence Visa Program allows digital nomads to stay for up to four years, making it an excellent option for a long-term base.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a favored choice among digital nomads to establish their home base. It has a low cost of living, making it budget-friendly. The city has excellent infrastructure, including numerous co-working spaces and cafes offering free Wi-Fi. It's known for its welcoming community, facilitating connections with fellow nomads.
Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City provides a rich cultural experience with active markets, tasty street food, and iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and Independence Palace.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is ideal for remote workers due to its low cost of living, fast internet, and many cafes with reliable Wi-Fi. It also has an active community, numerous co-working spaces, and is surrounded by scenic mountains, waterfalls, and national parks.
The city's rich cultural heritage includes ancient temples and museums, offering digital nomads an affordable lifestyle, great infrastructure, and a stunning natural setting.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Thailand
Canggu, Bali
Canggu, known as one of Bali’s most picturesque areas, offers a comfortable lifestyle for digital nomads with plenty of delicious local food and coworking spaces. It has reliable power, fast internet, and other conveniences essential for remote work.
Surrounded by stunning rice fields, beaches, and temples, Canggu provides a serene backdrop ideal for balancing work and leisure. Digital nomads seeking an affordable and inspiring place to live and work might find Canggu, Bali, appealing.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town has become increasingly popular among digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living and excellent infrastructure for remote work. It has numerous co-working spaces, coffee shops, and reliable internet.
Surrounded by mountains and the sea, the city offers abundant outdoor activities like hiking and surfing. Cultural attractions such as museums and galleries add to its appeal.
Overall, Cape Town provides a perfect blend of affordability, infrastructure, and natural beauty, making it an ideal home base for digital nomads.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, as a comfortable and budget-friendly place, is perfect for digital nomads to settle. It's a hotspot for remote workers because of its advanced infrastructure, which keeps you connected globally.
Surrounded by Germany's famous landmarks, Berlin lets digital nomads dive into the country's history and culture when they're not working. Whether you're in a café working or exploring the lively art scene, Berlin offers everything a digital nomad could want.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a great choice for digital nomads looking to settle down. It's affordable compared to other European cities, as shown in the 2023 Mercer Cost of Living Survey where it ranked 161st out of 227 cities. The city has excellent infrastructure, including high-speed internet and numerous coworking spaces.
Budapest is rich in history with landmarks like Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion, perfect for breaks.
Situated on the Danube River, the city also offers plenty of green spaces for outdoor activities. Overall, Budapest combines affordability, good infrastructure, and cultural attractions, making it ideal for digital nomads.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Budapest
Medellin, Colombia
Medellin in Colombia is a lively city attracting more digital nomads lately. It's favored for its low cost of living and strong infrastructure, including modern coworking spaces, fast internet, and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi. The city's pleasant climate, parks, and nearby mountains offer outdoor activities, while its cultural scene features museums, galleries, and music venues.
Medellin blends affordability, modern comforts, and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads looking for a productive and enjoyable base.
Anguilla, Eastern Caribbean
Anguilla, an idyllic spot in the Eastern Caribbean, is an excellent choice for digital nomads looking for a tranquil and affordable place to settle. It has a low cost of living and good infrastructure, ensuring comfort and convenience. The island provides fast and reliable internet, essential for uninterrupted work.
Renowned for its natural beauty including clear waters, pristine beaches, and stunning landscapes, Anguilla offers plenty of outdoor activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking for relaxation.
Another perk is its lack of income taxes, making it even more appealing for digital nomads. Overall, Anguilla is a top pick for those seeking a perfect balance of work and leisure.
Flatio: Deposit-free rentals around the world
At Flatio, we provide digital nomads with rental accommodations in over 300 destinations worldwide. We offer visa-friendly lease agreements, flexible, and reasonably priced stays starting from 5 days, and a variety of remote work-friendly options including rooms, flats, houses, and villas.
Our rentals include utilities and Wi-Fi, with no deposit required for stays under 180 days unless required by local laws.
Our balanced lease agreements are available in multiple languages, and we ensure a hassle-free experience with an attractive cancellation policy, online lease signing, StayProtection services for emergencies, a Move-in Guarantee with 24/7 support, 100% money protection, daily customer support, no hidden fees, and a secure payment system that even accepts Bitcoin.
