The cost of living, access to coworking spaces and leisure, as well as hospitality and diversity, are only some of the key criteria to consider if you're considering remote working. Expat.com gives you an insight into the topmost destinations for digital nomads according to a survey carried out by Hometogo.
Bali
Culturally rich and diverse, Bali has been attracting digital nomads in large numbers over the past few years. As part of the Indonesian archipelago, Bali offers a range of benefits for remote work, including a low cost of living compared to many international cities. For example, life in Bali is at least thirteen times cheaper than in San Francisco. The city offers a wide selection of accommodation, mainly houses with a garden, and sometimes even a swimming pool. It's also quite easy to find a flat in the city center for around €166,60 per month. Coworking spaces are available for a membership free of € 76 per month. Needless to say that Bali offers a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, restaurants and nightclubs. For surfers, Uluwatu is an undisputable meeting spot every Sunday evening.
Penang
Located on the Northwestern coast of Malaysia, Penang is an amazing blend of ancient Asian cultures and modernity. That should be great news if discovering new cultures is something you have been looking forward to. Penang is a cosmopolitan area that has been attracting digital nomads, especially for its low cost of living. With less than € 300 per month, you can have access to a range of leisure activities, eat out, or have a drink with your friends and even enjoy spas and wellness activities. On top of that, you need only about € 14,72 per month for your grocery shopping! Coworking membership fees rarely exceed € 30. Regarding accommodation, you can easily find a single bedroom flat for rent in the city center for around € 206,30 per month.
Gran Canaria
World famous for its beautiful white and black sand beaches, Gran Canaria is part of the Canary Islands, located South-west of Morocco. Gran Canaria especially stands out for its legendary hospitality. Las Palmas, the capital city, is the ideal starting point if you want to see more of the island's amazing architecture, including colonial buildings and houses. While Gran Canaria's inlands are rather mountainous interspersed with lush green plains and fields, coastal areas can boast about their relaxed atmosphere along with the presence of pleasure crafts and cruise ships like in Las Palmas. You can also choose from a wide range of water sports during your free time. Gran Canaria also provides many coworking spaces, even though membership fees can be quite high. When it comes to accommodation, you can choose from a variety of houses, villas, and flats that are surrounded by greenery and parks.
Buenos Aires
Nicknamed the "capital of Tango", Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan metropolis that needs no introduction. Buenos Aires can be a very pleasant destination for digital nomads thanks to its warm and friendly population. For the curious ones, the capital city is the ideal starting point to discover more of the country's history and culture depicted by not less than 580 museums and monuments, including the Teatro Colón which is a huge opera house that opened in 1908. At first, you may feel a bit lost in the heart of the concrete jungle. However, it won't take long before you are seduced by its beautiful architecture with French and Italian influences. Dubbed the City that never sleeps, Buenos Aires also offers a vibrant nightlife with many bars, pubs, and nightclubs that are usually open till dawn. Nature lovers will be delighted to find some forty parks, as well as spas and wellness activities for all tastes. While the cost of living in Buenos Aires remains affordable, membership fees for coworking spaces can reach up to € 118 per month.
Singapore
Several international reports describe Singapore as being one of the most expensive cities in the world for expats. However, the city-State has great cultural diversity, not to mention an artistic scene and delicious cuisine. Singapore is in fact one of the world's most culturally diverse cities with a warm and welcoming population comprising more than 45% of foreign born people. English, Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay are its four official languages. To digital nomads, Singapore offers a wide range of modern coworking spaces and accommodation including brand new flats and colonial houses. Foodies will enjoy an exotic cuisine with specialities such as spiced noodle soup and fried rice. If you're passionate about culture, you will be delighted by the streets where gigantic skyscrapers blend with street art.
Auckland
According to the Mercer quality of life survey, Auckland was the world's third most pleasant city for expats in 2017. This may be one of the reasons why Auckland has been attracting so many digital nomads over the past years in spite of its high cost of living. The city stands out in terms of hospitality and cultural diversity. Located on the Northern Island, Auckland is the largest urban area in New Zealand with a population of over 1.5 million people including Polynesians and expatriates from around the world. Auckland is also a top destination for coworking, providing modern and pleasant office spaces even though membership fees can be quite high. For those looking to launch their start up in New Zealand, Auckland has an attractive technology scene.
Melbourne
As the second biggest city in Australia, Melbourne is one of the world's most attractive cities for digital nomads with its cosmopolitan population. Nicknamed the "Australian capital of fashion and culture", Melbourne offers a Western atmosphere you won't find hard to adapt to. In fact, more than twenty eight per cent of the Australian population is of foreign origin, including British, Italians, Greek, Chinese, Indian and Malaysian expats. In recent years, Melbourne has also become a top destination for foreign entrepreneurs, offering a wide range of modern and design coworking spaces. Like most major Australian cities, Melbourne is expensive for sure, but you're more likely to be captivated by its natural diversity alongside its impressive skyscrapers and colonial architecture. Melbourne is a city where you will enjoy an unparalleled quality of life paired with a festive atmosphere all year round thanks to its cafes, restaurants, bars, etc.
Playa del Carmen
Located in Quintana Roo, Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a trendy beach resort that has been attracting digital nomads in large number over the past few years. World famous for its beautiful beaches lined with palm trees and surrounded by magnificent coral reefs, Playa del Carmen offers a vibrant nightlife thanks to the presence of multiple bars, restaurants, and clubs. Once a fishing village, Playa del Carmen has turned into a modern and dynamic city from which you can see more of the region's beautiful flora and marine flora.
