The 8 Best Cities for Digital Nomads (From My Four Years of Remote Work Adventures)

Four years ago, I traded in my rent-stabilized New York City apartment for a life of exploration. What started as a short-term escape turned into a full-blown digital nomad lifestyle, taking me all over Southeast Asia, Mexico, South Africa, and Europe. I swapped subway commutes for scooter rides, tiny overpriced apartments for beachfront bungalows, and rushed lunch breaks for long, lazy meals in buzzing outdoor cafés.

Through it all, I’ve learned that not all destinations are created equal when it comes to remote work. Some places make it easy to stay productive while offering adventure and affordability. Others? Well, let’s just say that dodgy Wi-Fi and sky-high rents can kill the dream fast. After countless time zones, work sessions in every type of café imaginable, and more than a few visa runs, I’ve narrowed it down to the eight best places to live and work as a digital nomad.

1. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta has been my home away from home for nearly 15 years. No matter how far I roam, I always find myself coming back. The beaches, the sunsets, the tacos—what’s not to love? But beyond its postcard-perfect views, PV is an incredibly convenient spot for remote work. Reliable Wi-Fi, affordable long-term rentals, and a built-in community of expats and digital nomads make it easy to settle in. Plus, with coworking spaces like Vallarta CoWork and countless coffee shops with ocean views, staying productive is a breeze. And let’s be honest—ending your workday with a margarita on the Malecón? Hard to beat.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

I spent two months living in Cape Town’s Green Point neighborhood, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorite cities. The affordability, the incredible restaurant scene, the easy access to nature—it’s the ultimate work-life balance destination. The internet is reliable, coworking spaces like Workshop17 are top-notch, and there’s no shortage of things to do when you log off. Whether you’re hiking Lion’s Head, surfing in Muizenberg, or taking weekend getaways to the Cape Winelands, this city knows how to keep things exciting.

3. Trogir, Croatia

I spent a month in Trogir, and it was love at first sight. This historic coastal town just outside Split is an underrated gem for remote workers. It has all the perks—fast Wi-Fi, affordable rentals, stunning beaches, and a thriving food scene. But what really sealed the deal for me was the abundance of farmers markets, grocery stores, and even a solid gym, making long-term stays super convenient. Plus, it’s a short drive to Split’s airport, making weekend getaways to other European cities a no-brainer.

4. Koh Lanta, Thailand

I spent a month on this dreamy Thai island, and let me tell you—it’s digital nomad paradise. The beaches are stunning, the traveler scene is low-key and welcoming, and the food is nothing short of spectacular. Reliable internet and great coworking spaces like KoHub make it easy to stay on top of deadlines, while the slower pace of life keeps stress levels in check. And if you ever need a dose of city life, Krabi is just a short ferry ride away.

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is legendary among digital nomads, and for good reason. It’s one of the most affordable cities on the planet, the Wi-Fi is blazing fast, and the coworking scene is second to none. Whether you prefer working from a trendy café or a dedicated space like Punspace or Yellow, you’ll never have trouble finding a comfortable spot to get things done. But what really makes Chiang Mai special is the sense of community—it’s a place where nomads, entrepreneurs, and creatives come together, making it easy to build friendships and network.

6. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is the kind of city that sneaks up on you. At first, the chaotic traffic and constant buzz can feel overwhelming. But once you settle in, you realize this city has everything a digital nomad could want—low cost of living, an incredible food scene, and a growing number of coworking spaces like Toong and The Learning Hub. Plus, with easy access to weekend trips like Ha Long Bay or Sapa, there’s no shortage of adventure.

7. Rome, Italy

Rome might not be the first place that comes to mind for digital nomads, but hear me out. Imagine working from a café in Trastevere, breaking for a plate of carbonara, and ending the day with an Aperol spritz at sunset. The Wi-Fi can be hit or miss, but coworking spaces like Anticafé help keep things productive. And let’s be real—being able to say “I worked remotely from Rome” is a serious flex.

8. Medellín, Colombia

I spent a month living in Medellín’s El Poblado neighborhood, and it quickly became one of my favorite places for remote work. The city is safe, affordable, and packed with great restaurants, grocery stores, and gyms. Uber is abundant, making it easy to get around, and the coworking culture is thriving, with spots like Selina and Atomhouse offering great work environments. The year-round spring-like weather doesn’t hurt either.

Being a digital nomad isn’t just about finding a place with good Wi-Fi and cheap rent—it’s about finding a destination that makes you excited to wake up and start the day. These eight cities checked all the boxes for me, offering affordability, inspiration, and a built-in community of like-minded travelers. If you’re ready to trade in your office for a passport and a laptop, any one of these destinations is a great place to start. Just don’t blame me if you never want to go back.