Best Cities Worldwide for Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

04/14/2025

International Outlook

Remote work has truly gone global. In 2024, over 18 million Americans identified as digital nomads, a figure that has surged by 147% since 2019 MBO Partners 2024 report. The ability to “work from anywhere” has shifted from a fringe lifestyle to a mainstream movement. In fact, interest in the digital nomad lifestyle is soaring – TikTok searches for “digital nomad destination” jumped by more than 3,000% year-over-year, reflecting a huge wave of people exploring remote work abroad Travel industry analysis. In response, dozens of countries (over 50 and counting) now offer special digital nomad visas or remote work programs to attract these mobile professionals Condé Nast Traveler. At the same time, global infrastructure is catching up – from widespread coworking spaces to new satellite internet options like Starlink that bring broadband to even remote beaches and rural villages. All of this has opened up exciting opportunities for commercial real estate investors, brokers, and entrepreneurs to serve a new class of clients who live and work internationally.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore some of the best cities worldwide for digital nomads and remote workers. These destinations offer the right mix of connectivity, affordability, community, and lifestyle. Whether you’re a remote-first entrepreneur scouting your next base, a digital nomad deciding where to land, or an investor eyeing emerging real estate markets fueled by the work-from-anywhere trend, these cities should be on your radar.

What Makes a City “Digital Nomad” Friendly?

Reliable High-Speed Internet: Perhaps the #1 requirement. Remote professionals need fast, stable connectivity for Zoom calls, cloud apps, and collaboration. Many top nomad hubs have fiber internet or ubiquitous 4G/5G coverage. Even formerly off-grid locations are coming online thanks to innovations like satellite broadband (e.g. Costa Rica recently rolled out Starlink to connect its coastal towns).
Affordable Cost of Living: Living on a US or European salary goes a long way in many nomad hotspots. Lower costs for housing, food, and transportation allow remote workers to enjoy a higher quality of life or save money. For example, Medellín, Colombia’s overall living costs are roughly 70% lower than New York City, and rent is nearly 89% cheaper Numbeo. This arbitrage is a huge draw, and it’s also why these locations are compelling for investors seeking high rental yield opportunities.
Welcoming Visa Policies: Lengthy tourist stays or dedicated remote work visas make it practical to live in a country for months or years. Today, countries from Costa Rica to Estonia to the UAE offer programs that let foreign remote workers reside legally beyond the typical 30- or 90-day tourist limit. Easy residency processes (and in some cases tax breaks) greatly enhance a location’s appeal. For instance, Spain’s new digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain for a year (extendable), and Colombia recently launched a visa with an income requirement of only around $800/month, opening the door to a broad pool of nomads.
Community & Infrastructure: Top remote-work cities tend to have a critical mass of fellow expats and nomads, which means plenty of coworking spaces, networking events, and social opportunities. Cafés with Wi-Fi, shared offices, and startup hubs are abundant in these locales. A supportive community makes it easier to integrate, collaborate, and find clients or talent. Safety, good healthcare, and convenient transportation (bike-share, public transit, international airports) are also key infrastructure elements that remote workers consider when choosing a base.
Lifestyle & Culture: Finally, digital nomads often choose this life for a richer day-to-day experience. Great weather, cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and overall quality of life are huge factors. Many of the best nomad cities are near beaches, mountains, or other natural beauty, and offer a fun variety of activities when the laptop is closed. Being able to surf in the morning, work in the afternoon, and enjoy local cuisine and nightlife in the evening is a common scenario in these destinations. Such lifestyle perks not only attract remote workers – they also spur demand for short-term rentals, hospitality, and other real estate development as more people flock to enjoy the scene.

Top Destinations for Digital Nomads in 2025

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal has exploded in popularity among expats, entrepreneurs, and remote workers – and its capital Lisbon is the epicenter. This coastal city offers an appealing blend of Old World charm and modern convenience. Remote professionals are drawn by Portugal’s mild climate, safety, and relatively low costs for Western Europe. Lisbon in particular has a huge international community; English is widely spoken and you’ll find countless coworking spaces, tech meetups, and startup incubators. The government has been very welcoming: in addition to the popular D7 “passive income” visa, Portugal is continually evolving new residency options (including discussions of a specific digital nomad visa) to attract talent. It’s no surprise Lisbon is often cited as a top global nomad hub, with neighborhoods like Chiado, Principe Real, and the surf-friendly outskirts of Cascais buzzing with remote workers Brevitas Portugal Guide. For real estate investors, Portugal’s appeal is twofold: a high quality of life (which keeps demand for housing strong) and solid fundamentals. Lisbon’s property market has seen steady appreciation, and rental demand is bolstered by both tourism and the influx of long-term expats/digital nomads. International buyers face no restrictions in Portugal, and many have taken advantage of this to buy apartments in Lisbon or villas in the sunny Algarve as both investments and lifestyle assets.

Barcelona & Madrid, Spain

Spain has quickly become a remote work haven in Europe thanks to its new Autónomo (Digital Nomad) Visa launched in 2023. This visa allows non-EU remote workers to live in Spain for up to 12 months (with extensions possible), and even permits some local clients or employment. On the ground, Spain offers an incredible lifestyle that blends well with remote work. Barcelona is often top-ranked for nomads, combining metropolitan amenities with beach vibes. It boasts extensive coworking options, a vibrant tech/startup scene, efficient public transport, and plenty of fellow international freelancers enjoying the city’s famous architecture and nightlife. Living costs in Barcelona are moderate for Western Europe – more expensive than Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia, but still significantly cheaper than London or San Francisco. Meanwhile, Madrid, Spain’s capital, is another attractive option, especially for those who love big-city energy. Madrid offers world-class museums, dining, and parks, and a growing community of remote professionals who gather in its chic coworking spaces in neighborhoods like Salamanca and Malasaña. Both cities benefit from Spain’s relatively affordable healthcare and rent compared to other major EU capitals. For investors, Spain’s major cities see strong rental demand (both short-term from tourists and medium-term from nomads and students). While home prices have risen, the combination of the new visa and the enduring appeal of Spanish culture means demand for accommodation – from co-living spaces to renovated city apartments – should remain robust. Additionally, beyond the big cities, Spain’s islands (like the Canaries) and coastal towns (Valencia, Málaga, etc.) are gaining attention as laid-back nomad locales, broadening the map for investment opportunities.

Mexico City & Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico has long been a favorite “work from paradise” destination for North Americans, and it continues to top the list in 2025. The country’s flexibility (six-month tourist stays on entry, easily renewed) and proximity to the U.S. make it especially convenient. On one hand, Mexico City offers remote workers a dynamic urban experience at a fraction of the cost of other world capitals. The city’s upscale districts like Polanco and Condesa boast trendy cafes with Wi-Fi, cultural events, and a growing tech/startup scene. You’ll find international entrepreneurs and freelancers networking in shared offices amid Mexico City’s rich historical backdrop. On the other hand, Mexico also caters to the beach-loving nomad: hotspots like Playa del Carmen (in the Riviera Maya) have developed sizable expat and nomad communities in recent years. Playa’s beautiful beaches, dive spots, and nightlife are matched by reliable internet and new coworking lounges filled with sun-chasing freelancers. This town in particular has become a co-living and remote work hub, with a “work hard, play hard” atmosphere Brevitas – Top Cities in Mexico. From an investment perspective, Mexico’s popularity translates into strong demand for rentals. In fact, some of the best rental yields in the Americas are found in Mexico’s vacation markets – e.g. investors in places like Tulum, Cancún, and Playa del Carmen have been seeing high occupancy and returns via Airbnb and long-term stays. With no restrictions on foreign real estate ownership in most areas and a relatively low cost of entry, Mexico presents a compelling opportunity. However, investors and nomads alike do keep an eye on local safety conditions; the key is to choose well-regarded neighborhoods (many expat-favored areas have good security) and build local contacts. Overall, Mexico’s mix of cosmopolitan and coastal options – plus great food, climate, and culture – will ensure it remains a top choice for remote workers.

Medellín, Colombia

Medellín has earned its nickname “City of Eternal Spring” – and it’s not just the pleasant year-round weather drawing digital nomads. Colombia’s second-largest city is now a well-established hub for remote workers thanks to its affordable living, improved safety, and inviting paisa culture. Set in a lush valley, Medellín offers a remarkable cost advantage: everyday expenses are very low, meaning a freelancer earning in dollars can live extremely well here. (As noted, the cost of living in Medellín is roughly 70% lower than New York City, and even upscale rentals can be found at a fraction of the price of Miami or LA.) Beyond costs, the city has invested in modern infrastructure – from the Metro transit system to fiber-optic internet in many neighborhoods. Areas like El Poblado and Laureles are brimming with co-working spaces, digital startups, and hip cafés where remote professionals gather. There’s also a growing ecosystem of bilingual service providers, networking events, and entrepreneurial conferences catering to the international crowd. Importantly, Colombia introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa in late 2022 that allows eligible foreign remote workers to live in Colombia for up to 2 years. With an income requirement under $1000/month, it’s one of the most accessible nomad visas in the world – and thousands have already taken advantage, further fueling Medellín’s expat scene. For real estate investors, Medellín is emerging as an interesting market. Neighborhoods popular with foreigners have seen increased demand for furnished apartments and extended-stay rentals. Investors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe are buying condos or co-living properties to cater to the steady stream of nomads and expats moving in. Foreign buyers are allowed to purchase property in Colombia outright (with essentially the same rights as locals), and the relatively low prices mean potential for appreciation as the city’s global profile rises. As with any investment in a developing market, due diligence and local expertise are key – but Medellín’s trajectory as a digital nomad hotspot suggests continued growth in the years ahead.

Chiang Mai & Bangkok, Thailand

For well over a decade, Chiang Mai in northern Thailand has been synonymous with the digital nomad lifestyle. This mid-sized city rose to fame in remote worker circles for its extremely low cost of living, relaxed pace, and friendly Thai hospitality. In Chiang Mai’s trendy Nimman area, one can find numerous coworking spaces and cafés filled with coders, writers, and designers from around the world. The appeal is clear: you can rent a modern apartment for a few hundred dollars, eat delicious street food for $1–2 a meal, and enjoy a rich local culture – all while getting work done via the city’s decent (and improving) internet infrastructure. While Chiang Mai remains a beloved base (especially in the cooler winter season), Thailand’s capital Bangkok has also become a magnet for remote professionals who crave big-city energy. Bangkok offers world-class facilities, from fancy coworking skyscrapers to excellent public transit (Skytrain and metro) and international airports. It’s a regional travel hub, making it easy for nomads to explore the rest of Asia. The city’s cost of living, while higher than Chiang Mai’s, is still far more affordable than most Western cities, and there’s an endless array of entertainment and dining options when you log off for the day. Thailand does not have a specific “digital nomad visa” yet, but it offers flexible long-term stay options – including easy 60-day tourist visas (often extendable to 90 days or more with “visa runs”), and a special 10-year LTR (Long Term Resident) visa for high-earning professionals and investors. Culturally, Thailand is very welcoming to foreigners, and it has a well-trodden expat support network. Many remote entrepreneurs split their time between the peaceful life in Chiang Mai and the bustling opportunity of Bangkok. For investors, Thailand’s property market can be attractive (Bangkok condos are relatively inexpensive by global standards), though foreign ownership is generally limited to condominiums and requires navigating some regulations. Still, with millions of tourists and nomads visiting yearly, rental demand in prime areas of Thailand remains strong. Cities like Bangkok and Phuket consistently rank among the top global markets for short-term rental returns, though investors should be mindful of local rules on renting out properties (e.g. Thailand’s laws around short-term rentals in residential buildings). Overall, Thailand’s mix of affordability, convenience, and adventure will keep it high on the list for remote workers in 2025.

Bali (Canggu & Ubud), Indonesia

No list of digital nomad hotspots would be complete without Bali. This Indonesian island (particularly the areas of Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak) pioneered the concept of the tropical remote work lifestyle. Picture a lush rice-field backdrop, surf-worthy waves, and an international community of creatives and entrepreneurs working from bamboo coworking bungalows – that’s the Bali nomad scene in a nutshell. The attraction of Bali goes beyond just aesthetics: living costs are very low for the quality of life on offer. One can rent a private villa with a pool for the price of a tiny studio in a major U.S. city, and everyday expenses (from scooter rentals to organic café meals) are similarly budget-friendly. The island’s infrastructure for nomads has grown rapidly: you’ll find coworking hubs with dedicated fiber lines, networking events, startup incubators, and wellness retreats catering to the remote workforce. Bali’s unique culture and spirituality (think yoga classes and temple ceremonies) add to its charm as a place where you can seek work-life balance. It’s important to note that Indonesia has some restrictions on foreign property ownership – most foreigners in Bali either rent long-term or purchase leasehold interests (often 25-30 year leases) rather than owning land outright. Nonetheless, many have figured out how to invest creatively, and Bali’s real estate has boomed with the influx of expats. From an investment standpoint, Bali is one of the top markets for vacation rental yields; occupancy by tourists and nomads is consistently high throughout the year. In fact, Bali ranks among the world’s best ROI locations for Airbnb rentals, thanks to its combination of low acquisition cost and strong nightly rates Brevitas – Airbnb Global Rankings. The government has floated the idea of a 5-year digital nomad visa (focused on bringing in foreign income without local tax) to further entice remote workers, signaling continued support for this community. In summary, Bali remains a dream destination for many digital nomads – offering an inspiring environment where it’s entirely possible to hit your deadlines and then hit the beach at sunset, day in and day out.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a somewhat unique entry on this list. It’s not a low-cost destination, nor a backpacker’s haven – instead, Dubai appeals to the higher-earning remote professionals and founders who want an ultramodern, business-friendly base. This futuristic city in the UAE offers unmatched infrastructure: ubiquitous super-fast internet, a plethora of sleek coworking spaces (often in high-rises with stunning views), and top-notch services. One of Dubai’s biggest draws is its tax environment – there is zero income tax, and setting up a business or bank account as a foreigner is relatively straightforward through free zones. In 2021, Dubai launched a Remote Work Visa that allows foreign remote workers (meeting certain income criteria) to live in the UAE for up to one year. This initiative, along with its year-round sunshine and luxury lifestyle, put Dubai on the map for the digital nomad crowd. Remote workers in Dubai enjoy a very high standard of living: from modern apartments, expat gyms and beaches, to an endless array of dining and entertainment options. Safety is excellent, and the city’s central geography makes it a hub for travel between Europe, Asia, and Africa. For commercial real estate investors and companies, Dubai’s embrace of remote work has spurred growth in co-living developments and flexible office spaces to accommodate transient professionals. Notably, Dubai was ranked the #1 market globally for Airbnb investment returns in a 2024 analysis – thanks to high tourism and business traveler demand, landlords see strong occupancy and premium nightly rates here. Investing in Dubai real estate is straightforward for foreigners (full freehold ownership in many areas), and there are no property taxes, making it attractive for those looking to buy rental properties catering to expats. Of course, the cost of entry is higher – Dubai is a city of $300/sqft (and up) real estate, and day-to-day expenses can rival western cities – but for those who can afford it, it delivers on quality. In 2025, Dubai stands out as a glimpse of the future: a cosmopolitan hub where a remote worker can rub shoulders with global CEOs at a networking event, then work from a seaside café, all in a place built for scale and ambition.

San José & Coastal Towns, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has positioned itself as one of Central America’s most enticing places for remote workers, investors, and lifestyle seekers. The country’s long-standing political stability (often called the “Switzerland of Central America”) and high quality of life set the foundation, and now new policies are amplifying its appeal. In 2021 Costa Rica introduced a formal Digital Nomad Visa program that allows foreign remote workers earning about $3,000 USD/month or more to live in Costa Rica for up to a year (with the possibility to extend to two years) Brevitas – Costa Rica 2025 Guide. The visa even lets you import some personal equipment duty-free and exempts you from local income tax on foreign earnings, making it very attractive to U.S. and European professionals looking for a tropical change of pace. Many nomads base in San José (the capital) initially, which has the best infrastructure, private hospitals, and city conveniences, before exploring the country’s more remote locales. But the real magic of Costa Rica for remote work lies in its smaller towns: places like Santa Teresa, Nosara, Tamarindo, and Puerto Viejo have become vibrant remote work hubs. Imagine finishing your workday and immediately enjoying surf breaks, yoga studios, or rainforest hikes – that’s day-to-day life for many nomads in these communities. Importantly, Costa Rica’s tech infrastructure has caught up to the nomad trend; fiber-optic internet is available in many areas, and even previously disconnected beach towns now have high-speed internet thanks to efforts like the Starlink satellite rollout. With reliable connectivity no longer a worry, more people are free to choose a jungle or beach setting for their remote office. For investors and real estate professionals, Costa Rica’s popularity means strong demand for rentals, especially in those trendy coastal areas. Once sleepy fishing villages now have co-working spaces and boutique hotels, and rental homes get booked months in advance by incoming nomads and “snowbird” retirees. Foreigners can own property in Costa Rica with virtually no restrictions, and many have purchased second homes or investment properties here (indeed, a significant number of digital nomads end up falling in love with the country and buying real estate after a year or two of living the pura vida life). The hot segments include condos in gated beach communities, eco-friendly homes in wellness-focused developments, and raw land to develop rental bungalows. As the Costa Rica government continues to court remote workers and improve infrastructure, the outlook is a continued influx of remote talent – and that spells opportunity for those investing in housing and services to accommodate this wave.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is an increasingly popular outpost for digital nomads seeking something a bit different. This stunning city at the tip of Africa offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle set against a backdrop of mountains and sea that few places can match. Remote workers in Cape Town wake up to views of Table Mountain, enjoy world-class coffee shops and hike or surf after work – it’s an enviable routine. South Africa allows many nationalities to stay up to 90 days visa-free, and remote workers often extend their stay by doing easy online visa extensions or quick trips to neighboring countries. While not (yet) a formal digital nomad visa country, the relatively lenient entry and the affordable cost of living make it feasible for nomads to spend several months in Cape Town each year. The city has a growing infrastructure for remote work: you’ll find hip coworking spaces in neighborhoods like Woodstock and the Waterfront, a vibrant startup scene (Cape Town is sometimes called the “Silicon Cape”), and a plethora of meetups for tech, design, and entrepreneurial communities. The cost of living is quite reasonable – rents and restaurant prices are far lower than in Europe or North America, though one must account for currency fluctuations. Of course, South Africa presents a different set of challenges: inconsistent municipal services and load-shedding (scheduled power outages) have been issues. However, many accommodations catering to expats now have backup power and internet solutions in place, and the overall infrastructure (roads, banking, mobile coverage) in tourist-heavy areas is good. Safety is another consideration; Cape Town has safe areas and others that are more risky, so nomads tend to stick to well-known districts (much like any large city). For real estate investors, Cape Town’s international appeal has led to a strong market for short-term luxury rentals and holiday homes. The city doesn’t restrict foreign buyers – anyone can purchase property, from a modern downtown apartment to a villa in Camps Bay overlooking the ocean. Yields can be attractive if you tap into the tourist and remote worker market, particularly during the warm summer months when many Europeans flock to Cape Town to escape winter. Additionally, some entrepreneurs are investing in co-living spaces and boutique guesthouses geared towards longer stays, anticipating that more digital nomads will include Cape Town in their yearly travel rotation. As remote work expands globally, Cape Town stands out as a locale offering something beyond the usual nomad circuit – a place where natural beauty, culture, and cost advantages intersect, creating a unique value proposition for both living and investing.

From Latin America’s colorful cities to Europe’s cultural capitals, and from Asia’s tropical havens to the frontiers of Africa, the remote work revolution has given rise to a new global network of “office locations.” The best cities for digital nomads in 2025 each offer their own mix of benefits, but all share a common thread: they make it possible to live well while working remotely. This has broad implications not only for lifestyle seekers but also for the real estate industry. Commercial real estate investors and developers are taking note of these trends – we’re seeing more co-working franchises, co-living apartment projects, and innovative hospitality concepts popping up in nomad-heavy locales. For brokers, understanding these international hubs can open new client opportunities, whether it’s helping an investor buy a rental property in a high-demand nomad destination or connecting a startup founder with flexible office space in a new market. Remote-first entrepreneurs are also leveraging these cities to establish international teams and bases of operation, capitalizing on lower costs and local talent pools.

As we move further into the 2020s, one thing is clear: the future of work is geographically fluid. Technology has untethered many from the traditional office, and cities that embrace this paradigm stand to gain economically and culturally. The “digital nomad” cities highlighted above are at the forefront of this shift. They are the sandbox for new ways of living and working – where a lease is as flexible as a Zoom schedule, and where quality of life can take center stage without sacrificing career ambitions. Whether you’re considering a move to one of these destinations or looking to invest in the trend, the 2025 landscape offers exciting possibilities. In a world where work can be done from anywhere, the best cities for remote work are carving out a special niche – and their momentum is only set to grow.