The 17 Best Digital Nomad Destinations: Balancing Work & Travel in 2023

It's the year 2023, and due to a certain recent 'once in a 100 year' pandemic, the way we work, live, and travel has changed - forever. Interestingly, these may also be golden days for remote workers seeking to combine work, life, and travel in one inviting global package.

We've done a deep dive into the world's best digital nomad destinations, where the cost of living is low, the vibes are high, like-minded people are plenty, and, importantly, the internet is fast and the connection is reliable.

So, where is the cheapest place to be a successful digital nomad? What's the hottest destination for the digital nomad community right now, you ask? Read on to find out where you could be living the remote work dream!

This vibrant region is filled with oodles of low-cost digital nomad hotspots. Check out the best cities for digital nomads in Southeast Asia – where remote work comes at an affordable cost with the added bonus of incredible food, sensational weather, and rich culture at your fingertips.

If you're the kind of free-spirited digital nomad who likes to feel the sand between their toes, catch some waves, then grab a barista made flat white, you'll feel right at home in Canggu, often ranked as a top location on Nomadlist.com.

Monthly cost of living: R 31 402.74
Average internet speed: Fast (34Mbps)
Biggest pros: Fun and safe place to be with great weather and lots of co-working spaces.
Biggest cons: Access to healthcare is limited, roads can be dangerous, and it can feel a little crowded

Less than 30 kilometres from Canggu, you'll trade the ocean for more zen nature vibes in Ubud, where nomads who also consider 'yogi' one of their official monikers flock to for that work-life-namaste-balance.

Monthly cost of living: R 29 555.52
Average internet speed: Fast (18 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Spacious, safe, and warm all year round
Biggest cons: Access to healthcare is limited, roads can be dangerous

A very reasonable cost of living in an energetic city with a love of food – those with an insatiable appetite for culture and cuisine should head to Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can seek out coworking spaces to rub shoulders with other digital nomads and experience urban living in one of Asia's most bustling cities.

Monthly cost of living: R 20 319.42
Average internet speed: Okay (8Mbps)
Biggest pros: Easy to do business and make friends, lots of fun things to do
Biggest cons: English speaking can be a challenge, roads can be hectic and internet speed could be faster

This Northern Thailand outpost has long been a digital nomad hub – with a low cost of living, decent internet, plenty to explore by day, and more than one busy night market to devour by night – Chiang Mai makes living and working in Asia the dream. Experience a slower pace of life in Thailand's north, and also a good base to explore the neighbouring country of Laos.

Monthly cost of living: R 18 472.20
Average internet speed: Fast (28 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Great location year-round, safe, family-friendly
Biggest cons: English speaking can be a challenge, not much in the way of nightlife compared to other Asian cities

Other Southeast Asia destinations that many digital nomads love include Thailand's capital city Bangkok and the southeast island of Ko Pha Ngan (also famous for its monthly Full Moon Party). Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Vietnam's northern outpost of Hanoi also rank highly in the top cities for digital nomads.

If East Asia is more your vibe, Hong Kong has long been a top expat and digital nomad destination. Keen to visit South Korea? Get a taste of the digital nomad lifestyle in Seoul or Busan – two digital nomad destinations on the rise.

Swing a little further South and discover India's digital nomad scene – with Bengaluru (aka Bangalore) proving to be a popular digital nomad destination and the centre of India's tech industry. Just remember it can get extremely hot in the summer.

This vast continent is filled with dramatic landscapes, endless coastlines, and some very idyllic digital nomad cities to call home, even if just for a while. Not to mention world-famous street food, fascinating history, and a calendar full of cultural events. If you're looking for digital nomad experience that takes you off the beaten path where you can immerse yourself in a completely different culture all while having access to the global highway that the digital nomad lifestyle affords, South America might just be your digital nomad match.

Love Mexican food? That's more than enough reason to set up as a remote worker in Mexico City. Plus there's a heck of a lot of art, culture, and history to devour too. Here in Mexico's largest city, you're likely to meet some welcoming locals and connect with an active digital nomad community.

Monthly cost of living: R 35 097.18
Average internet speed: Fast (21 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Warm year-round, lots of fun (and food!), easy to do business
Biggest cons: Safety can be a concern, and it's a crowded city

Not the top of the digital nomad destination hit list, but hear Lima out, the capital city of Peru is well connected for direct flights to the USA and cheap flights to various locations around South America. A handy surprise to know there are dozens of world-class restaurants to get a taste of Peruvian cuisine. This vibrant city has a rich history, modern amenities, and a growing digital nomad movement.

Monthly cost of living: R 24 013.86
Average internet speed: Slow (4 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Pretty safe, lots to do, and warm year round
Biggest cons: Internet could be faster, access to healthcare

Laid-back surfer types flock to Santa Teresa as an ideal place to commune with nature, make new friends and do business from a chilled-out cafe or co-working space by the beach. There's no tax here on foreign income, and, if you've always wanted to learn Spanish, it's a great place to immerse yourself in the local language.

Monthly cost of living: R 68 347.14
Average internet speed: Fast (39 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Awesome reliable internet connection, warm year-round
Biggest cons: Safety can be a concern, and it's not as cheap as other South American destinations

They don't sing songs about Rio for nothing, this famous city where the mountains meet the sea is nothing short of breathtaking. Beach lovers will find plenty of places to plonk down and get some work done before sipping on a caipirinha and joining a game of beach volleyball on Copacabana Beach.

Monthly cost of living: R 27 708.30
Average internet speed: Slow (4 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Warm year-round, easy to make friends, and lots of fun things to do
Biggest cons: Average internet can be slow, but faster connections are available, roads can be dangerous and English speaking can be a challenge

If all you know of Medellín is that is once the home of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, you can rest assured the city has left its sketchy past behind and is a great place to go digital. Particularly the El Poblado neighbourhood, where you'll find plenty of coworking spaces and cool cafes to work remotely. Then, at sundown, put your dancing shoes on for some lively salsa and world-class restaurants.

Monthly cost of living: R 25 861.08
Average internet speed: Slow (4 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Cheap, easy to get around, warm year-round, surrounded by lush nature
Biggest cons: English speaking can be a challenge, and the internet can be slow, but faster connections are available

The capital of Argentina has a lot going for it. It can feel like a bustling European city with its beautiful architecture, numerous cultural institutions, and picturesque bikeways to cycle around, but the city also has a distinctive Latin flair and a love for food that will certainly make your stay a tasty one. Plus, if getting outdoors is on your to-do list, Argentina neighours the famous wilds of Patagonia, or check out Argentina's own stunning Iguazú Falls or picturesque Mendoza wine country.

Monthly cost of living: R 29 555.52
Average internet speed: Fast (23 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Like steak? You'll be treated to some of the best cuts of meat here. Lots of expats from all over the world live here.
Biggest cons: It's a big city of 13 million people so you might want to plan some time away to chill out and explore nature

Uruguay wants your digital nomadness! Having recently followed in the footsteps of Colombia and Brazil, the country is now offering digital nomad visas for an entire year. Punta del Este is by the beach with views of the ocean every which way, it's a great spot to surf (or learn if you've always wanted to). With a mild climate and a chilled-out vibe, it's fast becoming a new digital nomad hotspot.

Monthly cost of living: R 81 277.68
Average internet speed: Okay (7 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Considered safer than other South American destinations, friendly locals
Biggest cons: It's expensive

South Africa is a bucket list destination for many – so the chance to set up camp here for a stint while working remotely gives you the prime opportunity to visit Kruger National Park and get a glimpse of the Big Five, explore lush wine regions, or if surfing is your thing – explore over 3000 kilometers of epic coastline where the surf is up pretty much year round.

The lifestyle in Cape Town is pretty great – you can enjoy its warm Mediterranean climate and cosmopolitan city vibes while being close to the beach and nature, with great local food and produce at the ready. There's a thriving expat community and plenty of places to co-work and flex your entrepreneurial spirit.

Monthly cost of living: R 38 791.62
Average internet speed: Fast (41 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Affordable, welcoming locals, beautiful surrounds, great food
Biggest cons: Public transport is limited. Safety can be a concern in some neighbourhoods

For many the dream of living in Europe is a far-flung fantasy, but with so many Aussies having some connection to European ancestors, it makes exploring this giant patchwork union of cultures, cuisines, and countries somewhat a right of passage. We all dream of holidays in Italy and Greece, but where's the best place to work remotely in Europe? Read on to find out! Find a base to work from and all those lust-worthy European destinations are all but a short plane, train or car ride away!

Another top-ranking digital nomad destination, Lisbon brings it with warm weather year-round, delicious food, beautiful buildings, and a buzzing nightlife! And, the stunning beaches of the Atlantic Coast are close by too!

Monthly cost of living: R 75 736.02
Average internet speed: Fast (40 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Safe, fun, lots of coworking spaces, English is widely spoken
Biggest cons: Not as affordable as some other European cities. Its popularity means nomads often have to contend with tourists and the locals are getting priced out of the city center

Want to live the European dream on a budget? Budapest could be the answer, particularly if you're into thermal baths, great cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. You'll find plenty of co-working spaces and it's easy and cheap to get around the city on public transport, or by bicycle.

Monthly cost of living: R 59 111.04
Average internet speed: Fast (30 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Safe. Lots to see and do. English is widely spoken (though learning a bit of Hungarian will go a long way in pleasing the bar staff when ordering drinks)
Biggest cons: Cold in the winter, hot in summer (maybe try spring or autumn!)

Prices in Berlin are definitely creeping up there, but this creative city still ranks high in the digital nomad recommended city list. It's no surprise, as a multicultural city you'll find nomads from all over the world, pursuing creative and business endeavors while balancing work with a healthy dose of the good life. Berlin is all about soaking up the outdoors in the summer, chilling out in cafes by day, and dancing into the night in the city's famous 24-hour clubs.

Monthly cost of living: R 75 736.02
Average internet speed: Fast (19 Mbps)
Biggest pros: English is readily spoken, there are lots of fun things to do and the city is generally safe
Biggest cons: Cold in the winter, becoming more expensive

Have it all – the beach, the mountains, and the city all in one stunning location in Barcelona. Not to mention world-famous architecture, incredible food, welcoming green spaces, and lots of bars and cafes to kick back at siesta or sundown. Where else in Europe can you get a glass of sparkling wine at 9am with your breakfast sandwich? (pro tip: head to Can Paixano for just this, IYKYK)

Monthly cost of living: R 83 124.90
Average internet speed: Fast (21 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Big expat community, lovely climate, amazing food
Biggest cons: Can feel a little crowded, expensive, short-term accommodation can be tricky (competing with tourists for Airbnb)

If summer vibes year-round is your nomad dream, head to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands for warmth and sunshine year-round. Expect friendly and relaxed island life with a very attractive cost of living. There are plenty of cafes and coworking spaces to work remotely and the internet is speedy. It's also a great location to work remotely if you've got a family in tow, though you might want to consider setting up a home base in the south of the island in one of the smaller towns where you can find a house with a yard as opposed to apartment living in Las Palmas.

Monthly cost of living: R 33 249.96
Average internet speed: Fast (23 Mbps)
Biggest pros: Affordable, safe, fast internet, lots of other nomads
Biggest cons: English speaking can be a little tricky, learn some Spanish! Hospitals aren't the best

So, what's your favourite Digital nomad destination? Imagining a world where work and travel go hand in hand is just a call, email, or enquiry away! Chat with a Flight Centre Travel Expert today about where you'd like to go digital nomad and we'll help get you there!

*All info and prices given are correct on rate of exchange based on 12 July 2023.