In recent times, the topic of an increasing number of individuals embracing the digital nomad lifestyle has been the subject of much discussion. It appears that this trend is being embraced by numerous people, with the anticipation that the community of digital nomads will continue to expand.
What specifically defines a digital nomad?
A digital nomad is someone who can work from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing them to travel and work full-time without being tied to a specific location.
Becoming a digital nomad requires genuine commitment and hard work despite its apparent allure.
When deciding to become a nomadic entrepreneur, one must become skilled at effectively managing both work and leisure. Though having the freedom to work from anywhere may seem ideal, it’s important to note that not all places are equally suitable for digital nomads.
When selecting their next location, digital nomads should take into account various factors such as the cost of living, availability of WiFi, crime rates, and the ease of obtaining a visa.
The nomad cost refers to the monthly expense incurred by a digital nomad for their accommodation in a hotel or private room with a personal bathroom at a hostel, as well as eating out three times daily.
The cost of living can vary depending on the distance from the city-center you choose to stay, your ability to cook your own meals, and whether you opt for private vacation rentals and short-term apartment rentals. However, these “nomad costs” provide a reliable estimate.
In addition to weather, availability of diet-specific foods, proximity to tourist attractions, and public transportation options, there are other factors to consider. However, it is important to note that these factors are subjective and this list serves as a useful starting point to determine the most suitable location for you.
BEST PLACES TO LIVE AS A DIGITAL NOMAD
The common factors among the ideal locations for a digital nomad include a fast and reliable internet connection as the most important. Additionally, most people prioritize a low cost of living, cultural attractions, pleasant weather (which may vary depending on personal preference), and the presence of co-working spaces.
The destinations listed below for digital nomads provide a comparable or superior quality of life to their home country, and more importantly, have the necessary infrastructure for them to work seamlessly.
PORTUGAL
Due to high living costs, the majority of European locations have failed to become ideal digital nomad havens, despite offering fast internet, picturesque architecture, and lively entertainment options, prices have deterred the nomads from settling in these places.
Contrary to the prevailing trend, Portugal stands out by successfully blending a reasonable cost of living with a superb Old World lifestyle. Boasting abundant history, stunning architecture, delightful Mediterranean cuisine, and speedy internet, Portugal is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for digital nomads.
Lisbon has a vibrant community of nomads, who can find numerous busy co-working spaces, some of which provide a free first day. To maintain a decent, yet comfortable standard of living here, you will require approximately $1,500 per month. If you have an additional $500 per month, your quality of life would significantly improve.
Restaurants do not cost a lot and there is an abundance of fresh seafood available throughout the year. Acquire a coffee for less than 60 cents and the renowned pasteis de nata (a custard pastry) for one euro, and you are ready for breakfast.
Alternative housing is becoming increasingly popular throughout Portugal, even though rental apartments under 500 euros a month can still be found. The city of Porto in the north has introduced a concept known as islhas (islands).
The courtyard area will consist of multiple small houses, each having a similar main entrance door typically situated at the rear of the group of houses called palacetes, or house palaces. These are highly cost-effective, often priced at only a few hundred euros per month.
Lisbon is famous for having one of the best climates in Europe, with more sunshine than most other major cities. Additionally, the city enjoys a cooling Atlantic breeze when the temperatures rise. Although temperatures do decrease in the winter, they still remain mild.
COLOMBIA
As its perilous past is now documented, the global community is gradually becoming aware of the marvels that Colombia has to offer, and digital nomads played a significant role in the initial influx of foreigners seeking to discover the beauty of this misconstrued nation.
The majority of DNs have found homes in Bogotá and Medellín due to the abundance of cultural attractions, bars, restaurants, and reliable internet connection. Additionally, both cities provide excellent public transportation systems, ensuring convenience for newcomers to navigate easily.
Both cities have a popular biking culture, but Bogotá stands out with its extensive network of bike lanes specifically designed for commuting within the city.
Of the two cities, Medellín is the more popular, with most nomads residing in neighborhoods like El Poblado and Ciudad de Rio. El Poblado, although favored by tourists and expats, is among the pricier areas in the city.
Located near El Poblado, Cuidad de Rio offers a more affordable option with fewer expatriates. On the other hand, Laureles and Estadio, which are emerging neighborhoods in the western part of Medellín, are gaining popularity among foreigners. However, prices in these areas have not yet reached the same level.
The cost of a plate of food in Medellín or Bogotá ranges from $4 to $20, depending on your preference for a more luxurious experience. If you decide to spend towards the higher end, certain fashionable restaurants might give you the impression of being in Manhattan. Nevertheless, the quality of the food is consistently outstanding, regardless of your expenditure.
Renting a one-bedroom in the more affluent areas will commence from around $650 per month, although more affordable choices can be discovered in the neighborhoods with fewer foreign residents. Engaging in negotiations is recommended.
MEXICO
During the initial phase of the internet revolution, Mexico City emerged as one of the preferred destinations for digital nomads. Although it was early in providing a dependable internet connection, the expansion of the internet across Mexico has resulted in very few places that now lack a high-speed connection.
Despite the numerous options available in this extensive country, Mexico City remains a preferred destination. Finding a suitable workspace is a breeze with plenty of air-conditioned co-working spaces that can be rented on short notice. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is readily available at nearly all coffee establishments, making it a convenient place to establish a workspace. Joining other individuals who bring their laptops to cafes is a common occurrence in Mexico City.
Mexico City stands out as one of the pricier destinations to settle in, despite the generally affordable nature of Mexico. In smaller cities, you can find two-bedroom rentals starting from $350 per month, whereas in Mexico City, the starting point is more likely to be $1,000.
Durango, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, is worth considering as an off-the-beaten-path choice. This quiet university town boasts well-preserved architecture and remains unfamiliar to expats, enabling you to immerse yourself in authentic Mexican life and enjoy the corresponding affordable prices. Notably, major expenses such as groceries, dining out, alcohol, public transport, and taxis are all reasonably priced, reflecting the low cost of living in this world capital.
VIETNAM
Vietnam possesses internet speeds that rank among the highest in Asia. Wi-Fi is widely incorporated and readily available, even in various establishments such as shops, restaurants, and buses, all offering complimentary connectivity. Vietnam is experiencing rapid development and attracting substantial investments from worldwide sources.
A significant number of young Vietnamese people are forward-thinking and optimistic about their prospects in this expanding economy. Numerous individuals are eager to acquire English language skills, as it is becoming more prevalent among the younger population.
If you enjoy a calm and peaceful setting, Koh Phangan is a small and amiable community that eagerly invites digital nomads. Known as Beachub, this nomadic community allows you to conveniently work near the ocean by placing your laptop just a short distance away.
Ho Chi Minh City, being a bustling and noise-filled town, offers constant activities and new experiences every day. However, due to this, it lacks the strong sense of community found in other parts of Vietnam. Several co-working spaces in the city are designed specifically for local freelancers.
Vietnam is without doubt among the most affordable destinations for digital nomads as it offers the option to rent a luxurious apartment for $700 per month or explore for a slightly less extravagant place for as low as $300. The majority of apartments in Vietnam come furnished, and it is convenient to find rental properties right from the street.
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