Are you a digital nomad looking for a new home? ‘Work and travel’ sounds like a great lifestyle indeed, but only under the right conditions. There are certain factors that make a destination perfect for digital nomads, or not. In this read, we’ve compiled the best digital nomad cities you could consider relocating to in 2022.

Factors to Look for in the Best Digital Nomad Cities

So, what makes a destination perfect for digital nomads? Here are some factors to look for if you’re planning your next big move.

Strong Internet

The most important factor to look for is hands down strong internet. Is coverage strong in that destination? Are the internet packages there inexpensive? Is there a variety of coworking spaces or coffee shops with strong WiFi? These are all questions you need to ask, and the answer to at least one of them should be ‘YES’.

Affordability

The best digital nomad cities are the most affordable ones. At the end of the day, you’ll be paying for rent and will have monthly expenses such as utilities and groceries, and ideally, these should cost you less than they do in your hometown. A low exchange rate also plays a major role at deciding how affordable a destination would be. 

Nearby Activities

You’re working AND travelling – don’t forget that! Just like conditions need to be suitable for working remotely, they also have to be suitable for your traveller’s needs. It’s pointless if you relocate to a place that has zero nearby activities and entertainment. The best digital nomad cities normally offer things like surfing, hiking, or even nightlife. That’s why most remote workers opt for more tropical destinations.

Easy Visa

Before moving to a new place, you need to make sure that obtaining a visa is an easy process, rather than a complicated one. It’s even a plus if the destination offers a special visa for digital nomads. 

The Community

Is there an existing digital nomad community in that destination? Maybe an expat community? Being surrounded by other people with the same lifestyle, or at least sharing the same interest as yours, will make the transition much easier on you.

8 Best Digital Nomad Cities to Move To

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Thanks to its abundance of beaches, coworking spaces, and good internet, Playa del Carmen is a popular destination for remote workers. There’s a big community of digital nomads living there so it’ll be very easy for you to find your tribe. Also, Playa del Carmen is not as busy as Cancun or Tulum, so it’ll provide you with the tranquillity you need to get your work done. 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Putting the cliché Mexican destinations on the side, Puerto Vallarta is becoming the new digital nomads' hotspot. Its pros include finger-licking good cuisine, impeccable beaches, breathtaking mountains, and its tropical weather (if that’s your cup of tea).

Dahab, Egypt

Think of Dahab as a mix of Bali and Cancun with an Egyptian twist. The small beach town is a piece of paradise off the coast of the Red Sea. It’s super cheap, vibrant, and laidback, and lately, it’s been attracting digital nomads from all over the world. And if you’re into adventure travel, it’s definitely the place to be. Hiking, rock climbing, diving, camping, and more, are all activities you could enjoy there. 

El Gouna, Egypt 

Another hidden gem in Egypt is El Gouna – it’s also on the Red Sea, only half an hour away from Hurghada. It’s a little bit posher in comparison to Dahab, but it’s also a great destination for remote workers. The Internet is great there, water activities, in particular, are very common, and it has sick nightlife.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Argentinian capital is one of the best digital nomad cities to live in – it’s beautiful, artsy, and extremely cheap. Its affordable life is most probably one of the main reasons why it attracts so many digital nomads.

Bangkok, Thailand

Given that Thailand is one of the cheapest countries around the world, it’s one of the best places for digital nomads. And whether you’re a party animal who likes to work during the day and party all night, or if you’re into historic sites and temples, Bangkok has something to offer you.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Another Thai destination that is super popular among digital nomads is Chiang Mai. It’s pretty affordable, easy to get around, privileged with nice weather most of the year, and rich in history. What more could a digital nomad ask for?

Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re not looking to live somewhere exotic, then Lisbon is hands down your European go-to! In comparison to the rest of the European cities, Lisbon is pretty affordable for digital nomads. It also offers a variety of coworking spaces and cute cafés to work at. Not to mention its beautiful beaches and culture, of course. As for the cherry on top, it’s definitely the ease of travel to other European countries within the Schengen zone. So, if you’d like to spend a weekend in Barcelona or Amsterdam, for instance, it’s absolutely doable.

They say “new year, new you”, but we say “new year, new adventure”! So, pick your next destination, pack, and go! Drop a comment and let us know where you’re currently working from and which city from these is on your list.