The 21 Best Cities For Digital Nomads In 2026

Are you looking for the best cities for digital nomads? You’re not alone. More and more people are ditching the cubicle for a passport and a laptop

I’ve been a digital nomad since 2022, and it was the best decision I ever made.

One of the most important decisions you have to make is where to go next.

Do you want to be in a big city with lots of people and things to do? Or do you prefer a smaller town where it’s easier to get to know your neighbors?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on the kind of life you want to create.

Before I hit the road, I researched like crazy. Honestly, I still do. This list reflects a mix of personal experience, recent trends, and data from Nomads.com (formerly called Nomad List) and other digital nomad communities to help you choose your next stop.

A colorful world map painted in abstract brush strokes with vibrant shades of red, green, blue, yellow, and purple on a vintage parchment-style background. Each continent is depicted in a splash of mixed colors, giving the map an artistic and expressive feel.

A few important notes about this guide:

All prices are in US dollars.
Unless indicated otherwise, all statistics are from Nomads.com.

What the Rankings Mean

Before we jump in, here’s the criteria used to determine the different rankings:

Quality of Life: Based on overall livability, including weather, transit, things to do, and how easy it is to settle in.

A “Good” rating means the city scores well across multiple lifestyle factors, while “Great” is reserved for cities consistently ranked high in global livability indexes.

Cost of Living:

Cheap: Under $1,200/month
Affordable: $1,200–$2,500/month
Okay: $2,500–$3,500/month
Expensive: Over $3,500/month

These estimates assume a solo digital nomad renting a modest apartment or using short-term housing, plus food, transport, and coworking.

Safety: Based on reports from NomadList, expat groups, and travel safety indexes.

Great: Very low crime, especially for solo travelers
Good: Safe for most with basic precautions
Okay: Some areas may need more caution or research

Internet Speed: Pulled from averages on NomadList and real-user reports.

Very Fast: 100+ Mbps
Fast: 20–100 Mbps
Average/Moderate: 10–20 Mbps
Variable: Large swings depending on neighborhood or provider

The 23 Best Cities for Digital Nomads

The cities are ranked based on overall appeal to digital nomads. I considered a mix of cost, internet speed, quality of life, safety, and community buzz.

Higher-ranked cities tend to offer a strong balance across all categories, not just one standout feature.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $3,300 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Fast, 27 Mbps

Historic Belém Tower stands at the edge of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal, with its ornate stone façade, turrets, and battlements. The background shows a hillside cityscape with colorful buildings and greenery under a clear blue sky.

Lisbon continues to be a popular choice for digital nomads. This city has a lot going for it, including great weather, friendly locals, and a reasonable cost of living.

And with its excellent infrastructure and high-speed internet connection speeds, Lisbon caters to the needs of digital nomads.

Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate, which means it’s sunny and warm most of the year. Even in the winter, you can still enjoy outdoor activities.

In addition to being affordable and having great weather, Lisbon also offers a high quality of life. The city is full of beautiful parks and gardens, and there’s always something going on, whether it’s a street festival or a music concert.

There are also plenty of coworking spaces and cafes where digital nomads can set up shop for the day, making it easy to meet people from all over the world.

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Cheap, $1,100 per month
Safety: Great
Internet (avg): Fast, 17–21 Mbps

Ornate Thai temple with intricate wooden carvings and a steep, pointed roof, flanked by stone guardians and surrounded by lush greenery and manicured plants. A bright blue sky with scattered clouds adds vibrancy to the richly detailed structure and adjacent white and gold stupa.

If you’re looking for an authentic Asian experience, Chiang Mai is the perfect place for you. This charming city has everything you could want, from stunning temples and Buddhist shrines to delicious food and friendly locals.

Chiang Mai is also home to a large community of digital nomads, so you’ll never find yourself short on things to do or people to meet. The city is served by Chiang Mai International Airport, making it easy to get around Asia and beyond.

Chiang Mai is slightly smaller than Bangkok, but it has all of the same amenities. And if you get tired of city life, there are plenty of beautiful natural areas to explore nearby.

3. Tallinn, Estonia

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Okay, $2,200 per month
Safety: Great
Internet (avg): Very Fast, 150 Mbps

Waterfront view of Tallinn, Estonia, showcasing the city's colorful Old Town with its medieval towers, red rooftops, and striking church spires. Boats are docked along the marina, while a small motorboat leaves a wake in the turquoise water under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. — Photo © Scanrail | Dreamstime.com

Tallinn is a favorite among digital entrepreneurs for good reason. It was one of the first countries to offer E-residency, and the entire city is wired for efficiency.

It’s small but mighty. The Old Town looks straight out of a fairytale, while the business district is sleek and modern. Public services are digital, transit is simple, and it’s incredibly safe.

If you’re into a minimalist lifestyle with maximum ease, Tallinn checks the boxes.

4. Bangkok, Thailand

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,000–1,500 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Fast, 19–25 Mbps

Interior of a Thai temple glowing with golden light, where visitors kneel before an ornate golden Buddha shrine adorned with floral offerings, intricate carvings, and a tiered umbrella above the statue. The rich red and gold décor creates a reverent and majestic atmosphere.

Bangkok is one of the most popular cities for digital nomads, and it’s easy to see why. The cost of living is low, internet speeds are fast, and the weather is hot year-round.

Additionally, Bangkok is home to a large expat community, so you’ll never feel alone.

There are coworking spaces all over the city, so you can easily find a place to get work done. There are also plenty of cafes with good Wi-Fi if you need to get out of your apartment or hotel room for a change of scenery.

Bangkok offers plenty of things to do in your downtime. If you like to party, there are many bars and clubs to keep you entertained. If you prefer something more low-key, you’ll find tons of great restaurants and cafes to check out.

And if you want to get out of the city, there is no shortage of interesting places nearby that make for easy day trips.

5. Budapest, Hungary

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,178 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Fast, 37 Mbps

Budapest’s Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church glow warmly under dramatic evening skies, their spires and turrets illuminated in golden light. The surrounding buildings and silhouetted trees add depth to the twilight cityscape.

Budapest is a beautiful city with a rich history. It’s also becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads.

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city sits on the banks of the Danube River. Its architecture reflects a mix of influences from its Austro-Hungarian and Communist past.

Today, Budapest is a thriving metropolis with a growing startup scene and a large community of digital nomads. The city offers an excellent quality of life at a fraction of the cost of living in Western European capitals.

6. Canggu, Bali

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,500–2,000 per month
Safety: Great
Internet (avg): Fast, 20–50 Mbps

Gently crashing waves roll onto a dark sandy beach under a clear blue sky, with a small seaside village visible in the distance along the shoreline. The scene captures a peaceful coastal atmosphere with reflective wet sand and rocky outcrops.

Canggu is a small beach town located in southwestern Bali that has become popular with digital nomads in recent years. In fact, Canggu has become something of a mecca for digital nomads.

And it’s easy to see why. The Balinese town offers stunning beaches, amazing waves for surfing, affordable living costs, and a laid-back vibe that’s impossible to find in most other places in the world.

7. Seoul, South Korea

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Okay, ~$2,133 per month
Safety: Great
Internet (avg): Very Fast, ~150 Mbps

Panoramic view of Seoul’s cityscape at dusk, with glowing skyscrapers and urban buildings lit up beneath a twilight sky. Namsan Seoul Tower stands prominently atop a forested hill, with distant city lights stretching toward the horizon.

As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is a big city with a rich culture and history. The city is also a popular destination for digital nomads, who are attracted to its tech scene and fast internet speeds.

The city is known for its nightlife, delicious food, and abundance of co-working spaces. Seoul is also an incredibly safe city, which makes it a great place to live and work.

8. Da Nang, Vietnam

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,120 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Average, 10 Mbps

Night view of the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam, brilliantly lit with golden, blue, and orange lights that reflect on the river below. The bridge features a massive illuminated dragon sculpture that appears to span the structure, creating a striking and vibrant city landmark. — Photo © Aliaksandr Mazurkevich | Dreamstime.com

Da Nang offers a peaceful coastal vibe without sacrificing city conveniences. With its golden beaches, street food scene, and friendly locals, this Vietnamese city is becoming a favorite among nomads who want both affordability and culture.

It’s smaller and calmer than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but still has enough coffee shops, coworking spaces, and amenities to keep you comfortable. You can hike in the mountains in the morning and be on the beach by lunch.

Da Nang is also well-connected by domestic flights and has easy access to other parts of Southeast Asia, making it a strategic base for nomadic life.

9. Porto, Portugal

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Expensive, $3,300 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Fast, 24 Mbps

Colorful hillside buildings line the Douro River in Porto, Portugal, with traditional boats docked along the waterfront. The scene features vibrant facades, red-tiled roofs, and the prominent white Monastery of Serra do Pilar perched at the top.

Porto is a city in northern Portugal that is popular among digital nomads. Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and is known for its stunning architecture, its many bridges (including the famous Ponte Dom Luís I), and its delicious port wine.

The city is filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants. There are also plenty of coworking spaces. Porto is home to many historical sites, such as the Palacio da Bolsa and the Sao Bento train station.

Whether you’re exploring one of the many museums or simply enjoying a glass of port wine while people-watching in one of the squares, you’ll never get bored in Porto.

Porto is also a great base for exploring the rest of Portugal; it’s just a short drive or train ride away from Lisbon, the beaches of the Algarve region, and the Douro Valley wine region.

10. Belgrade, Serbia

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,200–2,000 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Very Fast, 109 Mbps

Stone entrance gate of Belgrade Fortress with two flags flying above, leading to a historic path within the walls. In the background, the tall white clock tower rises against a clear blue sky, framed by patches of green grass and leafy trees.

Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade, has been attracting digital nomads from all over the world in recent years. But what makes Belgrade great for digital nomads?

Belgrade is a beautiful, historic city with a lot to offer. The cost of living is very reasonable, and there are plenty of co-working spaces and cafes to work from. The city is also well-connected, with good Wi-Fi and mobile data coverage.

There are plenty of things to do in Belgrade in your spare time. The nightlife is legendary, and there are plenty of museums and galleries to explore.

The city is also situated on the Danube River, making it a great spot for summertime activities like swimming and kayaking.

11. Prague, Czech Republic

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Okay, $3,300 per month
Safety: Great
Internet (avg): Fast, 23 Mbps

Evening view of Prague’s Charles Bridge illuminated by warm lights, featuring statues along the cobblestone path and the iconic Old Town Bridge Tower rising in the background. The dome of St. Francis of Assisi Church and historic buildings frame the moody, cloud-filled sky.

Prague has been consistently rated as one of the best cities for digital nomads and it’s not hard to see why. The cost of living is relatively low, internet speeds are high, and it’s a safe city. Plus, there’s a big expat community.

When you need a break from working, there’s plenty to see and do in Prague, from exploring its beautiful Old Town to visiting one of its many museums and galleries. Prague is also very well connected, making it easy to get around by both public transport and car.

12. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,300 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Average, 11 Mbps

Nighttime skyline of Kuala Lumpur glowing under a starry sky, with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers brilliantly lit at the center. The surrounding skyscrapers and city streets are bathed in warm, golden lights, contrasting against deep blue and purple clouds.

If you’re looking for an amazing Southeast Asian city to be your base as a digital nomad, Kuala Lumpur is the place for you. With its endlessly busy streets, delicious food, and friendly locals, there’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is an incredibly diverse city, with influences from Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures. It’s a city that truly has it all.

Whether you want to spend your days exploring historic temples and mosques or indulging in some of the best street food in the world, you’ll never find yourself bored here.

Kuala Lumpur is also well-connected, with an extensive public transportation system that makes it easy to get around. The city is served by Kuala Lumpur International Airport, so it’s easy to travel to other parts of Asia or beyond.

13. Tokyo, Japan

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Expensive, $3,200 per month
Safety: Great
Internet (avg): Fast, 27 Mbps

Traditional Japanese pavilion with red and white curved roofs nestled among lush trees, reflecting peacefully in a still pond. The serene garden setting features a mix of green, orange, and yellow foliage, creating a tranquil escape in the heart of Tokyo.

Many consider Tokyo to be the perfect city for digital nomads. It’s a busy metropolis with plenty of things to do and see, and it’s also incredibly efficient and safe.

The public transportation system is excellent, and there are plenty of co-working spaces and cafes to work from.

Plus, Tokyo is just a short flight from many other Asian countries, making it the perfect base for exploring the region.

The city has excellent internet connectivity. And, with a huge range of accommodation options available, it’s easy to find a place to stay that suits your budget.

When you’re not working, there’s plenty to do in Tokyo, whether you want to explore the city’s temples and shrines, sample its delicious food, or shop ‘til you drop.

14. Madeira, Portugal

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,100–1,700 per month
Safety: Great
Internet (avg): Fast, 34 Mbps

Steep coastal cliffs of Madeira Island rise above the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, dotted with terraced fields and scattered homes. The rugged landscape is lush with greenery under a clear, sunny sky, showcasing the island's dramatic natural beauty.

In recent years, Portugal has become a top destination for digital nomads. With its stunningly beautiful landscapes, diverse culture, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to work and live here.

A popular choice for digital nomads in Portugal is Madeira. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the island of Madeira is one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations.

Madeira has a mild climate and year-round sunshine, earning its reputation as one of the best cities for digital nomads.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to focus on your work or a lively city with plenty of nightlife and activities, Madeira has something for you.

15. Taipei, Taiwan

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Okay, $2,250 per month
Safety: Great
Internet (avg): Fast, 23 Mbps

Busy night market in Taipei, Taiwan, with colorful neon signs in Chinese and rows of brightly lit food stalls offering dishes like ginseng chicken soup and pork rice. People with umbrellas stroll along the wet street, adding to the vibrant and lively evening atmosphere. — Photo © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

Taipei is one of Asia’s most underrated cities for digital nomads. It’s modern, efficient, and has a deep-rooted culture that blends tradition with technology.

Whether you’re working from a sleek coworking space or a cozy cafe near a night market, you’ll find it easy to stay productive here.

Taipei is also one of the safest cities in the world, with excellent public transportation and healthcare.

And when you need a break, soak in a hot spring, hop on a train to the mountains, or grab dumplings at Din Tai Fung.

16. Warsaw, Poland

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,100–1,600 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Fast, ~35 Mbps

Colorful row of historic buildings surrounds Warsaw’s Old Town Market Square, with cobblestone streets, outdoor cafés, and a statue at the center. The lively plaza is filled with people, pigeons, and vibrant umbrellas under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. — Photo © Sergii Figurnyi | Dreamstime.com

Warsaw is an Eastern European capital with a modern edge. Rebuilt after WWII, it’s now a sleek, well-organized city that blends historical charm with skyscrapers and green parks.

It’s ideal for nomads who want reliable internet, modern coworking spaces, and easy access to the rest of Europe without the Western European price tag.

English is widely spoken, and the city is incredibly walkable and safe.

Warsaw also has an underrated food and cafe scene. It’s perfect for working remotely or meeting other travelers.

17. Bucharest, Romania

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, ~$1,200 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Very Fast, 40+ Mbps

Grand view of the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania, illuminated in soft golden light at sunset. A vibrant blue fountain and mosaic-tiled water feature lead toward the imposing neoclassical building, with car light trails curving along the road on both sides. — Photo © Sorin Colac | Dreamstime.com

Bucharest is one of those places that surprises you in the best way. It has a gritty, artistic vibe, mixed with grand architecture and shady streets.

What draws nomads here is the low cost of living, fast internet, and growing startup scene. Plus, Romania offers one of the fastest and most affordable mobile data plans in Europe.

From the lovely Old Town to quiet neighborhoods filled with parks and cafes, Bucharest is an easy place to settle in and get things done.

18. Berlin, Germany

Quality of Life: Great
Cost of Living: Pricey, $4,400 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Fast, 27 Mbps

German flag waves prominently in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin, with its neoclassical façade and the inscription "DEM DEUTSCHEN VOLKE" (To the German People) visible beneath the pediment. The cloudy sky adds a dramatic backdrop to this symbol of German government and history.

Living and working as a digital nomad in Berlin is an experience unlike any other.

Even though it’s more expensive than other places on this list, it still deserves to be called one of the best places for digital nomads.

One of the great things about living in Berlin is the culture. There is a diverse range of people and cultures represented here. You can find world-class museums and art galleries, as well as incredible street art, everywhere you look.

And if you’re into music, there are always concerts and festivals happening.

Another great thing about Berlin is the nightlife. And, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of cafes and pubs to choose from as well.

Plus, since the city is so big, you’re sure to find whatever type of atmosphere you’re looking for.

19. Mexico City, Mexico

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,500–2,000 per month
Safety: Okay; varies by neighborhood
Internet (avg): Variable, 11–60 Mbps

Historic building in Mexico City decorated with vibrant lights spelling out “¡México!” along with festive designs of fireworks, eagles, and the national colors green, white, and red. The illuminated display celebrates Mexican pride, likely for Independence Day, under a dramatic cloudy sky.

Mexico City is another great option for digital nomads who are looking for an affordable place to live with good internet connectivity.

The city offers a wealth of culture and history (be sure to check out the ancient Aztec ruins at Teotihuacan!) as well as plenty of delicious food.

In your spare time, there are plenty of things to do around Mexico City. If you’re into history and culture, there are dozens of museums to explore.

Or, if you prefer being outdoors, you can visit one of the many archeological sites or go hiking or biking in one of the nearby mountains.

Mexico City is also a great city for digital nomads with dogs as it’s very dog-friendly.

20. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $2,127 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Fast, 21 Mbps

Scenic view of the Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with kayakers paddling beneath a historic stone bridge. The scene is framed by ivy-covered walls, elegant buildings, and the iconic pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation under a bright blue sky.

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, and it’s quickly becoming a popular destination for digital nomads.

The city is located in the center of the country, making it a great base for exploring all that Slovenia has to offer. From its stunning natural scenery to its rich history and culture, there’s a lot to discover in Ljubljana.

It’s easy to get around on foot or by bike, and there’s no shortage of things to do. In the summer months, you can enjoy outdoor activities like swimming in Lake Bled or hiking in the Julian Alps.

And in the winter, you can cozy up in one of the many cafes and restaurants dotted around the city.

21. Crete, Greece

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,800 per month
Safety: Great
Internet (avg): Fast, 30 Mbps

Colorful fishing boats float peacefully in the softly lit harbor of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, as evening falls over the city. Warm golden lights from waterfront buildings reflect on the calm water, with a backdrop of modern apartments and historic arched shipyards under a dusky blue sky. — Photo © Olgacov | Dreamstime.com

Crete gives you the slow island life without sacrificing internet or infrastructure. It’s Greece’s largest island, with historic towns, stunning beaches, and mountain villages that feel frozen in time.

Remote workers will love the warm climate, the affordability, and the relaxed pace. There’s a growing expat scene, especially in Chania and Heraklion, and you’ll find reliable internet in most urban areas.

If you want to mix work with ancient ruins and seaside sunsets, Crete delivers.

22. Cape Town, South Africa

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,500–2,500 per month
Safety: Okay; varies by neighborhood
Internet (avg): Fast, 25 Mbps

Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa, with the city sprawling along the rugged coastline where waves crash against the shore. Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles rise in the background, while a mix of high-rise buildings and suburban homes line the scenic waterfront. — Photo © Markvanovermeire | Dreamstime.com

Cape Town delivers big on natural beauty. It has ocean views, Table Mountain, and world-class wine regions all wrapped into one city.

It’s a creative and entrepreneurial hub with an emerging nomad community. You’ll find coworking spaces in former warehouses, beachfront cafes, and a wide mix of people from around the world.

Safety varies by neighborhood, but if you’re mindful and informed, Cape Town can offer a rich, dynamic lifestyle with a much lower cost than similar cities in the U.S. or Europe.

23. Siargao, Philippines

Quality of Life: Good
Cost of Living: Affordable, $1,300 per month
Safety: Good
Internet (avg): Moderate, up to 20 Mbps

Colorful outrigger boats float in the clear turquoise waters off a sandy beach on Siargao Island, Philippines. The vibrant pink, green, yellow, and blue boats contrast beautifully with the lush green trees lining the shore and the deep blue sky above. — Photo © Podaril | Dreamstime.com

Siargao is a laid-back island known mostly for its surf, but it’s also catching on with remote workers who want a quieter town.

The community here is tight-knit and welcoming. You won’t find dozens of coworking spaces, but you will find beachfront cafes with decent Wi-Fi and a slow rhythm that makes you feel at peace.

If you’re looking for connection, nature, and simplicity, Siargao is the kind of place that sticks with you.

Wrap-Up: Best Cities for Digital Nomads

Whether you’re looking for fast Wi-Fi, lower costs, a sense of community, or just a place that feels new and exciting, one of these places might be a great fit.

I’ve been based in Cozumel for a while now, and it’s been great for me. But part of the fun of this lifestyle is knowing you can always try something different.

Ladies, join my free, private Facebook group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads. It’s a safe place to connect, learn, and thrive as a digital nomad. You don’t need to be over 50 but you do need to be a woman.

The 21 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in 2026