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5 cities to consider as a digital nomad

Last Updated on August 1, 2024 by Ingrid

In the past several years, life has taken us from one end of the world to the other, and we have had the chance to live in some of the most amazing places on earth. So, we had the chance to evaluate some of the best cities for digital nomads.

Granted, living as an expat or a digital nomad might not be for everyone, but many people dream of this possibility.

If you are considering switching your office job for freelancing or are considering applying within your company to that expat role, based on our experience and research, here are the 5 best cities for digital nomads.

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Table of Contents

  1. Top 5 cities to consider as a digital nomad
    1. Hong Kong
      1. Other reasons why you should look into Hong Kong as a digital nomad:
    2. Seoul
    3. Berlin
    4. Singapore
    5. London
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Top 5 cities to consider as a digital nomad

Hong Kong

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Hong Kong is on my list because it is the first non-European city we lived in as expats, and we absolutely loved it.

Even though, in the last few years, many expats and companies left for other Asian capital cities, Hong Kong still remains a great destination, especially for young adults or couples with no children.

The city offers plenty of activities to enjoy, from sampling a wide variety of cuisines to having drinks at one of the stunning rooftops, spending time at one of the sandy beaches, or even hiking on tropical mountain trails.

Because of its lengthy history as an expat-friendly destination, the city still has an extensive foreign community.

Compared to other big Asian cities, which have seen a rise in accommodation prices, in Hong Kong, apartment prices have seen a slow decline in the past years. That is not to stay renting is cheap.

Even with declining prices, Hong Kong is still a high-price rental market. Furthermore, space is at a premium, so you’ll have to make do with significantly smaller apartments than in Europe or the USA.

Despite the tiny flats and expensive education, many parents chose Hong Kong because of the widespread availability of affordable in-house nannies. In other words, the flat might be small, but you can spend the evenings out partying while the nanny takes care of the children.

Other reasons why you should look into Hong Kong as a digital nomad:

  • The Internet connection is good.
  • Everyone speaks English.
  • The city has a great public transportation system.
  • Great flight connections
  • There are countless remote working options, such as affordable shared spaces and cafes.

Seoul

best cities for digital nomads

Seoul might not come to mind as one of the first options when looking for an expat-friendly destination.

Adapting to life in Seoul can be a bit challenging, but the experience is worth having.

South Korea offers a plethora of places to visit and things to do, along with its rich culture and delicious food, making it a great place for a digital nomad.

Unlike many countries around Asia, South Korea has four seasons, offering you the chance to experience the cherry blossom season and fall foliage.

Citizens of many countries can stay in South Korea for up to 90 days on a travel visa, so short-term stays shouldn’t be a problem for most.

Later Update: As of 2024, South Korea introduced a digital nomad visa for stays up to 1 year.

The country is one of the safest in the world, making it perfect even for single people to move there.

Moreover, Seoul has it all. From world-class shopping and dining options to historical sites and vibrant nightlife, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets. Plus, there are plenty of affordable coworking spaces available throughout the city.

The public transportation system is one of the best in the world, similar to the one in Hong Kong.

Seoul is a great contender when it comes to technology and high-speed internet connections. It is the home of many of the world’s most innovative companies.

Berlin

2 days in Berlin

Germany is by far one of the best countries to live in, whether you are looking at Europe or the world. Even though most of the country is rather traditional and requires you to know at least a little bit of German, Berlin is different from the rest and is by far one of the best places for expats.

Thanks to its vibrant start-up scene and thriving tech industry, Berlin has long been a popular destination for digital nomads. The city is packed with opportunities for entrepreneurs and freelancers alike, offering plenty of co-working spaces, networking events, and business opportunities.

Moreover, the city has an abundance of parks and green spaces, making it easy to relax and take some time away from the daily hustle and bustle.

Known for its nightlife, Germany’s capital also offers a high quality of life and would make almost anyone feel welcome.

Singapore

best cities for digital nomads

Singapore is a great destination for digital nomads seeking to live and work in an exciting, vibrant city.

The country boasts one of the most progressive economies in Asia, making it easy to find good jobs with salaries that are higher than the regional average.

The cost of living is also relatively low compared to many developed cities like New York or Tokyo, which means more money can be put into savings or investments. However, the cost of living is relatively high, but many people accept it due to the fact that Singapore has one of the world’s highest standards of living.

Expect the biggest chunk of your budget to go on accommodation costs, with food, entertainment, and transportation at relatively low prices.

Singapore also has excellent internet speeds, making it ideal for remote work. The country is home to many international companies.

Furthermore, Singapore offers an incredibly diverse culture with plenty of activities and attractions to explore, from its world-famous street food to its beautiful beaches and lush green parks.

Moreover, the city’s Changi Airport is one of the biggest international hubs and has won numerous prizes.

London

best cities for digital nomads

London is one of the best cities for digital nomads and is home to some of the world’s top universities, museums, galleries, parks, and other attractions.

The city has a strong infrastructure for digital connectivity and an abundance of coworking spaces, as well as cafes, bars, and restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi.

Its great public transportation system allows you to choose accommodation outside of the city center and still be within reach of the most important spots in town. Also, since English is the official language, you won’t have problems with the language barrier.

The city also offers excellent restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues for socializing.

An important European hub, the city is linked to both the East and the West through plenty of daily flights.

On top of everything else, London is a great destination for foodies, offering various international cuisines. Trust me, we went there only for food and to visit some of our favorite Asian chains.

So, which of these best cities for digital nomads will you experience first? It definitely should not be only one.

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