Looking to work from home (WFH) in a different city, but don’t where to start? A new study has highlighted some unexpected global hotspots that are quickly becoming havens for remote workers.
Driving this shift is a rising interest in alternative workspaces, particularly among young professionals leveraging the flexibility of remote work. According to Away Holidays, a travel company, TikTok searches for the term “digital nomad destination” surged by over 3,000 percent year-on-year as of March 2025, based on data from the Keyword Tool platform.
Analyzing factors such as internet speeds, cost-of-living, visa policies and weather conditions in different cities, the study by Away Holidays identified the top 20 cities best suited for digital nomads.
The ranking includes common major cities like Los Angeles, which topped the top 20 list, as well as New York City, Paris, Berlin and Rome, but also features less-expected capitals, such as Budapest in Hungary, Santiago in Chile as well as Cape Town in South Africa.
A stock image of the exterior of a cafe in the Coyoacan district of Mexico City.
iStock / Getty Images Plus
“Localization, language accessibility, infrastructure and access to public services, are a huge make or break a city for digital nomads,” Salvador Ordorica, the CEO of The Spanish Group translation company who is a global digital nomad himself, told Newsweek. “Not to mention coworking spaces, cost living, visa friendly policies and reliable internet, all of which determine whether a city is a go-to destination for remote workers or not.”
Ordorica, who is an expert in language, cultural heritage and localization, added: “This list reflects a global shift toward more balanced lifestyles, where quality of life, connectivity, culture and peace of mind can be experienced.”
Tim Leffel, the author of A Better Life for Half the Price, also highlighted the key drivers for remote workers.
“Rental costs, visa ease, average internet speed, the ease of making friends, [being able to have] like-minded remote workers to mingle with and weather,” are top considerations, Leffel, who is the editor of the Nomadico newsletter on Substack, told Newsweek.
Below, we highlight five of the most surprising places to make the cut among the best cities for digital nomads.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Often overshadowed by its larger Latin American neighbors, Uruguay’s capital is quietly gaining traction among remote professionals.
“Montevideo is one of Latin America’s best kept secrets for remote professionals,” Ordorica said. “It offers a relaxed pace, strong safety, and an amazing internet connection, essential for digital nomads. It offers a great place to work remotely without sacrificing money in larger South American cities.”
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Once known primarily for its historical significance and tourism appeal, Ho Chi Minh City has evolved into a rising digital hub.
“Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Cape Town, are rapidly growing in both technology and support for the digital nomad community. Flux of remote workers has increased significantly over the years, and it can be influenced by their investment in better fiber optic network and improvement of their infrastructure but low-cost housing,” Ordorica noted.
Amman, Jordan
Jordan’s capital city might not be the first place that comes to mind for digital nomads, but it’s beginning to attract attention for the right reasons.
“Amman is modernizing rapidly, which is beneficial for remote nomads,” Ordorica said. “From affordable housing, hospitable locals, to a strong sense of community, something often overlooked but very important when most of your time revolves around your local environment.”
Mexico City, Mexico
Often dismissed due to outdated perceptions about safety, Mexico City is emerging as a prime destination for digital professionals.
“Mexico City’s potential has often been underestimated,” Ordorica added. “I’ve experienced remote work firsthand and can see why it’s made the list; high speed internet, a wide variety of co-working spaces and cafes, low cost and accessible healthcare options, and a noticeable improvement in safety compared to previous years. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mexico City continues to climb up the list.”
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has been on the radar for remote workers, but its appeal has only grown in recent years, largely due to proactive visa policies and a strong community of like-minded professionals.
“Portugal was one of the first countries in Europe to implement a digital nomad visa, so Lisbon has become a hotspot for digital nomads from all over the world,” Madison Krigbaum, a travel blogger and solo digital nomad, said. “Because of this, there are tons of cute cafes and coworking spaces with fast and reliable internet to accommodate their large population of international remote workers.”
Krigbaum, however, warned: “Although things like groceries, restaurants, and transportation are incredibly affordable in Lisbon, it’s very difficult to find an affordable apartment in a nice area and not get scammed.” Still, she called Lisbon “a fantastic place to work remotely” for its weather, workspace options, and thriving community.
Top 20 Best Cities for Digital Nomads
- Los Angeles
- Barcelona
- Montevideo
- Madrid
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Santiago
- Amman
- Tokyo
- Beijing
- New York
- Lisbon
- Paris
- Budapest
- Shanghai
- Berlin
- Rome
- Toronto
- Mexico City
- Dubai
- Cape Town
Source: Based on a study by Away Holidays, which analyzed various factors such as internet speeds, cost of living, visa policies and weather conditions in different cities across the globe.
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