Best Digital Nomad Cities of 2022
What are the best digital nomadic cities if you’re on a budget? In the past few years, more and more people have been given the freedom to choose where they work. So why work from home if you can get the chance and work from another country? Read along to find out some of the best digital nomadic destinations.
Being a digital nomad is a constant source of adventures, challenges, and discoveries. More and more people are moving towards a flexible lifestyle that is working and traveling remotely as it gives them maximum freedom.
If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that there’s a long list of jobs you can do remotely. interestingly some of the most popular digital nomad entry level positions are in data entry industry because it requires experience and low flexibility.
From a fashion blogging perspective, there is nothing better than exploring the fashion diversity of different cultures.
Like with every lifestyle, being a digital nomad has its pros and cons. Living in a big city means good accessibility but noisy and busy. On the other hand, in the countryside, you will be surrounded by nature, but you run the risk of isolation.
Evaluate all aspects before you make the final decision. In any case, the biggest advantage of being a digital nomad is that you can choose a place that inspires you and stay there as much as you like.
These locations are perfect if you are a blogger. Cities offer the chance to experience less stress at work while also inspiring you through their rich culture. Take a look at some of the best options.
Athens, Greece
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Athens is fast becoming a digital nomad-friendly city with its unique coffee shops and a growing number of co-working spaces. However, its popularity is also growing thanks to its warm summers, mild winters and numerous beaches.
The city in general has a fast Internet connection. But always make sure it’s good enough for the job when looking for potential accommodation.
The city is bustling with life. More and more expats and digital nomads are finding their home in Athens. The locals are friendly and welcoming, so you should have no trouble finding someone to enjoy an after-work drink.
Tip: There are many Facebook groups and Meetup events where you can find socializing opportunities.
The low cost of living is another benefit when pitching in Athens. Locals live on a salary of around €850 a month, but as expats it is safer to budget for €1500 per month – like in every major city, here rent is one large expenses.
If your budget is tight, you can find studio apartments for around €350 per month. Larger one-bedroom apartments cost between €550-800 depending on the neighborhood.
For longer term leases, such as 6 months or more, you can browse Spitogatos or we.gr for accommodation. But if you just want to stay in the city for a few months, you’re better off looking on Airbnb and Facebook groups, where short-term rentals are more common.
Non-EU nationals can enter Greece for up to 90 days in 180 days with a Schengen visa. For a longer stay you can apply for a visa of a financially independent person where you need to show that you are earning more than 2000€ a month from outside Greece.
Another option is to apply for a D-entry visa. You need to start the process from your home country, and it’s best to have your Greek class support with it.
EU citizens will have an easier time applying for a longer stay. All you have to do is register at the local police station within 3 months of arrival.
Medellin, Colombia
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In case you are looking for somewhere exotic, Medellin is your destination. The city is at the forefront of Colombia’s national renewal, dismantling its drug reputation.
The mild climate is only interrupted by two rainy seasons in April to May and September to November. It is not surprising that Medellin is also known as the “City of Eternal Spring”.
Like most rich digital nomads, Medellin has good weather, stable Internet, and a low cost of living. One big advantage of Medellin is that it shares the same time zone with the United States.
A burgeoning industry in the area, coffee bean production, has helped shape the burgeoning cafe culture.
There is also a good support network, thanks to the growing number of expats and digital nomads in the area. But to make the most of life in the city, speaking Spanish well is a plus.
You’ll find mostly expats and digital nomads in the El Poblado neighborhood looking for a buzzing atmosphere. If you’re looking for something quieter, head to the Laureles area, which has more greenery and a more relaxed residential atmosphere.
Despite its dark reputation, the city is a safe place as long as you exercise caution. However, avoid traveling at night and in the safest parts of town. Although petty crime is something local police still struggle with, expats are generally safe.
As a citizen of the US or EEA, you can stay in Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa. Then, when you love your country, city, culture and nature, you can apply for an extension of 90 days.
This means that you can stay in the country for up to 180 days without a visa, but you cannot request a second extension. While you can apply online to extend your stay, you should go to the immigration office instead. You will need to wait a few hours, but be assured that you will leave with the stamp on your passport.
Budapest, Hungary
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Budapest is the best digital nomad destination for professionals with a “work hard, play hard” mindset. Other things that make Budapest a popular city include its stunning architecture, rich culture, and low cost of living. You will experience authentic Central European life.
You can explore two cities in one, Buda and Pest. The Danube is cutting the city in half, dotted with pretty bridges.
You can still spot Turkish and Austrian influences on the city’s features. Turkish baths are scattered around Budapest, and the cafe culture persists from the days of the Austro Empire.
The city is very walkable and bike-friendly, making active commute an easy way to get around. Public transport is also efficient and cheap, so you won’t have any reason to need a car.
Cheap accommodation is easy to get to. Visit Facebook and Airbnb groups to find apartments in the most popular districts among digital nomads: Districts (Kerület) 5, 6 or 7. If you’re looking to stay longer, hosts can will give you a monthly discount.
There is a relatively large expats and digital nomad community in Budapest and there are a number of coworking spaces suitable for socializing. Some of the most popular ones are Loffice, Kaptar and Mosaik. There’s definitely an advantage to leaving corporate world behind.
You’re sure to find people going for a drink after work. Budapest is an extremely social city. Destruction bars are a trademark of the city, and they are a popular watering hole for all nations and all ages.
For other social activities, “Meetup” is just as useful as in other nomadic destinations. Budapest Digital Nomad and Digital Nomads Hungary are the two largest Facebook groups where you can access useful information about accommodation, job listings or events.
Budapest is in the Schengen Area, so as a US citizen you can spend 90 days out of 180 days as a tourist. EU citizens can stay as long as they like, and during long stays they have the option to apply for a registration card valid for five years. Budapest also hosts annual fashion week events and exhibitions of interior designers.