What are the best digital nomad cities if you’re on a budget? In the past couple of years, more and more people have been given the freedom to choose their place of work. So why work from home if you can take a chance and work from another country? Read along to find out some of the best digital nomad destinations.
Being a digital nomad is a constant source of adventures, challenges, and discoveries. More and more people are aiming for that flexible lifestyle of remote work and travel as it gives them ultimate freedom.
If the pandemic taught us one thing, it’s that there is a long list of jobs that you can do remotely. interestingly enough, some of the most popular digital nomad entry-level positions are all within data entry industry as it requires low experience and flexibility.
From a fashion blogging perspective, there’s 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 noise and busyness. On the other hand, staying in the countryside, you will be surrounded by nature, but you risk isolation.
Evaluate all aspects before you make a 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 for as much as you want.
These locations are perfect if you’re a blogger. The cities offer the opportunity to experience less stress at work while inspiring you through their rich culture. Let’s see some of the best options.
Athens, Greece
Athens is rapidly becoming a digital nomad-friendly city with its quirky coffee shops and growing numbers of co-working spaces. Yet its popularity is also on the rise thanks to the warm summers, mild winters, and countless beaches.
The city generally has a fast Internet connection. But always make sure it’s good enough for work when looking for potential accommodations.
The city is buzzing with life. More and more expats and digital nomads are finding their homes in Athens. Local people are friendly and welcoming, so you will have no problem finding someone for after-work drinks.
Tip: There are many Facebook groups and Meetup events where you can find opportunities for socializing.
The low cost of living is another benefit to pitching up in Athens. Locals live on approximately €850 a month, but as a foreigner, it is safer if you budget for €1500 per month – just like in every big city rent is a big expense here.
If you are on a tight budget, you can find studio apartments for around €350 per month. Larger, one-bedroom flats 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 want to spend just a couple of months in the city, it is better to look on Airbnb and Facebook groups where short-term leases are more common.
Non-EU citizens can gain entry to Greece for up to 90 days in 180 days on a Schengen visa. For longer stays, you can apply for a financially independent person’s visa for which you need to prove you are earning more than €2000 a month from outside Greece.
Another option is applying for a type D entry visa. You need to start the process from your home country, and it is best to have a Greek layer’s assistance with it.
EU citizens will have an easier time registering for longer stays. All you have to do is register at your local police station within 3 months of arrival.
Medellin, Colombia
In case you’re looking for someplace exotic, Medellin is your destination. The city is at the forefront of the national reinvention of Colombia, shaking off the narco reputation.
The mild climate is only interrupted by two rainy seasons in April to May and September to November. No wonder Medellin is also called “The City of Eternal Spring”.
Like most decent digital nomad locations, Medellin has good weather, solid Internet, and a low cost of living. A big advantage od Medellin is that it shares a time zone with the US.
A developing industry in the region is coffee bean production which helped to establish a burgeoning coffee shop culture.
There is also a good support network, thanks to the growing number of expats and digital nomads in the area. But to get the most out of living in the city, speaking good Spanish is an advantage.
You will find most expats and digital nomads in the El Poblado neighborhood looking for a buzzing atmosphere. If you are after something quieter, check out the Laureles area, which is green and has a more relaxed residential vibe.
Despite its dark reputation, the city is a safe place as long as you are cautious. Still, avoid walking around at night and stay on the safest parts of town. Although small crime is something local police still struggle with, expats are usually 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 fall in love with the country, the city, the culture, and the nature, you can apply for an additional 90-day extension.
This means you can stay in the country for up to 180 days without a visa, but you cannot ask for a further second extension. Although you can apply online for an extension of your stay, it is recommended to visit the immigration office instead. You will need to wait a couple of hours, but it is guaranteed that you will walk away with the stamp on your passport.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the best digital nomad destination for professionals with the “work hard, play hard” mindset. Other things that make Budapest a popular city include stunning architecture, rich culture, and low cost of living. You will experience the authentic Central European way of life.
You get to explore two cities in one, Buda and Pest. The river Danube is cutting the city into two halves, dotting the river with pretty bridges.
You can still spot the Turkish and Austrian influences on the city’s features. Turkish baths are scattered around Budapest and the coffee house culture stayed from the Austro Empire days.
The city is very walkable and cycle-friendly, making active travel an easy way to get around. Public transport is also efficient and cheap, so you will have no reason to need a car.
Cheap accommodations are easy to come by. Hit up Facebook groups and Airbnb for flats in the most popular districts among digital nomads: District (Kerület) 5, 6, or 7. If you are looking for a longer stay, your host will likely offer you a monthly discount.
There is a relatively large expat and digital nomad community in Budapest, and there are some decent co-working spaces to socialize. Some of the most popular ones are Loffice, Kaptar, and Mosaik. There are definitely advantages to leaving the corporate world behind.
It is also certain that you will find people to go for drinks after work. Budapest is an incredibly social city. Ruin 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 as useful as in other nomad destinations. Budapest Digital Nomad and Digital Nomads Hungary are the two largest Facebook groups where you can access helpful information about accommodations, job listings, or events.
Budapest is situated in the Schengen Area, so as a US citizen, you can spend 90 days within 180 days as a tourist. EU citizens can stay as long as they like, and for long stays, they have the option to apply for a registration card which is valid for five years. Budapest also hosts yearly fashion week events and interior designer exhibitions.