The digital nomad lifestyle is more accessible than ever, with countries around the world embracing remote work by offering digital nomad visas, reliable coworking spaces, and strong internet infrastructure. Choosing the right destination depends on factors like cost of living, quality of life, internet speed, safety, and the presence of a thriving digital nomad community.
As 2025 approaches, these cities and countries stand out as some of the best places to live and work remotely.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon continues to be a top digital nomad hotspot due to its affordability, great weather, and vibrant community. The city’s charming streets, stunning coastal views, and lively café culture make it an ideal place to balance work and leisure.
Why Lisbon?
- Affordable cost of living compared to other Western European cities
- Growing digital nomad and startup ecosystem
- Digital nomad visa available for remote workers
- High-speed internet and plenty of coworking spaces
With its warm climate, incredible food, and access to nearby beach towns like Cascais and Ericeira, Lisbon remains a favorite destination for remote workers.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
For years, Chiang Mai has been a top choice for digital nomads looking for an affordable, laid-back lifestyle. With an extensive network of coworking spaces, a strong nomadic community, and a low cost of living, it’s an excellent base for remote workers.
Why Chiang Mai?
- Extremely affordable housing, food, and coworking memberships
- Fast and reliable internet
- Beautiful temples, mountains, and a relaxed atmosphere
- Easy access to other Southeast Asian destinations
Chiang Mai is perfect for those who want a slower pace of life while still being part of an active digital nomad scene.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City has rapidly grown into a digital nomad hub, offering a rich cultural experience, excellent food, and a relatively low cost of living. The city has trendy neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco that cater to remote workers.
Why Mexico City?
- Affordable rent and cost of living
- Thriving coworking culture with modern workspaces
- Excellent food scene and nightlife
- Digital nomad visa options for long-term stays
Its central location also makes it easy to explore other parts of Mexico, including beach towns like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Escondido.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín has become one of the best destinations for digital nomads due to its pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, and rapidly growing remote work scene.
Why Medellín?
- Consistently mild weather year-round
- Low cost of living with affordable rent and food
- Great coworking spaces and coffee shops for remote work
- Friendly locals and a welcoming expat community
With modern public transport and easy access to weekend getaways like Guatapé, Medellín is a fantastic place to live and work remotely.
5. Bali, Indonesia
Bali remains one of the most popular digital nomad destinations due to its tropical beauty, wellness-focused lifestyle, and strong community of remote workers. Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak are some of the top areas for digital nomads.
Why Bali?
- Affordable housing and food options
- Stunning beaches, waterfalls, and rice terraces
- Numerous coworking spaces, including Dojo and Outpost
- Strong community of entrepreneurs and creatives
Bali is ideal for digital nomads who want a balance of work and adventure, with plenty of opportunities for yoga, surfing, and networking with like-minded people.
6. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi has gained popularity as a digital nomad-friendly city thanks to its visa-free one-year stay for many nationalities, low cost of living, and rich history. The city combines old-world charm with modern amenities.
Why Tbilisi?
- Affordable cost of living
- One-year visa-free stay for many nationalities
- Great food and wine culture
- Reliable internet and growing coworking scene
Georgia’s location also makes it a great base for exploring Europe and Asia, offering a mix of adventure and work opportunities.
7. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, fast-paced metropolis with a strong digital nomad presence. The city is affordable, offers delicious food, and has plenty of work-friendly cafes and coworking spaces.
Why Ho Chi Minh City?
- Extremely low cost of living
- Fast internet and numerous coworking spaces
- Energetic city with a mix of modern and traditional culture
- Great travel hub for Southeast Asia
For digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable destination, Ho Chi Minh City provides an excellent base.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most exciting cities for digital nomads, offering a mix of beautiful beaches, rich history, and modern infrastructure. The city attracts remote workers with its vibrant lifestyle and excellent work-life balance.
Why Barcelona?
- Warm weather and beautiful coastline
- Fast internet and coworking spaces throughout the city
- Great food, art, and cultural scene
- Visa options available for remote workers
While Barcelona can be pricier than other digital nomad destinations, its lifestyle and networking opportunities make it a great choice.
9. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires offers a dynamic urban lifestyle with European-style architecture, an amazing food scene, and affordable living costs. It has a thriving digital nomad scene and plenty of coworking spaces.
Why Buenos Aires?
- Affordable rent and living expenses
- Strong café culture with excellent workspaces
- Exciting nightlife and cultural experiences
- Digital nomad visa options available
For those who love big cities with a creative vibe, Buenos Aires is a great place to work remotely while enjoying South American culture.
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of the most visually stunning digital nomad destinations, offering breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and a growing remote work community.
Why Cape Town?
- Beautiful scenery with mountains, beaches, and vineyards
- Affordable living costs compared to many Western cities
- Thriving coworking and startup scene
- Adventure-friendly with hiking, surfing, and wildlife experiences
For those who want a balance of work, adventure, and nature, Cape Town is an ideal choice.
Choosing the Best Digital Nomad Destination for You
The best destination for digital nomads depends on personal preferences, work needs, and lifestyle goals. Some may prefer the affordability and strong community of Southeast Asia, while others thrive in European cultural hubs.
Factors to consider when choosing a location include:
- Cost of living – Does the city fit within your budget?
- Internet reliability – Are there coworking spaces and fast internet?
- Visa options – Can you stay long-term without legal issues?
- Safety and healthcare – Is the country safe and does it have good medical facilities?
- Lifestyle and activities – Does the city match your interests?
With the rise of digital nomad visas and improved remote work infrastructure, more destinations are becoming accessible to remote workers. Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat, a bustling city, or a cultural hotspot, 2025 offers plenty of exciting options for digital nomads to explore and thrive.