Best Cities for Remote Workers: 6 Key Considerations Before You Move

How we work has changed a lot, offering exciting new ways to work and even where to work. Digital nomads, much like yourself, now have the freedom to work remotely, leveraging the vast reach of the internet.

If you’re a digital nomad contemplating a change of scenery, this guide shares some of the world’s best cities for remote workers. But before you pack your bags, take a moment to read our insightful tips.

Ready to Relocate? 6 Handy Tips for Remote Workers

1. Cost of Living

Before making the leap, get a solid grip on the cost of living in your prospective city. Beyond rent, factor in expenses like groceries, transportation, and utilities. A city might be a dream, but it’s crucial to ensure it aligns with your budget and won’t leave you counting pennies. Nomadlist, usually gives a great estimate of living costs around the world.

2. Internet Connectivity

A solid internet connection is a must-have for successful remote work. Explore the local internet infrastructure and providers in your potential city. With reliable, high-speed internet, you can stay connected hassle-free, boosting your productivity in your remote endeavors.

3. Healthcare Facilities and Insurance

Don’t forget about your health when gearing up for a move to a new city or country for remote work opportunities. It’s crucial to have easy access to quality healthcare, and sorting out insurance is a key part of the plan. Take time to understand the local healthcare system and look into insurance options that suit your unique needs.

One option definitely worth checking out is SafetyWing; they have plans designed specifically for digital nomads and remote teams. Making sure you’re covered means you can focus on your work without worrying about unexpected health issues.

4. Safety and Security

Take the time to research the security aspects of the city you’re eyeing. What is the crime rate, and what overall safety measures are in place? Consider the availability and efficiency of emergency services. Prioritizing your safety is crucial because feeling secure in your environment contributes to a positive and stress-free remote work experience.

5. Local Commute and Transportation

Think about how you’ll get around in your potential new city. Public transit could be a good option, but is it easy to use and reliable? If you like flexibility, check car rental options and whether parking is a breeze or bike-sharing is available. Getting around should be easy peasy for stress-free remote work.

6. Cultural Fit and Community

Beyond practicalities, you want to boost your sense of belonging and comfort in whatever city you choose as a remote employee. That’s why it’s super important to assess the cultural fit and community vibe of the city before heading out.

Find out the general vibe and values, and explore its community spirit. A city that resonates with your lifestyle and aligns with your preferences enhances your overall remote work experience.

Best Cities for Remote Workers

WorkMotion, a global HR platform, recently studied 80 cities worldwide to see which ones are great for remote work. The study looked at factors like how easy it is to work there remotely, the cost of living, safety, and how much people enjoy living there.

Here are 5 cities that should be on your radar if you’re a remote worker considering relocating.

1. Las Palmas, Spain

Tucked in the lively Canary Islands, Las Palmas welcomes remote workers with its special charm and practical benefits. The city is great for remote workers because the weather is always nice, there are many different cultural activities to enjoy, and the people are friendly. It’s a perfect mix of getting work done and having a good time.

Here’s why this city deserves a spot on your radar and nomad list:

Visa: No specific remote work visa
Climate: Warm climate
Average cost of living: Approximately $1,246 per month (covering housing, utilities, and other expenses) for a single person
Average internet speed: Download speed of 166.66 Mbps and upload speed of 101.88 Mbps
Commuting: Low and affordable cost, high-quality public transportation and accessible parking
Safety: Completely safe

For an affordable and collaborative stay in Las Palmas, check out The Artisans’ coworking/coliving space.

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a top choice for digital nomads seeking a great place for working remotely. Set on a river bay, this charming city is known for its steep hills where you can ride iconic trams up and down, and there’s amazing old architecture at every turn.

The city and its residents offer a friendly and welcoming culture, creating an atmosphere that’s both inviting and affordable, even for a bustling metropolis.

Here is why the capital city of Portugal ranks among the best cities for remote workers:

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa (D8 visa)
Climate: Mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers
Average cost of living: Approximately $780 per month (without rent) for a single person
Average internet speed: Download speed of 109.99 Mbps and upload speed of 35.68 Mbps
Commuting: Affordable cost and efficient public transportation system
Safety: Completely safe

Keep in mind that Lisbon isn’t right on the beach. If Portugal seems like the right fit for you, but you’d prefer a place to work remotely right by the beach, you might want to explore other places like Baleal in Peniche, São Miguel in Azores, or Sines in Alentejo.

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro calls on digital nomads with its lively vibe, affordability, and upgraded infrastructure. Here, you get to enjoy a balanced work-life environment with city amenities, beaches, hikes, and more. Rio has citywide 5G coverage and many coffee spots, creating a cozy expat community vibe.

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV)
Climate: Tropical savanna climate, with hot, humid summers and warm, sunny winters
Average cost of living: Approximately $670 per month (excluding rent) for a single person
Average internet speed: Download speed of 157.85 Mbps and upload speed of 54.1 Mbps
Commuting: Relatively affordable public transport, but parking can be challenging
Safety: Generally safe

4. San Jose, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, offers a vibrant metropolis with colonial and modern architecture, coworking spaces, and cafes for remote workers. Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Law allows stays of up to 12 months, making it an appealing destination for play and remote work opportunities in a culturally rich city.

Visa: Digital Nomad Visa
Climate: Tropical climate, humid in the wet season, partly cloudy and warm year-round
Average cost of living: Approximately $1,920 per month (excluding rent) for a single person
Average internet speed: Download speed of 102 Mbps and upload speed of 35 Mbps
Commuting: Affordable public transportation, but narrow streets and traffic congestion can cause delays
Safety: Relatively safe

5. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, the Aussie gem, is a cultural mosaic that blends flavors from every corner of the globe. No surprise, it’s a top choice for those seeking to live and work remotely with a touch of flair.

Choosing a seaside suburb like St Kilda for your stay gives you easy access to beautiful beaches and popular attractions such as St Kilda Pier and Luna Park.

Sure, it’s the second priciest city Down Under, but Melbourne’s perks make every penny count. Here, you’ll find lively streets adorned with vibrant art, tunes resonating through the air, and a world of international street eats ― a distinctive charm of this captivating city.

Check out why Melbourne ranks high among the best cities for remote workers:

Visa: Working Holiday Visa or eVisitor Visa
Climate: Mild, temperate climate with warm summers, cool winters, and sunny springs
Average cost of living: Approximately $1,227 per month (excluding rent) for a single person
Average internet speed: Download speed of 51.91 Mbps and upload speed of 17.94 Mbps
Commuting: Affordable and efficient public transportation system, though parking can be difficult and expensive
Safety: Very safe, consistently ranking among the top 10 safest cities globally

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