Top Digital Nomad Cities to Live and Work in 2025

The digital nomad lifestyle started gaining popularity in the mid-2000s, but it has really exploded in the 2010s with the emergence of remote work technology and co-working spaces. More people are leaving behind office desks for beachside cafes and urban co-working hubs, making 2025 an exciting year for remote workers worldwide.

People are finding themselves faced with the headache of an overabundance of options and are asking themselves, “How do you choose the best digital nomad cities to settle in for work and leisure?” In this blog we will help pair you with your ideal location for your 2025 remote work adventure.

When people are gearing up to make the vital decision on where to set up camp to live and work in 2025, it isn’t as simple as closing your eyes, spinning a globe, and putting your finger on a random spot. It’s about finding the perfect blend of lifestyle, convenience, and opportunity. Here are a few key factors that make the cities we’re about to explore the best places for digital nomads.

Thankfully, digital nomad visas are becoming a standard offering in more countries, which means eliminating the red tape to live and work in the country of your choice has become more attainable than ever. This is a game-changer for those wanting to base themselves abroad without the dread of complicated immigration processes hanging over them.

When you ask the majority of digital nomads, the cost of living is a hugely significant factor in deciding where to relocate. Cities with a lower cost of living don’t just make your budget go further; they allow you to enjoy the desired lifestyle without the hard sacrifices that often come with it. Of course, it goes without saying that finding a place with fast and reliable internet is imperative for remote jobs to ensure a stable working environment and to avoid the embarrassment of dropping out of a meeting midway with a client.

The remote workforce has shifted its focus to places that provide both work opportunities and leisure. Cities with an established digital nomad community or nomad hubs are great for networking, meeting like-minded individuals, and finding inspiration.

Bangkok has forged its way to becoming a favorite among digital nomads due to its dynamic atmosphere and affordability. The city is alive with activity, offering modern coworking spaces like Common Ground G Tower and The Work Loft, alongside a thriving digital nomad community.

People enjoy a great quality of life with delicious local food and efficient public transport, including the MRT subway and BTS Skytrain. Popular neighborhoods like Sukhumvit and Sathorn provide modern amenities and cosy cafes tailored to remote workers.

With a low cost of living and reliable nomad internet, Bangkok offers a complete digital nomad experience, from rooftop workspaces overlooking the Chao Phraya River to exploring historic temples.

Ranked number one in a study by Movingto, which took into account cost of living, internet speed, safety, and other factors, Lisbon has long been a hub for digital nomads and freelancers in Europe and for good reason. You are immediately welcomed by its beautiful European charm and excellent digital nomad visa options. 

The city offers a warm climate year-round, stunning hotels and architecture, delicious food, and it’s more affordable than other European capitals. Lisbon’s unique mix of old-world ambiance and modern amenities are driving factors for digital specialists seeking both excitement and solace.

With a low cost of living, vibrant cultural scene, reliable nomad internet, and plenty of co-working spaces, Lisbon is perfect for digital nomads. Strolling along Rua Augusta's mosaic cobblestone path with your pre-work coffee, you’ll enjoy views of the Arco da Rua Augusta, a grand historic arch that stands at the end of the street overlooking the Praça do Comércio. It’s easy to see why Lisbon is considered a digital nomad haven.

Mexico City is a sprawling metropolitan hub with a flourishing creative and technical scene, making it perfect for digital nomads. The city is an emerging hotspot known for its historic landmarks, culinary delights, and strong remote work infrastructure, particularly in neighborhoods like Roma, Polanco, and Condesa.

With an expanding digital nomad community, Mexico City offers a dynamic urban environment for remote workers to explore while enjoying excellent connectivity for remote work. The city’s internet is much faster than in the rest of the country, and remote workers are spoiled for choice with a wide range of cafes and co-working spaces.

Once a simple surf town, Canggu has evolved into a favorite destination for digital nomads seeking a laid-back, tropical lifestyle. This charming village in Bali is known for its beautiful beaches and trendy bars and restaurants. Digital nomads will feel right at home at community-focused coworking spaces like Outpost Canggu, which offers reliable internet. Canggu provides the perfect balance of work and leisure.

With a thriving expat and digital nomad community, there are endless opportunities to connect, from business pool meetups to happy hour cocktail parties.

Whether you're surfing in the morning or working by the beach in the afternoon, Canggu is the perfect tropical paradise for remote workers looking to escape the office grind.

Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis with an ever-growing digital nomad community. Known for its dynamic atmosphere, incredible food scene, and reliable nomad internet, HCMC offers remote workers the chance to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture while maintaining a productive workday. 

For those looking for great places to work, popular coworking spaces include The Hive, CirCO, Dreamplex, and Toong. These venues offer comfortable workstations, high-speed internet, and a community-focused atmosphere, ensuring productivity and networking opportunities.

With super-fast Wi-Fi speeds, affordable accommodation, a to-die-for street food scene, and a thriving expat culture, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a standout choice for digital nomads in Vietnam.

While the above cities are tried-and-tested favorites, 2025 has some exciting newcomers on the horizon. These emerging destinations are quickly gaining recognition for their affordability, growing digital infrastructure, and unique cultural experiences. 

For those seeking to explore less-traveled paths while maintaining productivity, consider these up-and-coming digital nomad hotspots:

Da Nang has recently emerged as one of the top digital nomad hotspots in Southeast Asia. But does the “City of Bridges,” known for its breathtaking coastal views and stunning bridges that light up the skyline at night, live up to the hype?

It’s easy to see why Da Nang is gaining more recognition, with an abundance of activities and adventures to embark on. From the 666-meter-long Dragon Bridge to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches perfect for a lunchtime walk, Da Nang has it all.

Da Nang is known for its affordable cost of living and growing infrastructure, making it an ideal spot for remote workers seeking both relaxation and productivity. The city offers an excellent balance of work and play, with reliable internet speeds of around 26 Mbps, ensuring smooth video calls and uninterrupted work.  

Places like Danang Coworking Space provide a comfortable environment to enjoy a cup of tea while diving into the day’s workload, making the coworking experience both productive and enjoyable.

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is gaining popularity among digital nomads, earning a reputation as one of Eastern Europe's most vibrant capitals. The city's Old Town is perfect for a lunchtime stroll, with limited vehicle access, beautifully painted traditional houses, stunning botanical gardens, and scenic views of the Kura River.

Tbilisi offers a unique blend of history, culture, and affordability, making it an ideal spot for digital nomads. Georgia allows citizens from 97 countries to stay for up to one year without a visa, making it highly convenient for remote workers. The low 1% tax rate is particularly attractive for digital nomads looking to save and minimise expenses.

With a growing number of coworking spaces and a growing remote work community, Tbilisi is quickly becoming a top choice for digital nomads seeking a base in Eastern Europe.

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, is a hidden gem that has become a digital nomad hub in recent years, thanks to a steady increase in tourism. With its beautiful riverside setting, stunning architecture, and robust nomad internet, it’s perfect for remote workers looking for a quieter European destination. The cost of living is moderate compared to some of Europe’s other major cities, with accommodation and day-to-day expenses manageable for nomads on a decent wage.

Be on the lookout for highly regarded neighborhoods like Trnovo and Krakovo. Ljubljana also boasts a welcoming atmosphere, growing coworking spaces like Poligon and Kiberpipa, and a strong digital nomad community, making it a hidden gem in Europe for 2025.

Often overshadowed by larger cities like Bucharest, Timisoara is quickly gaining traction as a must-visit remote work destination for digital nomads. This vibrant metropolis has an electric energy and youthful vibe, making it an ideal spot for remote workers seeking a lively place to live. It offers all the conveniences of a large city while maintaining a balance of peacefulness and historic charm.

Timisoara offers a variety of workspaces, from trendy coworking hubs like Cowork Timisoara – The Garden, Workify, and DevPlant Cowork to charming cafes, catering to different budgets and work styles. With impressive internet speeds averaging around 89.9 Mbps and sometimes reaching up to 151.55 Mbps, Timisoara is a reliable choice for remote workers.

Although the coworking scene faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many spaces have adapted and emerged stronger than ever.

For those seeking the ultimate tropical escape, Suva in Fiji offers an exotic experience with reliable nomad internet and a welcoming digital nomad environment. Known for its exceptional connectivity and favorable visa policies, Fiji provides an expanding array of coworking spaces. While it may not be as well-known as other hotspots, Suva offers a unique opportunity to work remotely from paradise.

Creative hubs in Suva and Nadi are designed to foster innovation and productivity while providing comfortable workstations equipped with everything you need to excel at your job. These locations offer a stable digital infrastructure with strong internet coverage, thanks to top telecom providers like Vodafone.

The cost of living in Fiji is cheaper than in 88% of countries worldwide, making Suva an attractive option for those looking to combine work with leisure in a more secluded yet well-connected location.

Workplace culture is evolving rapidly in today’s globalised world. As remote work and international teams become common, organisations face the challenge of keeping a unified culture across borders. Companies expanding into new markets must balance local traditions with global values, resulting in various types of workplace culture.

One clear trend is a growing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In international companies, ensuring every voice is heard helps drive innovation and boost productivity. Another trend is the rise of hybrid work models. With employees spread across various time zones, businesses are finding creative ways to build a cohesive culture through virtual team-building, clear communication channels, and flexible work policies. 

Choosing the best city for your digital nomad lifestyle is a personal decision. Start by asking yourself: What is most important to you? Is it the affordability of living, the availability of remote work destinations, or the nomad lifestyle in general? This will vary dramatically from person to person, and not every city will be a one-size-fits-all solution.

Think about your work needs too: Do you require fast and reliable nomad internet for video calls and heavy workloads? Do you prefer being surrounded by a strong digital nomad community to help with work-life balance? Establishing what factors matter to you will go a long way in helping you find your perfect match.

Before packing your bags, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother:

• Join a Digital Nomad Community: Whether online or in-person, these communities can help you feel connected and supported. Participate in local meetups or join platforms like Nomad List to get insights into various cities.
• Set up Your Work Routine: Remote work is a dream, but it requires self-discipline. Set up a dedicated workspace in your new city, find local co-working spaces, and schedule regular work hours to stay on track. Use trial days or short-term memberships to find the ideal co-working spot.
• Embrace the Local Culture: Immersing yourself in the local culture enriches your experience. Take language lessons, attend local events, and engage with the community to feel more at home.
• Find Suitable Accommodation: Research short-term rentals or coliving spaces that cater to digital nomads. Platforms like Airbnb, NomadX, and Selina offer flexible stays with built-in communities, helping you feel at home while staying productive.
• Manage Your Finances: Create a monthly budget that accounts for your income, expenses, and savings goals. Use budgeting apps to track spending and research the cost of living in your destination to avoid surprises.

By taking advantage of the opportunities offered by digital nomadism, planning your budget, finding suitable accommodation, and immersing yourself in vibrant communities, you can create a fulfilling and enriching nomadic experience. Choosing the right city to live and work remotely in 2025 can transform your digital nomad journey into an unforgettable adventure.

Before you pack your bags, remember that preparation is key. From budgeting and researching digital nomad visas to finding reliable internet and community-focused coworking spaces, planning ahead ensures a smoother transition. 

Don’t overlook the importance of peace of mind as expat health insurance from Allianz can safeguard you against unexpected challenges, giving you the confidence to fully embrace your journey. Start planning your adventure today!