Best Places for Digital Nomads: The Ultimate Guide to start your career

Are you dreaming of working from paradise? In this guide, we’ll reveal the best places for digital nomads in 2025 – destinations with fast Wi-Fi, affordable living, great weather, and thriving communities. As a full-time nomad myself, I’ve tested what really matters – and you’re about to discover it too.

In this article, I’m taking you on a virtual tour of some of the best cities worldwide for digital nomads. Whether you’re just starting a new business, or looking for your next stop while making money online, these destinations check the boxes that matter: affordability, community, connectivity, and a bit of adventure. Let’s dive in!

Who are digital nomads?

Being a digital nomad is a bit like playing chess with your budget and rolling the dice on Wi-Fi speeds. When I started freelancing, my income wasn’t always predictable, so I was constantly calculating—rent, groceries, healthcare, and, of course, a little left over for adventures and the occasional spontaneous flight. This is a lifestyle that’s all about adaptability, especially at the beginning. I’ve learned to make any corner of the world my office, relying on tech to stay connected while soaking in new cultures and experiences.

At the heart of it, we digital nomads chase freedom and flexibility. We build our own routines, find inspiration in the unfamiliar, and aim to strike that sweet balance between work and wander. It’s not always easy, but for those of us who crave change, challenge, and a little chaos, it’s the most rewarding way to live and work. Want to know how to become a digital nomad in just a few months? Check out our Digital Nomad Starter guide.

What are the best places for digital nomads?

So, what are the best places for digital nomads? If you’re like me, you’ve probably already caught the travel bug and are figuring out how to turn your laptop into your passport. Whether you’re just starting this remote work adventure or you’ve already set up shop in a few different countries and are looking for your next destination, I’ve got you covered. These are some of the top spots for digital nomads to explore—each offering a mix of excellent Wi-Fi, affordable living, and an inspiring atmosphere to keep those creative juices flowing. Ready to pack your bags? Let’s start this virtual journey! 

• Estimated monthly cost of living: $1,000 – $1,800
  
• Visas and work permits: 30-day visa on arrival; extendable to 60 days; B211A visa allows longer stays; digital nomad visa in development
  
• Internet speed and connectivity: 15–30 Mbps (higher in coworking spaces and villas with fiber-optic)
  
• English-speaking population: 30–40%
  
• Digital nomad community: Great digital nomad community with abundant coworking spaces (e.g., Dojo, Outpost, Biliq), networking events, and wellness-focused lifestyle

Bali is like the popular kid in school who always makes it onto the “best places to visit” list—and honestly, who can blame it? With its picture-perfect beaches, tropical vibes, and a lifestyle that screams “chill out,” it’s the ultimate workation spot. But guess what? It’s not just for sunbathing and sipping coconuts—it’s also a digital nomad’s dream!

Galore coworking spaces, lightning-fast Wi-Fi, and affordable living make your wallet do a happy dance. Just a heads-up, though: Bali doesn’t have a dedicated digital nomad visa (yet), so if you plan on sticking around for over a few months, you might need to brush up on your visa tricks. But hey, it’s worth it for those sunsets, right?

• Estimated monthly cost of living: $1,000 – $1,800
  
• Visas and work permits: 90-day visa upon arrival; extendable
  
• Internet speed and connectivity: 20–50 Mbps
  
• English-speaking population: 40–50%
  
• Digital nomad community: Diverse community with various coworking spaces

Rio de Janeiro is like that fun friend who knows how to work and party hard—and I’m here for it! With decent Wi-Fi, beachside “offices,” and a coffee culture that could rival any city, it’s a digital nomad’s dream. Throw in some samba beats and Brazilian funk; suddenly, spreadsheets don’t feel so bad. The 90-day visa on arrival is a huge win, and if you’re in places like Ipanema or Leblon, you’ve got coworking spots and caipirinhas waiting for you when the workday ends. Sure, English isn’t everywhere, but who needs perfect words when you’ve got a smile and Google Translate? You might dodge the occasional monkey eyeing your lunch, but, honestly, the sunsets at Arpoador make it all worth it!

And hey, if you get too caught up in the city madness, you’ve got plenty of gorgeous escapes nearby. Ilha Grande’s incredible beaches are perfect for a break from all the Rio hustle. Or you could head to Paraty for some colonial charm, Búzios for beach vibes, or Arraial do Cabo if you’re craving more sea and sand. Rio’s got the best of both worlds—work hard, play harder, and then take a quick getaway when you’re done with the city’s never-ending samba!

• Estimated monthly cost of living: $1,200 – $2,000
  
• Visas and work permits: D7 Visa (remote work visa)
  
• Internet speed and connectivity: 100–200 Mbps
  
• English-speaking population: 60–70%
  
• Digital nomad community: Growing hub with initiatives like Digital Nomad Village

What better place to be a digital nomad than in a digital nomad village? On the island of Madeira, the Portuguese built a real digital nomad village, which attracts many digital nomads from around the world. While Lisbon and Porto have traditionally been the most popular destinations for digital nomads in Portugal, Madeira is also starting to gain popularity as the area develops to attract digital nomads.

More and more coworking spaces are equipped with good Wi-Fi on the island. Plus, its remote location offers a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to take the time to appreciate the outdoors and immerse yourself in nature during your stay there. Finally, it is important to highlight that Portugal has a visa for digital nomads that allows you to stay for up to a year, and it can also be extended, which is particularly useful for those who wish to remain in Portugal for a longer period.

• Estimated monthly cost of living: $800 – $1,500
  
• Visas and work permits: 30-day visa upon arrival; extendable 
  
• Internet speed and connectivity: 26–41 Mbps
  
• English-speaking population: 20–30%
  
• Digital nomad community: Emerging scene with affordable coworking options

Vietnam is always a top-tier choice for digital nomads and Da Nang? It’s like the chill, underrated sibling to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City—cool, affordable, and just quietly doing its thing by the beach.

You can find an apartment for less than $300 a month (with ocean views, no less!), and the food? Don’t get me started. You can grab a killer bowl of pho for less than your morning latte back home. But if you’re missing avocado toast or rooftop cocktails, Da Nang’s got you covered with plenty of trendy Western spots too—balance, right?

The Wi-Fi here is fast and steady—hallelujah!—so you won’t be rage-quitting Zoom calls mid-sentence. Bonus: between the beach, the marble mountains, and a growing nomad scene, Da Nang kind of feels like Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret. Just don’t tell too many people, okay?

• Estimated monthly cost of living: $1,000 – $1,800
  
• Visas and work permits: 90-day visa upon arrival
  
• Internet speed and connectivity: 15–30 Mbps
  
• English-speaking population: 30–40%
  
• Digital nomad community: Vibrant digital nomad community with co-working spaces and social events

Usually I’m not a city person, but Medellín has something magical, that’s why I decided to mention it in this best places for digital nomads list.The city’s transformation is seriously inspiring. What was once a place known for all the wrong reasons is now a thriving, modern hub full of energy, color, and creativity.

I spent my days working from sleek coworking spots like Selina or WeWork, and my evenings hopping between rooftop bars, lush parks, and arepa stands I still dream about. The food scene? Chef’s kiss! And the people? Incredibly warm—within days, I had new friends, dance partners (salsa is practically mandatory), and enough Colombian slang to transform my Spanish from Spain accent into a more Latin vibe.

Medellín’s combo of reliable internet, good weather, and that mountain-meets-city vibe is hard to beat. Just a heads-up: you might come for the Wi-Fi, but you’ll stay for the empanadas and the buenas vibras.

• Estimated monthly cost of living: $900 – $1,600
  
• Visas and work permits: Visa-free for 1 year; Work from Georgia visa
  
• Internet speed and connectivity: 20–100 Mbps
  
• English-speaking population: 50–60%
  
• Digital nomad community: Active community with spaces like Terminal and Fabrika

You might never have guessed that the capital of Georgia would be among the best places for digital nomads, but it’s actually a surprisingly great place! Tbilisi is one of those places that kind of sneaks up on you—in the best way. As Georgia’s capital, it’s buzzing with life, quirky architecture that looks like a Pinterest board exploded, and an expat community growing faster than your to-do list on a Monday. Prices used to be jaw-droppingly cheap, but things have gotten a bit pricier thanks to global events (and the fact that word is out). Still, it’s totally worth it.

Personally, I fell in love with the charm of its winding streets, cozy cafes, and the fact that I never once felt unsafe—even wandering around with my laptop bag like a walking Wi-Fi antenna. And let’s talk about the food: khinkali, khachapuri… I’d honestly stay for the carbs alone. Coworking spots like Fabrika, Terminal, and the ultra-hip Stamba Café make it easy to be productive until someone invites you for wine at 2 p.m. (and in Georgia, you say yes!).

• Estimated monthly cost of living: $1,000 – $1,800
  
• Visas and work permits: 90-day visa upon arrival; extendable
   
• Internet speed and connectivity: 5–37 Mbps
  
• English-speaking population: 30–40%
  
• Digital nomad community: Small but tight-knit community with beachfront coworking spots

Santa Teresa is one of those places that makes you question why you ever tolerated rush hour or wore shoes, so I couldn’t leave it off this list of the best places for digital nomads… because we nomads, with our laptop in one hand and a coconut in the other, love walking barefoot on the sand!

This laid-back surf town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast completely stole my heart—and possibly some productivity hours (but hey, surf’s up!). I found a sweet little villa five minutes from the beach, surrounded by monkeys, palm trees, and sunsets that make you forget you even have Slack notifications.

The Wi-Fi? Surprisingly great! With fiber optic in many places, I had no problem hopping on video calls—even if I was still drying off from a morning swim. The town lives and breathes pura vida, a sentence that perfectly sums up the relaxed, joyful, barefoot lifestyle here. And don’t even get me started on the breakfast spots—smoothie bowls, great coffee, and friendly digital nomads tapping away on laptops, pretending we’re not just here for the beach. Spoiler: we are!

• Estimated monthly cost of living: $700 – $1,200
  
• Visas and work permits: 90-day visa on arrival; extendable
  
• Internet speed and connectivity: 10–20 Mbps
  
• English-speaking population: 20–30%
  
• Digital nomad community: Growing surf and remote work community

Taghazout totally surprised me—in the best way! What used to be a sleepy fishing village has turned into Morocco’s go-to hotspot for digital nomads, and after spending more than a month there, I get the hype. I was in a cozy little hostel overlooking the ocean, surrounded by chilled-out surfers, creative freelancers, and more mint tea than I thought possible.

The internet? Shockingly good. I was uploading big files and Zooming without a hitch—100 Mbps by the beach? Yes, please. Coworking spaces like SunDesk made it easy to get stuff done, and the vibe was super friendly and inspiring. After work, I used to surf. Let’s just say the board won many times, but floating in the Atlantic at sunset didn’t feel like a loss. If surfing’s not your thing, don’t worry—lounging on the sand with a fresh tagine in arm’s reach is a solid backup plan.

• Estimated monthly cost of living: $800 – $1,500
  
• Visas and work permits: 30-day visa upon arrival; extendable 
  
• Internet speed and connectivity: 21 Mbps
  
• English-speaking population: 30–40%
  
• Digital nomad community: Laid-back island community with several coworking options

If Thailand were a music festival, Bangkok would be the booming main stage, Chiang Mai the artsy indie tent—and Koh Lanta? Koh Lanta is that dreamy chill-out zone in the corner with hammocks, coconut smoothies, and someone playing the ukulele under a palm tree.

This island is pure peace and pad thai. Think birds chirping, waves gently crashing, hardly any traffic (unless you count the occasional scooter with three dogs and a surfboard), and resorts that sit so close to the sea, you could practically roll out of bed and into the ocean.

Budget-wise, it’s a nomad’s dream. You can live well on the cheap, eat amazing food for pocket change, and the internet? Surprisingly solid—perfect for answering emails in your swimsuit. If you’re looking for somewhere to get work done and perfect your tan, Koh Lanta might just be your new favorite Zoom background.

Conclusion:  Are these the best places for digital nomads in 2025?

The digital nomad lifestyle isn’t for everyone – but for those who embrace freedom, flexibility, and growth, it can be life-changing. From sipping coconuts in Bali to co-working in Georgia, this way of living shows that home is where the Wi-Fi connects automatically. Curious if this could be your path too? Start for free today and join our global nomad community. You’ll get for free the first two chapters of the PARADISED course.