The Fastest Growing Digital Nomad Cities in 2025 and How to Choose One That Actually Fits Your Life

Digital nomad life has hit the mainstream by late 2025, with tens of millions of people working remotely while traveling. As this movement grows, clear patterns are emerging in where these remote workers gather. Certain cities across Europe, Asia and Latin America have become magnets for nomads, offering the right mix of affordability, safety, community and infrastructure. At the same time, the “best” nomad destination isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this guide, we’ll blend live data insights with practical, on-the-ground observations to highlight the fastest-growing digital nomad hubs of 2025. More importantly, we’ll show you how to interpret those trends and choose a base that genuinely fits your lifestyle and work needs.

The goal is to go beyond the usual listicles. Yes, we’ll mention which cities are booming this year and why, but we’ll also explain how to think about factors like cost of living, internet quality, local culture, visas, and your own work habits when picking a place. By the end, you should have a clearer idea of not just where the nomad hot spots are, but which of those spots (if any) align with your life.

Why digital nomad hubs shift so quickly

Digital nomad hubs can rise and fade at almost breakneck speed. One year a city is “undiscovered” and quiet; the next year it’s on every travel vlog and flooded with remote workers. Why do these hubs shift so fast? It comes down to a combination of economics, safety, infrastructure, community buzz, and government policies.

Cost of living is often the first catalyst. Remote workers frequently flock to places where their money goes further. If a country’s currency drops or the local economy dips (making it cheaper for foreigners), a wave of nomads may arrive to take advantage.

For example, Argentina’s inflation in recent years made Buenos Aires extremely affordable for those earning in dollars or euros, contributing to its popularity (at one point Buenos Aires reached the top 10 most popular nomad destinations). Conversely, if a city becomes too expensive – as happened with some European capitals – budget-conscious nomads start looking elsewhere.

Perceived safety and stability also play a major role. A few years ago, concerns about crime or political unrest might have kept nomads away from a city. But conditions change. Take Medellín, Colombia: it has a complicated past, but extensive local efforts have improved security.

Today many nomads report feeling safe in Medellín’s popular areas like El Poblado and Laureles. As safety improves, word spreads that “hey, it’s actually fine here now,” and more remote workers give the city a try. The opposite can happen too – if a previously popular hub experiences unrest or a spike in crime, nomads quickly redirect to safer havens.

Then there’s infrastructure and accessibility. A city that builds new coworking spaces, 5G networks, or better public transit can suddenly become much more viable for remote workers. Governments are catching on: many now actively court digital nomads by improving local infrastructure and launching remote worker visa programs.

When a country introduces a friendly digital nomad visa or easy long-term permit, it’s a game changer – suddenly a place becomes legally and logistically accessible where before it was a headache. (For instance, Spain’s new remote work visa in 2023 made it far easier for non-EU nomads to base in hubs like Madrid or Valencia for a year or more.)

Community and cultural factors matter too. If a critical mass of nomads and expats start living in a city, supporting businesses and events tend to follow – and that attracts even more people. Meetups, co-founder dating events, coding bootcamps, weekend trips – once a city has that ecosystem, it draws in those who crave a ready-made community. Some places benefit from media exposure as well. A single viral TikTok or an influencer raving about a “hidden gem” can put a destination on the nomad map virtually overnight.

Finally, remember that remote workers are highly mobile by definition. Unlike traditional expats or immigrants, digital nomads can and do move on short notice. If a better opportunity or more comfortable locale pops up, many will simply pack their laptop and go.

This freedom accelerates trends. Live data from Nomads.com (the Nomad List community) confirms how fluid these movements are – their platform tracks hundreds of thousands of check-ins in real time, revealing which destinations are trending each month.

An analysis of recent years shows how dramatically the rankings can shuffle: a tropical town or a mid-sized city can shoot up in popularity within months if conditions align, and conversely even famous hubs can slip if they become less accessible. In short, nomad hubs are a moving target, constantly reinventing as the world and the remote work culture evolve.

The cities rising fastest in 2025

By late 2025, data from nomad communities and travel platforms shows some surprising new hotspots breaking onto the scene. These aren’t necessarily the biggest nomad hubs overall, but they are the fastest-growing – places experiencing a surge of remote workers and international visitors in the past year. The trends reflect how quickly the landscape is expanding beyond the usual suspects.

In South America, an unexpected leader has been Asunción, Paraguay. According to Nomads.com check-in data, Asunción saw roughly a +56% increase in nomad arrivals in 2025 – the highest growth rate of any city. This jump is remarkable, considering Paraguay wasn’t on many nomads’ radar before.

What’s driving it? Ultra-low living costs (cheaper than even most of Latin America), a safe and calm environment, and word-of-mouth from pioneers who found a welcoming local culture. Asunción’s rise shows how a smaller, affordable city can suddenly get “discovered” as remote workers seek alternatives to crowded hotspots.

Asia, of course, remains a powerhouse of digital nomad activity, but even there the growth is coming from new directions. In Southeast Asia, the beach town of Da Nang, Vietnam stands out – it saw nearly +49% growth in 2025 check-ins. Long overshadowed by Thailand’s hubs, Da Nang offers a similar tropical appeal with Vietnam’s low prices and a booming café scene.

The Vietnamese government’s friendly stance (easy e-visas and talk of a nomad visa) hasn’t hurt either. Meanwhile, in East Asia, Japan has burst onto the scene after reopening its borders: not just Tokyo, but also smaller cities like Kyoto and Osaka are trending. Kyoto saw a +26% jump in nomad presence in 2025 – remote workers are flocking there for the rich culture and a quieter vibe than Tokyo, all while enjoying Japan’s top-notch infrastructure.

The fact that Japan now allows many visitors to stay up to 3–6 months (with extensions) has made it more feasible to actually base there, whereas before it was a short-stop destination. Even China reappeared on the nomad map: Shanghai and Beijing logged big growth percentages post-pandemic , though they still rank relatively low in overall popularity due to hurdles like the Great Firewall and language barrier.

Europe in 2025 is a tale of two trends. On one hand, beloved staples like Lisbon, Portugal continue to draw large numbers of remote workers – Lisbon’s sunny climate and lively community keep it a fixture on almost every “best nomad city” list. (Internet speeds of 100–300 Mbps and moderate rents around €1,000/month help too.)

On the other hand, some new European destinations are rising fast. Case in point: Bucharest, Romania saw roughly +27% growth this year , as more nomads discover its mix of low costs, decent Wi-Fi, and hip cafe culture. Romania’s decision to waive taxes for IT contractors and talk of a digital nomad visa likely boosted its appeal.

Further east, Tbilisi, Georgia isn’t new to the nomad circuit (it’s been a favorite for several years), but it’s still growing – about +18% in 2025 – thanks in part to Georgia’s easy visa-free entry and very affordable living. And then there’s the Balkans: cities like Tirana, Albania and Belgrade, Serbia are often mentioned as the “next” hubs in Europe.

Tirana in particular has been getting buzz due to Albania’s unique visa rules (Americans, for example, can stay a full year visa-free, and a new nomad visa is in the works ) plus a safe, friendly reputation. While we don’t have exact check-in stats for Tirana, anecdotal evidence from 2025 travelers suggests a growing nomad scene there – co-working spaces opening up, more international faces in cafes, and so on.

Africa and the Middle East have a few dark-horse contenders as well. Cape Town, South Africa made the fastest-growing list with a +23% uptick. Long loved by adventure seekers, Cape Town offers a stunning setting and English-speaking convenience; now with remote work normalization and South Africa piloting a remote work visa, it’s attracting more long-term visitors despite its distance.

In the Middle East, Dubai has been popular for a while, but interestingly Doha, Qatar spiked in 2025 (over +28%) – possibly a World Cup afterglow and Qatar’s new visa policies making it easier to spend a few months there. These are niche cases but show that even regions once overlooked by digital nomads are now part of the movement.

It’s worth noting that many perennial nomad hubs remain popular even if their growth is more steady than explosive. For example, Mexico City, Mexico is still one of the top-ranked nomad cities globally (Nomad List ranks it around the top 10 in popularity) , though its year-on-year growth has leveled off. Mexico City has a massive established community – especially in neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa – and it continues to offer an attractive combination of culture, food, and relative affordability (rent around €800–1200/month for a nice place).

It’s just that Mexico City is no longer “new” on the scene; it’s a victim of its own success, so to speak, with some nomads now looking for less saturated options. The same could be said of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Chiang Mai was the original digital nomad capital – the “OG” hub that practically invented the nomad lifestyle a decade ago. It still has a huge community and remains a fantastic budget choice (you can live well on $600–1500 a month there).

But growth-wise, Chiang Mai isn’t skyrocketing like it once did; places like Bangkok or other parts of Thailand have drawn some of the crowd, and many veterans have simply been there, done that. So while Chiang Mai, Lisbon, Bali, Medellín and other classics might not top the “fastest growing” charts this year, they are holding strong as reliable favorites.

The takeaway is that the nomad world in 2025 is more diverse than ever. We have cosmopolitan mega-cities (Tokyo, Mexico City, Madrid), chill beach towns (Da Nang, Bali’s Uluwatu, Brazil’s Florianópolis), up-and-coming small capitals (Tirana, Bucharest), and everything in between, all hosting significant remote worker communities. The boom is widespread. But just because a city is trending doesn’t automatically mean it’s your ideal destination. To figure that out, we need to look at what actually makes a place suitable for living and working remotely.

What makes a city work for remote life

Not every beautiful city or cheap town makes a good digital nomad base. The ones that do tend to hit a sweet spot across several practical factors. When evaluating a potential destination, consider the following elements and how they align with your needs:

Affordability

This is often the make-or-break factor, especially for nomads bootstrapping their own businesses or living on freelance income. A city that provides a high quality of life at low cost will always attract remote workers. For example, Southeast Asian hubs like Thailand can offer a comfortable lifestyle for as little as $800–$1500 a month – that covers rent, food, going out, maybe even weekend trips.

In Chiang Mai, $1000 can get you a modern condo, coworking membership, daily restaurant meals, and some fun money left over. Contrast that with Western Europe or North America, where $1000 might barely cover a room in a shared apartment. It’s not surprising many nomads start out in cheaper locales to maximize their financial runway.

Latin America is also generally affordable: in Medellín, Colombia, you might spend €800–€1500 total per month for a very nice setup , which includes rent (often $500 or less for a room or small apartment), groceries, local transport, and leisure. Even big cities like Mexico City are relatively budget-friendly compared to U.S. standards – rents of €800 for a nice one-bedroom in a good area are common.

On the other end, if you go to a place like Tokyo or London, expect costs to jump dramatically. Tokyo is actually not as bad as its reputation (some categories like mobile internet are cheap, which helped it score well in one ranking ), but overall it’s still much pricier than, say, Bangkok. The key is to know your budget and research local prices in advance.

Many nomads use resources like Nomad List or cost-of-living indexes to check if a city’s expenses align with what they can afford. Remember to factor in things beyond rent: coworking fees, daily coffee/lunch, transportation, and any recurring visa costs or health insurance. A city might have cheap apartments but very expensive groceries, for instance. Ideally you want a place where you’re comfortable financially – not pinching pennies every day – so you can enjoy the experience.

Internet and work infrastructure

A paradise island isn’t very heavenly when you can’t get a Wi-Fi signal to send that client presentation. High-speed, reliable internet is absolutely non-negotiable for most digital nomads. The good news is that many of the popular hubs have invested in great connectivity. In Europe, fiber internet is common – Lisbon often clocks between 100 and 300 Mbps in urban areas. Eastern European cities like Prague or Tallinn are similarly blessed with fast networks.

In Asia, certain places known for being nomad-friendly have adapted: Bali, for example, historically had spotty home internet in some parts, but now it features numerous coworking spaces in Ubud and Canggu equipped with 100+ Mbps dedicated lines. You might still get only 20–50 Mbps at a house in a rural part of Bali , but you can always pop into a coworking hub or cafe where speeds are high and stable. Mobile data has also become a savior – many nomads carry local SIM cards or eSIMs with unlimited data plans.

In fact, companies like Holafly even offer eSIM packages that let you stay connected in multiple countries without swapping SIMs. Beyond internet, think about other work infrastructure: Are there comfortable places to work (coworking offices, libraries, cafes with Wi-Fi)? Does the city have a solid power supply (minimal outages)? If you rely on specific gear (say, you need to occasionally print or use a proper monitor), are there coworking spaces or rentals for that?

Also, consider time zone infrastructure – by that I mean, if you need to do late-night calls, is your accommodation in a quiet environment and does the internet hold up 24/7? Many nomads share horror stories of gorgeous locations where the power would cut out for half a day each week. So, a city works for remote life when it has 99% uptime on the essentials: power, internet, workspace, phone signal. It’s easy to take these for granted until you land somewhere that doesn’t have them sorted.

Safety and comfort

Feeling safe is fundamental to enjoying your daily life in a foreign city. This includes both actual safety (crime rates, political stability) and how comfortable you feel as a foreigner. The reality is most popular nomad hubs are reasonably safe – otherwise people wouldn’t keep going there – but there are always caveats. Generally, European and Asian cities have lower violent crime rates; for instance, Bali is known for a low crime rate and Lisbon is widely regarded as very safe for its size.

In Lisbon the main issue is petty theft (pickpockets in tourist areas), but serious crime is rare. Bangkok and much of Thailand are also quite safe for foreigners, with violent crime uncommon (you’ll hear more about scams or the occasional bag theft, but basic street smarts go a long way).

Latin America has more variation: cities like Mexico City or Medellín do have higher crime in certain neighborhoods, yet nomads congregate in the safer districts and report feeling fine there. In Mexico City, areas like Condesa, Roma, and Polanco form a “bubble” where many expats live comfortably – but you do need to learn which parts of town to avoid at night.

It’s similar in Medellín: stay in the well-trodden zones (Poblado, Laureles) and use the same caution you would in any big city, and you’ll likely feel secure. Safety also extends to things like traffic and transportation. Some cities might be safe crime-wise but chaotic to get around (e.g. motorbike-heavy cities can be risky for accidents).

Consider if you’re comfortable driving a scooter or riding on busy roads, or if you prefer somewhere with pedestrian areas and good public transit. Health infrastructure is another comfort factor – knowing there are good hospitals or clinics in case of emergency can bring peace of mind, especially for long-term stays. In that respect, capital cities and developed countries obviously have an edge.

For instance, one reason Tokyo topped a recent list for digital nomads was its excellent healthcare and infrastructure scores. Ultimately, a city “works” for you if you feel at ease doing your daily routine there – whether that’s walking to the gym at dawn or taking an evening stroll to get dinner – without constant stress.

Community and social life

Working remotely can be isolating, so the social environment of a city is a big deal. Many nomads specifically choose hubs where they know there’s an existing digital nomad community or expat network. This makes it much easier to make friends, find professional contacts, or simply not feel alone in a new place. Cities that “work” well for nomads often have regular events like weekly meetups, networking nights, skill-sharing workshops, etc.

For example, Medellín’s remote worker community organizes plenty of events and meetups, helping newcomers plug in quickly. In Bali, especially Canggu/Ubud, there are coworking spaces that double as social hubs – you might finish work and join a sunset surfing lesson or a startup pitch night. Even smaller cities like Tbilisi or Chiang Mai have close-knit circles where people run into each other at the same cafes and share info.

On the flip side, if you go somewhere with hardly any other remote workers, you might enjoy blending in with locals more – but it could also get lonely or harder to form connections. Consider what you prefer: Do you want a ready-made international crowd, or are you seeking more local immersion? Also, look at the language factor – in many of the popular hubs, English is the lingua franca among nomads, and often locals (especially younger and service industry folks) speak enough English to get by.

But if you go off the beaten path, you may need some of the local language to connect. A city with a lot of international residents will typically have more English-friendly infrastructure (menus in English, etc.). Coworking spaces are a big part of building community too – they’re not just about desk space, they host events and create a sense of belonging.

A city with multiple coworking options (like Bangkok, which has dozens ) signals an active professional community. Even something like a WhatsApp group or Facebook group for expats/nomads is a useful indicator of community. Before going somewhere, many people join these groups to ask questions – if such groups are active and helpful, that’s a good sign that the community is thriving.

Lifestyle and amenities

Beyond work, think about the day-to-day lifestyle a city offers. Climate is a big one – do you thrive in tropical heat, or do you prefer mild weather? For instance, Medellín’s “eternal spring” climate (mid-20s °C year-round) is a huge draw for those who dislike extreme heat or cold. Meanwhile, if you love summer beach vibes, a place like Antalya, Turkey with hot, dry summers might delight you (it basically delivered the postcard coastal life many remote workers dream of, according to one 2025 review).

Some people want the buzz of a 24/7 metropolis with concerts, restaurants, and co-working at all hours – they’ll fit right into big cities like Bangkok or Mexico City, where you can find a midnight street food feast or a coworking space that’s open late. Others might find all that stimulation exhausting and do better in a quieter environment where nights are peaceful.

The pace of life is a very personal preference: for every nomad who relishes New York or Tokyo, there’s another who finds their groove in laid-back places like Chiang Mai or Koh Phangan. Neither is “better” – it depends on your energy and routine. Also consider specific interests: If you’re a nature lover or surfer, you might prioritize being near mountains or ocean.

If you’re a history and culture buff, maybe an old European city with museums and theaters is more your style. Transportation and walkability fall under lifestyle too. Some nomads insist on not needing a car or motorbike – they want a city where they can walk or take public transit everywhere (cities like Prague or Madrid score great here, with extensive public transport and pedestrian centers ).

Others don’t mind riding a scooter through Bali’s chaotic traffic if it means living by the beach. It’s important to be realistic with yourself: a place might look gorgeous in photos, but would you truly enjoy living there for months? For example, many romanticize remote tropical islands, but day-to-day life there can mean limited shopping, few healthcare facilities, maybe unstable internet – paradise for some, frustrating for others.

On the contrary, a city like Tirana, Albania might not be on many bucket lists for sights, but some remote workers love it precisely because it’s easy and relaxed. One nomad who spent time there noted that Tirana has “enough to do without being overwhelming” and actually found the limited tourist attractions a plus – it made for a more relaxing routine without FOMO (fear of missing out) while working.

This highlights that lifestyle fit matters greatly: two cities can both be top nomad destinations, yet feel totally different in daily rhythm and culture. Ideally, you want a place where the lifestyle not only excites you but also supports your work habits and well-being.

The best nomad hubs tend to check most of these boxes, but the weighting will differ for each person.

Visas and long-stay options that shape nomad choices

One practical aspect that heavily influences where digital nomads go is visa policy. After all, it’s hard to enjoy a “nomad life” in a place if you can only legally stay for 30 days or if you have to constantly worry about visa runs. In recent years, countries have recognized the value of attracting remote workers and have introduced special visas to accommodate them.

As of 2025, more than 60 countries offer some form of digital nomad visa or long-term remote work permit – a huge increase from just a handful of programs a few years back. These visas typically allow stays of 6 to 12 months (often renewable) and require proof of a stable remote income and health insurance.

For example, Portugal launched a digital nomad visa (the D8 temporary stay visa) that lets you live and work in Portugal for one year, with the possibility to extend up to five years and even pursue residency afterward. It requires showing a monthly income of around €2,800 (about $3,000).

Spain has a similar program under its Startup Act, and Italy rolled out a new nomad visa in 2024 focusing on highly skilled workers. In the Americas, countries like Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica either have dedicated nomad visas or offer existing residence permits that nomads can use. Mexico is an interesting case – it doesn’t have a visa explicitly called “digital nomad visa,” yet its Temporary Resident visa functions very much like one for remote workers.

It allows up to a 1-year stay (renewable) in Mexico if you can demonstrate an income of roughly $2,000/month or a certain amount of savings. Many nomads have taken this route to stay long-term in Mexico rather than doing the standard 6-month tourist entry and then a visa run. Brazil has an official digital nomad visa that’s relatively straightforward (around $1,500 income requirement). Colombia introduced one recently too, aiming to bring freelancers to cities like Medellín or Bogotá.

In Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, several countries stand out for their exceptionally easy entry. Georgia, for instance, basically said “you’re all welcome” back in 2020 with its Remotely from Georgia program. Even now, it offers visa-free stays up to 360 days for citizens of many countries – effectively a one-year nomad visa that doesn’t even require paperwork for most nationalities.

This, along with Georgia’s low cost of living, is why Tbilisi became a nomad hub: you can arrive and settle for months without any red tape. Albania (which is not in the Schengen Zone) similarly allows Americans a one-year stay visa-free , and Europeans can spend 90 days there easily. These generous policies make such countries very attractive as bases, especially for those who want to avoid the stricter time limits of the EU’s Schengen Area. Not having to deal with a formal visa application is a huge relief for many nomads.

On the flip side, some otherwise appealing countries have shorter tourist stays or tricky visa conditions, which can deter nomads. For example, Thailand has long been a favorite, and while it provides 30-60 day tourist visas easily (and now offers a longer-term 10-year remote work visa for those who qualify), the typical scenario used to involve doing a “visa run” every few months.

That’s changing with new options like the Thailand LTR (Long Term Resident) visa for remote professionals , but many still navigate a patchwork of extensions. Indonesia (Bali) is similar – tourist visas can be extended to 60 days, and there were announcements of a digital nomad visa (and they have a second home visa for five years if you invest, etc.), but a lot of nomads in Bali still use business visas or do periodic trips out to renew. The bureaucratic hassle doesn’t stop everyone (as evidenced by Bali’s enduring popularity), but it can influence how long people choose to stay.

Visa rules also shape regional movements. Consider Europe: the Schengen Area’s 90-days-in-180-days rule means if you’re not an EU resident, you can only spend three months in total across countries like Spain, Portugal, Germany, etc., then you must leave for three months. So nomads often do a “Schengen shuffle” – spending three months in, say, Lisbon and Barcelona, then relocating to a non-Schengen country like Croatia (until recently non-Schengen), Georgia, or Turkey to reset the clock.

However, with more European countries launching their own nomad visas, one can also apply and stick to one place for a year. Croatia offered a one-year digital nomad visa (no income tax for that year) which attracted remote workers to Zagreb and the Dalmatian coast. Estonia was a pioneer with its nomad visa, albeit with strict income requirements. Germany has the freelancer “Freiberufler” visa in cities like Berlin, which some nomads use (though it requires local clients).

For a digital nomad deciding on a hub, these visa considerations are critical: Can I stay long enough in this city to make it worthwhile? How easy or hard is it to get permission to live there? The difference between a 30-day stamp and a 1-year visa can completely change your experience.

Short stays favor fast travel and hopping around, which can be fun but tiring; long stays allow you to settle, which can be more productive and immersive. Many nomads strike a balance by mixing regions – for instance, spend 3 months in Europe (maxing out tourist visa), then 6 months in Latin America (where many countries allow 90 to 180 days tourist entry, and visas are easier), etc.

It’s also worth noting the financial requirements of visas vary widely. Some visas are very accessible – e.g. Mexico’s $2k/month income requirement , Colombia’s around $800/month, or Albania’s rumored low threshold around $9,800 per year. Others cater to high earners – the UAE’s remote work visa demands about $3,500/month income, and South Africa’s proposed digital nomad visa requires earning $37,000 per year , which is quite high for many freelancers.

These differences mean that depending on your work situation, certain countries might be off the table unless you can meet the criteria. Always check the latest rules on official government sites or reliable resources, because visa programs can change (some are introduced as temporary pilots).

Finally, keep in mind that nomad visas typically forbid you from taking local jobs – they expect you to work remotely for an employer or business elsewhere. They also often require health insurance and proof you can support yourself. They are not a pathway to citizenship (with a few exceptions like Portugal if you stay long enough). Essentially, they are designed to let you live in the country and spend money there without competing in the local labor market. For most digital nomads, that’s perfectly fine.

When choosing a city, be realistic about the visa situation. If you fall in love with a place where you can only stay a month, have a plan for what’s next – can you extend, hop to a neighbor country, or will you apply for a long-term visa? Some nomads love the challenge and variety of moving around on tourist visas, while others prefer the stability of securing a 6-12 month permit in one country.

Neither approach is wrong, but your preference might steer you toward certain hubs over others. The good news is, as of late 2025, governments from Europe to Asia to the Caribbean are welcoming remote workers like never before. The door is open – once you handle the paperwork, that is.

How lifestyle affects your ideal base

We’ve talked about external factors of cities, but now let’s turn the lens toward you, the individual. One of the most exciting (and challenging) parts of being a digital nomad is that you have the freedom to design your lifestyle – and where you live will directly shape that lifestyle. Different cities can enable or constrain different rhythms and habits. So it’s crucial to understand your own preferences and how a location will mesh with them.

Consider your daily routine and energy levels. Are you an early riser who loves quiet mornings and outdoor exercise? If so, a chaotic city that never sleeps might wear you down, whereas a calm place with jogging paths or beaches could be perfect.

On the other hand, if you come alive at night and crave a buzzing social scene after work, you’ll want a city with plenty of nightlife and people out late. For instance, Bangkok’s fast-paced, 24-hour lifestyle can be thrilling for night owls – it’s easy to find midnight street food or meet entrepreneurs at a late-night coworking session. In contrast, smaller towns might go quiet by 9 or 10pm, which is paradise for some and boring for others.

Think about social interaction: do you recharge by meeting lots of new people, or by having solitude? A big hub like Mexico City or London will offer endless networking opportunities, meetups, new faces – you can continuously make new friends or dating connections, etc. This is great for extroverts or those seeking professional networking.

But it can also feel overwhelming or impersonal to some. Meanwhile, a mid-sized city or tight-knit community like Chiang Mai might give you a balance of familiarity and social life – you start running into the same folks at your favorite cafe, which can feel comforting and homey.

Some nomads report that Chiang Mai’s friendly, village-like community vibe was ideal for their social needs: it’s easy to strike up conversations and everyone seems to be open to connecting, but it’s not a huge anonymous metropolis. Your ideal might be an environment where “everybody knows your name,” or it might be one where you meet new people every week – identify which energizes you more.

Your work style and schedule is another big one. If you’re working a 9-to-5 job synchronized with a company back home, time zone will greatly affect your lifestyle. For example, many Americans working remotely choose Latin America (or at least the Western Hemisphere) so they can work normal hours.

If that same person bases in Southeast Asia, they might have to work through the night or very early morning to align with U.S. time – which could mean sleeping odd hours, missing out on daytime activities, etc. Some people are fine with that trade-off, others hate it. Similarly, Europeans working a EU schedule might find Asia tricky but Latin America doable (it’ll be early starts, but you get afternoons free). Conversely, if you have flexibility or clients all over, time zone may not matter.

But do reflect on when you like to work: Are you sharpest in the mornings? Then you probably want your work day to be in the morning local time. That might rule out being on the opposite side of the world from your team. If you’re a freelancer who sets your own hours, you have more adaptability – yet you may still want to consider how the local culture aligns.

For instance, in some countries people take long lunch breaks or businesses close in the afternoon (siesta time), which could affect your flow if you need cafes open at 2pm. Or if you do a lot of video calls, you’ll care about having quiet surroundings during those calls – living in the heart of a busy market street might not be ideal in that case.

Personal interests and hobbies should guide you too. One person’s dream of spending weekends hiking volcanoes and surfing implies certain locations (maybe Bali, Costa Rica, Cape Town), whereas another person’s ideal of attending gallery openings and techno clubs points to different places (Berlin, Seoul, Montréal perhaps).

If you’re a foodie, you might prioritize cities known for great cuisine (Mexico City’s tacos, Bologna’s pasta, Tokyo’s sushi – you get the idea). If you need nature close by to stay sane, check if the city has parks or is a short ride from mountains or sea.

Some popular hubs offer an interesting mix: Lisbon, for example, is a capital city with rich culture but also near beaches and has surfing spots within 30 minutes. Cape Town combines urban life with hiking and wildlife in reach. Not every place has that blend, so know what matters more to you day-to-day.

Your tolerance for culture shock and adaptability also come into play. Dropping into a very different culture where you don’t speak the language or understand local norms can be exhilarating for some (they enjoy learning and being out of their comfort zone) but stressful for others. If you’re newer to travel or easily frazzled by uncertainty, you might ease in by choosing places where you share some language or cultural familiarity.

For instance, an English-speaking nomad might find it simpler to adjust to Portugal (lots of English spoken, familiar European dynamics) than to, say, Vietnam initially, which might pose a steeper learning curve with language and logistics. Over time, as you gain confidence, you might push into more exotic locales if you want.

Again, neither is better or worse – it’s about what allows you personally to thrive. Some people do their best work when their surroundings are comfortable and predictable; others get inspired by the novelty of a foreign environment.

Importantly, no city will tick every single box perfectly, and that’s okay. You might have to prioritize. For example, you may find a place that has the perfect climate and community but isn’t very cheap – if you can swing it financially, that could be your gem.

Or you find somewhere ultra affordable and friendly, but the internet is just okay rather than amazing – maybe that trade-off is acceptable for a while. What you want to avoid is going purely by hype or rankings without considering your own lifestyle fit. The “top” city in Nomad List or some index might be awesome on average, but if it doesn’t match who you are, you might not be happy there.

A good practice is to write down your non-negotiables (e.g., “must have fast Wi-Fi and a gym” or “needs to be under $X/month total cost” or “within 3 hours of my home time zone”) and your nice-to-haves (“near the ocean”, “large expat community”, etc.).

Use that as a filter when researching destinations. That way you’re looking for a personal match, not just following the crowd. And don’t be afraid to acknowledge unique things about yourself: for instance, if you know you struggle with procrastination, maybe you want a city with a strong work culture and fewer distractions; if you value dating opportunities, you might lean towards bigger cities with active social scenes; if you travel with a pet, that could eliminate some options or push you toward pet-friendly locales.

The beautiful thing about the nomad era is that there are so many options now – you likely can find a place that suits you almost like a custom fit. It might not be the same place your friend loved or that is trending on YouTube, and that’s perfectly fine. Next, let’s talk about how to systematically approach the decision of choosing a city, bringing together all these considerations.

How to choose a city that fits your own needs

With so many choices and factors to weigh, picking a city to call home (even temporarily) can feel daunting. But it can also be a fun process of self-discovery. Here’s a practical approach to making that decision in a way that increases your chances of finding a great fit:

Start with your priorities. As mentioned, list out what matters most for you in a living environment. Is it cost above all? Specific climate? Being around lots of people? Having certain amenities? There’s no shame in any priority – this is about your life. If reliable Wi-Fi and electricity 24/7 is top of your list because of your job, put that down. If you cannot live without good coffee and a yoga studio, note it. This will help narrow down locations.

For example, if surfing every morning is your dream, focus on coastal hubs; if you want to minimize expenses, focus on regions known for affordability (Southeast Asia, parts of Latin America, Eastern Europe).

Research with the right tools. Utilize resources that aggregate data on cities for remote workers. Nomad List (now part of Nomads.com) is a popular one – it shows user-sourced ratings on cost, internet, fun, safety, etc., for hundreds of cities. It even shows how rankings change in real time.

Other sites and blogs (like the Holafly research we cited or expat forums) can provide deeper dives and personal experiences. As you research, compare what you find to your priority list. You might make a short-list of say 5 cities that seem to align well. For each of those, do a quick check on practical issues:

What’s the visa situation (can you stay long enough, and what’s required)? How much would an apartment cost in a decent area? Are there coworking spaces and social groups? If a place fails one of your non-negotiables, cross it off.

Consider timing and seasonality. The best choice for you might also depend on when you plan to go. Some cities are fantastic in one season and miserable in another (for instance, Chiang Mai is lovely in winter, but has a burning season in spring with air pollution that drives many nomads away; similarly, some islands shut down in monsoon season).

If you hate cold weather, maybe don’t plan for Eastern Europe in January – go in summer when it’s lively. Also, check if there are any major events that could impact your stay (like peak tourism season meaning higher rents, or a festival that draws crowds – could be fun or could drive prices up). Aligning your timeline with when a city is at its best can make a huge difference in your experience.

Try before you commit long-term. If possible, do a trial run. You don’t necessarily know if you’ll love a place until you’re there. So instead of renting an apartment for a year sight unseen, consider booking a month first (or even a week or two in an Airbnb or hotel) to feel it out. Many experienced nomads follow the rule: “travel slow, test fast.”

This means they might visit a new city for a short stint as a test, and if it clicks, they extend their stay or come back for longer. If it doesn’t click, they move on with no hard feelings. For example, you might assume you’ll adore bustling Ho Chi Minh City for its energy, but after a couple weeks you find the constant noise and traffic stressful – better to learn that early than to have signed a 6-month lease.

On the other hand, you might be uncertain about quiet Tbilisi, then discover you love the pace of life there. Many nomads recommend giving a city at least a few weeks (if not a full month) to move beyond the tourist experience into a routine, and then see how you feel about it.

Don’t overweight other people’s “best” lists. It’s great to gather opinions, like “What’s your favorite nomad spot?” from fellow travelers, and to read rankings online. But use those as exploratory tools, not gospel. We’ve seen how one survey crowned Tokyo the top city for digital nomads in 2025 for its infrastructure , while another source deemed Medellín the best due to its balanced lifestyle. Those are both valid in their contexts, but they might not account for what you value.

If a city consistently appears on many lists and checks your boxes, that’s a good sign worth investigating. Just remember that the “#1 city” is subjective. There’s a reason why despite all the top 10 lists out there, nomads are spread across dozens of different cities – different strokes for different folks. So treat lists as suggestions, and read between the lines as to why a place is ranked highly.

Plan for logistics and deal-breakers. Before you make a final choice, run through some practical logistics in your head: How will you get there (long flight? easy train?). Is the time zone manageable for your work? What about healthcare – do you need special medication or treatment that is easier to find in certain places? Also consider if there are any personal deal-breakers.

For example, if you’re LGBTQ+, you’ll want to know the local attitudes and laws; if you have dietary restrictions, check if those can be accommodated in local cuisine; if you rely on public transit, see if the city has it or if everyone drives. These might knock a seemingly great city down your list if it wouldn’t accommodate your lifestyle in practice.

On the flip side, some places may pleasantly surprise you – e.g., more and more nomad hubs have co-living spaces, international grocery stores, English-speaking doctors, etc., which can ease a lot of concerns.

Embrace flexibility. Even after doing all this research and preparation, you might choose a city and find it’s not as expected – and that’s okay. Part of the nomadic ethos is that you’re not stuck. If a place isn’t working out for you, you can move on. It’s not a failure to change plans; it’s learning. Many people end up iterating on their ideal lifestyle by trying different bases.

You might spend 3 months each in 4 different places over a year, then decide which one you liked best to return to. Or you might enjoy the variety and keep rotating. The important thing is to reflect on why a place felt right or wrong. Maybe you loved the social life in City A but it was too expensive, while City B was affordable but you felt lonely – that might lead you to search for a City C that has a mid-sized community and mid-range cost as the compromise.

Listen to both head and heart. Use data and logic (your budget, the stats on internet speeds, etc.) to narrow down choices that make sense on paper. But also listen to your gut feelings. Sometimes a place just “calls” to you or aligns with a personal interest you have (like being fascinated by Japanese culture or loving salsa music and thus being drawn to Latin cities).

Those passions can fuel a great experience abroad. Just ensure the practical side can support it – e.g., if you have always dreamed of living in a small Tuscan town for the romance of it, that’s wonderful, but check that you can get a reliable internet connection in that hilltop village and a visa to stay longer than 90 days in Italy. If you can make it work, then go for what inspires you.

Ultimately, choosing a city is about self-knowledge as much as destination knowledge. The more you understand your work needs and lifestyle preferences, the easier it becomes to sift through the countless options and find a handful that feel right.

And remember, you’re not married to your choice forever. Part of the journey is exploring and maybe finding that your needs evolve over time. The city that fits you perfectly in 2025 might be different from the one in 2027, and that’s part of the growth process. Next, to wrap up, let’s address some frequently asked questions about nomad life and choosing destinations, then conclude with a final reflection.

The Takeaway

Choosing your base as a digital nomad is a deeply personal decision – and one of the most important ones you’ll make for your remote lifestyle. The rapid rise of new nomad hubs in 2025 shows that there is no single “perfect” city for everyone. Each destination has its own flavor, advantages, and challenges. The exciting part is that with remote work, you truly have the freedom to find a place that aligns with who you are and how you want to live.

It’s worth repeating: the best digital nomad city is the one that best fits your life, not necessarily the one topping trend lists. Trendy hubs will come and go. Today it might be Mexico City and Da Nang on the upswing; a couple of years from now it could be Nairobi or Belfast or who-knows-where gaining traction.

Staying informed about these trends is useful – it might introduce you to a gem you hadn’t considered – but don’t let FOMO drive your decisions. It’s not about chasing the hype of “the next big nomad scene” if that scene won’t make you happy day-to-day.

Instead, use the information and insights out there (including this guide) to make a thoughtful choice. Maybe you’ll pick a city that is indeed one of the fastest-growing nomad hubs, because it ticks your boxes – great! Or maybe your ideal spot is a quieter place that isn’t getting headline buzz but suits you perfectly. That’s great too, because success as a digital nomad isn’t measured by how trendy your location is, but by how well you can live and work there successfully.

Remember that planning is part of the process, but so is adaptability. You might plan on one city and end up pivoting to another, and that flexibility is one of the strengths of the nomadic lifestyle. Every destination will teach you something about your preferences.

Perhaps you discover you actually crave a bit more routine and end up returning to a favorite spot regularly. Or perhaps you fall in love with the very act of moving and exploring new cultures, constantly refining what “home” means to you. There’s no wrong way to do it, as long as you respect local communities and take care of your responsibilities.

As we conclude 2025 and look ahead, the world is more open than ever to remote workers. Cities across the globe are actively welcoming nomads, creating visas, building coworking spaces, fostering communities. It’s an exciting time to be a remote professional with a wanderlust.

FAQ

Q1. How long should I try a city before committing?
Aim for at least a few weeks, ideally a full month. Most nomads say three to six months is the sweet spot for assessing lifestyle, productivity, and long-term fit. A short test visit can also help identify red flags before committing.

Q2. Are digital nomad hubs safe?
Generally yes. Popular hubs tend to have safe neighborhoods with lots of expats and remote workers. Normal precautions still apply. Research recommended areas, follow local advice, and start in well-known expat-friendly districts.

Q3. Do hub rankings change quickly?
Yes. Rankings shift every year as new visas launch, destinations reopen, or trends change. Cities can rise or fall fast based on cost, safety, infrastructure, or sudden popularity sparked by social media. Always check recent data.

Q4. Is it better to start in a cheap hub or a more developed one?
It depends on your comfort level and budget. Affordable hubs like Chiang Mai or Medellin are great for beginners due to strong communities and low costs. Developed cities offer smoother transitions but higher expenses. Middle-ground options like Lisbon or Prague balance both.

Q5. Are co-working spaces necessary?
Not required, but often helpful. They provide dependable work setups, structure, networking, and community. Many nomads alternate between coworking spaces, home offices, and cafes depending on their needs and budget.

Q6. How do nomads make friends in new cities?
Common methods include coworking spaces, cafes, meetups, language exchanges, hobby classes, coliving spaces, and online groups. Nomad hubs are friendly, and people are usually open to meeting newcomers.

Q7. Should I choose neighborhoods or entire cities based on cost of living?
Yes. Costs vary dramatically by area. In many cities, choosing the right neighborhood can cut expenses while still offering safety and strong infrastructure. Research local cost-of-living maps before booking long stays.

Q8. How do I avoid burnout while traveling often?
Slow down. Stay longer in each location, build routines, take rest days, and maintain healthy work habits. Travel fatigue is common when moving too quickly.

Q9. What is the biggest challenge nomads underestimate?
Loneliness and inconsistency. Constant movement can make relationships and routines difficult. Many nomads solve this by returning to familiar hubs each year or staying longer in fewer destinations.

Q10. What mindset helps most when choosing a nomad destination?
Stay flexible. Expect trial and error, focus on personal comfort, and choose places that support your productivity and wellbeing rather than chasing trends.

Research Notes

To understand where digital nomads are heading in 2025, I focused on a mix of trend analysis and destination-specific insights. Travelscrape’s overview of global digital nomad trends provided a helpful foundation, especially the shift toward countries like Mexico, Portugal, and Georgia where long stays, stable internet, and flexible visa rules make remote life easier. To see how these trends translate into real movement, I compared them with live location data from Nomads.com, which tracks spikes in check-ins across cities like Da Nang, Medellín, Bucharest, and Chiang Mai.

For a closer look at individual destinations, Holafly’s digital nomad city guides offered practical details on internet quality and cost of living, particularly in places like Lisbon and Mexico City where nomad communities continue to grow. Additional context from Nomad Cloud helped round out the picture with on-the-ground experiences from long-time hubs such as Chiang Mai, including typical monthly budgets and what daily life looks like for remote workers.

Together, these sources helped highlight not only where digital nomads are going, but why certain cities continue to rise faster than others.