Best Cities to Live and Work as a Digital Nomad in 2023


The norm of working off-site has gained more popularity in recent years. The emergence of Covid-19 urged people to adopt new working styles for safety issues and to keep up the workflow. However, these changes turned out to be a blessing in disguise for many workers who managed to discover how they would like to complete their career life.

After experiencing the remote work practices, many workers found themselves willing to head for online work, and others concluded that office work was not their perfect fit. As a result, several people started to embrace online work patterns, fascinated by the luxury of choosing their own environment and space. 

Transforming to a remote work style opens the opportunity to become a digital nomad for those who love discovering new places and roaming across the land. 

This article provides a simple overview of the best cities to live in and work as a digital nomad in 2023, but before that, let’s take a little peek at what it takes to be a digital nomad.

All it takes to be a digital nomad

Digital nomads enjoy various advantages that conventional workers don’t like: the ability to earn money from their laptops and stable Internet connection access. For those who want to start their journey of nomadism, there are several factors to consider before making the initial step. These factors are:

The first prerequisite of establishing a nomadic life is a thorough study of the destination, the chosen country’s laws, the local community, and the living costs. It is obvious that heading for a new home requires learning as much as possible about everything one might encounter in a foreign environment.

Second, the destination should provide reliable internet services in terms of cost and speed, have plenty of coworking spaces, and preferably enjoy a vibrant nightlife. Along with checking for visa requirements, these elements are essential in a digital nomad place.

Destinations that make digital nomad hubs in 2023

A considerable number of interesting places and destinations have been discovered lately with the increasing surge toward nomadism. Among a wide range of options, we picked the most attractive sites that provide everything a digital nomad needs. So, those thinking about changing their location can compare them to know which destinations work best for them.

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Being situated on the west coast of Bali, Canggu enjoys a breathtaking landscape that attracts a large community of remote workers and expats worldwide to live and work. The affordable living costs and the several coworking spaces make Canggu a suitable place for digital nomads. 

Living in Canggu is estimated to cost around $580 a month for sustenance issues without rent. The weather in Canggu is warm and beautiful, adding lovely beaches for those looking to work from the beach. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and entertainment spots, making it a perfect choice to achieve a work-and-play balance, and the local people are friendly.

Most importantly, Indonesia offers digital nomad visas for remote workers to live and do business in the country that can be extended for up to five years. Additionally, digital nomad visa holders are excused from paying income taxes.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The tranquil vibes, famous Thai food, and natural sceneries encourage remote workers to head for Thailand for an extended period of time. Various coworking spaces, cafes, and Internet service providers offer reasonably priced high-speed Internet. The city is affordable, with an estimated monthly cost of around $520 without rent. 

Thailand offers a digital nomad visa that allows its holder to live in the country for ten years. However, there are restrictive regulations upon issuing the permit that requires applicants to prove to earn an annual salary of at least $80,000.

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is another attractive destination for remote workers. Though the monthly cost of living is a bit higher than in Chiang Mai, being around $590 without rent, it is still an affordable city compared to other places. The capital is the home of a large expat community, so it is pretty easy to establish a social life. Not to mention the variety of entertainment venues and the lively nightlife that allow a perfect work-life balance.

Budapest, Hungary

What makes Hungary a perfect destination for digital nomads is its location within the European Union, making it easy to travel to nearby countries. It is quite affordable compared to other European countries, and it costs around $610 per month to live in Hungary without rent. It is easy to walk around the city, and English is widely spoken there. The food, nightlife, and friendly locals make it worth settling for a long time. It offers a reliable internet connection that digital workers need.

Hungary launched the White Card Visa that allows its holder to live and work in Hungary for up to two years. Attaining the visa requires proof of employment by a foreign company with a monthly income of at least $2112.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal is one of the most lively countries in Europe. It is a safe and cheap place to choose. The city is walkable and food, drink, and rent are affordable. The city is full of coworking spaces and entertainment venues. It provides all factors digital nomads look for in a particular destination, like stable Internet connection, social life, affordability, and workspaces. The cost of living in Portugal is approximately $700 a month without rent.

The country offers visas targeted toward the digital nomad community. The pass allows its holder to stay in Portugal for a year and even to work toward settling there upon the condition of earning a minimum income of $744 for four times.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Latin American country is remarkable for the European feel it has. Everything a remote worker need is available in Buenos Aires, from reasonable internet service, coworking spaces, and affordable living costs. Approximately $445 is the monthly cost of living in Argentina without rent. Foreigners can take advantage of currency devaluation that allows lower living costs.

Buenos Aires is renowned for its delicious food and bustling nightlife, attracting digital nomads to achieve a work-life balance and enjoy the various luxuries of the country. Remote workers can apply for a digital nomad visa to stay in the country for six months and renew the permit only once. No local or national taxes are imposed upon issuing the visa. 

Conclusion

In the end, there are various hotspots to discover across the world. These given places are, by consensus of opinions among digital nomads, the best destinations as they provide reasonable costs of living, reliable internet connection, and several coworking spaces. On top of that, the magnificent landscapes and pleasant nature add great value to such an experience and will tempt visitors to use a picture editorOpens in a new tab. to edit several snaps for keepsakes.

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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