Best Places to Live for Remote Workers: US, Europe, World

If you’ve been working from home long enough to ditch the commute, you probably already know the real question isn’t whether remote work is possible—it’s where to do it. The number of US digital nomads has more than doubled in five years, going from 7.3 million in 2019 to 18.1 million in 2024, according to research firm MBO Partners. With that kind of momentum, the global map of remote-friendly cities has shifted dramatically.

Top US Remote Worker Cities: San Francisco leads per Visual Capitalist ·
Popular Global Spots: Portugal, Bangkok, Tokyo from Nomad List ·
Europe Favorites: Vienna tops for connectivity per rearviewmirror.tv ·
Digital Nomad Visas: Croatia offers 1-year option per International Living ·
Asia Hubs: Chiang Mai, Bali, Bangkok

Where do most remote workers live?

The United States remains the single largest source of remote workers globally. According to MBO Partners research cited by Afar, the number of US digital nomads soared from 7.3 million in 2019 to 18.1 million in 2024. That’s more than a doubling in five years, driven by pandemic-era shifts and the normalization of distributed work. Cities like San Francisco, Austin, and Denver have established themselves as domestic hubs, while Miami and Charleston attract workers seeking warmer climates during winter months.

US Cities With the Most Remote Workers

Visual Capitalist data indicates that San Francisco leads US cities for remote worker concentration, particularly in tech and startup sectors. Miami has emerged as a winter destination for remote workers, while Reddit communities highlight Vermont summers as a seasonal favorite. These cities balance strong internet infrastructure with lifestyle appeal, making them standouts for professionals who can choose where they work.

Where can I live and work remotely?

The answer depends heavily on your budget and visa situation. Nomad List tracks more than 50 countries and hundreds of cities where remote workers can legally stay for extended periods, ranking destinations by cost, internet quality, and community fit. According to Nomads.com, the platform ranks places based on cost of living, internet speed, and overall remote work suitability, making it a go-to resource for data-driven nomads.

50+ Countries You can work remotely from

A recent count shows that over a dozen European countries have special residence schemes designed for remote workers, particularly since the pandemic, according to Afar. These programs range from Portugal’s D8 visa to Croatia’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit introduced in January 2021, offering legal pathways for freelancers and employees who want to base themselves abroad.

Top Overseas Spots

Portugal, Bangkok, and Tokyo consistently rank as top overseas destinations, according to Nomads.com data. Portugal attracts nomads to Lisbon and Porto for vibrant city life, while Bangkok offers affordability and energy, and Tokyo provides exceptional infrastructure for those who can navigate the higher cost of living.

Best places to live for remote workers in USA

US cities compete on infrastructure and networking opportunities rather than visa availability—Americans don’t need special permits to work domestically. The USA offers thriving tech hubs and high-speed internet for digital nomads despite higher costs compared to overseas alternatives, according to Radical Storage. The trade-off is clear: higher living expenses in exchange for world-class networking and startup ecosystems.

Seasonal US Recommendations

Miami has become a perennial favorite for remote workers seeking warmth and urban energy during winter months. Charleston, South Carolina, draws those who prefer a slower pace and Southern charm. Vermont emerges as a summer destination, particularly for families and those who want outdoor recreation without the tech-scene intensity of larger cities.

Reddit Favorites

Reddit communities discussing remote work frequently highlight Miami, Charleston, and Vermont as top US recommendations, with each city appealing to different lifestyle preferences and work styles. These informal rankings, while not data-backed, reflect genuine community experiences that many prospective remote workers find valuable when researching domestic options.

Which EU countries are best for remote workers?

Europe has become the premier destination for remote workers seeking a combination of infrastructure quality, cultural richness, and legal residency pathways. Europe provides high-quality infrastructure and digital nomad visas compared to cheaper Asia and Latin America alternatives, though the costs are proportionally higher, according to Radical Storage. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Croatia lead with digital nomad visas for long-term stays, according to Afar.

Best Cities in Europe

Vienna tops European rankings for connectivity, according to rearviewmirror.tv data. The Austrian capital offers fast internet, reliable public transit, and a high quality of life that makes it attractive to remote workers who need serious infrastructure. Lisbon, Prague, and Valencia have also established themselves as nomad-friendly cities with growing English-speaking communities.

Digital Nomad Hubs

The Greek digital nomad visa is considered the easiest to obtain among European programs, according to Citizen Remote (visa guide resource). It allows up to one year of stay, renewable for another year, with no local tax during the first year for qualifying remote workers. Croatia, Portugal, and Malta offer alternative pathways with their own requirements and benefits.

Best places to live for remote workers in the world

When looking globally, the picture splits into two main categories: high-infrastructure destinations with higher costs and budget-friendly hubs where monthly expenses run 50-70% lower than Western countries. Southeast Asia and Latin America remain top choices for budget-conscious nomads with monthly costs that are 50-70% lower than in Western countries, according to Radical Storage.

Nomad List Rankings

Nomads.com ranks destinations based on cost, internet quality, and remote work suitability, creating a global scoring system that many nomads use to compare options. Tokyo, Seoul, and Melbourne consistently score highly in these rankings, according to the platform, though they represent higher-cost markets compared to traditional nomad hotspots.

Asia and Latin America Gems

Chiang Mai, Bali, and Medellín have emerged as the iconic digital nomad destinations, each offering distinct advantages. Chiang Mai provides affordability and a established nomad community in northern Thailand, Bali attracts those seeking beach lifestyle and co-working culture, and Medellín has transformed into a vibrant South American hub with pleasant weather year-round.

Top Remote Work Destinations Compared

Five destinations span the range of what remote workers prioritize: infrastructure quality, visa accessibility, and monthly costs. The comparison below breaks down each location against these key factors.

The comparison reveals a clear pattern: European destinations offer legal clarity but require meeting income thresholds, while Southeast Asian cities remain accessible on tighter budgets with simpler entry requirements.

What the sources say

The research reveals a split between confirmed data and areas where precision remains elusive.

• US digital nomads grew from 7.3 million in 2019 to 18.1 million in 2024, according to Afar (travel publication citing MBO Partners research)
• Croatia launched its Digital Nomad Residence Permit in January 2021, according to Afar
• Portugal’s D8 visa requires €2,800 monthly income, valid one year renewable up to five years, according to International Living
• Nomad List ranks destinations based on cost, internet, and remote work suitability, according to Nomads.com

What’s less certain: exact remote worker populations beyond the US, current Nomad List scores for specific cities, and how 2026 job market shifts will reshape location preferences.

In recent years, the number of digital nomads from the United States has more than doubled. It soared from 7.3 million in 2019 to 18.1 million in 2024.

— MBO Partners (Research Firm)

Southeast Asia and Latin America remain top choices for budget-conscious nomads, with monthly costs 50-70% lower than in Western countries.

— Radical Storage (Travel Blog)

The Greek digital nomad visa is considered the easiest to obtain among European programs.

— Citizen Remote (Visa Guide)

The picture for remote workers

The global map of remote work destinations has shifted decisively toward legal residency pathways, with over a dozen European countries now offering programs designed for location-independent workers. For budget-focused nomads, Southeast Asia and Latin America still offer compelling economics, with monthly costs running 50-70% below Western standards. For those who need EU access and infrastructure quality, Portugal, Croatia, and Greece lead with established programs and growing English-speaking communities.

The implication: as visa programs mature, remote workers will increasingly need to choose between Europe’s legal clarity and Asia’s cost advantages—a decision that shapes both lifestyle and tax obligations.

Related reading: Sunshine Coast Accommodation Guide · American Express Travel Guide

European favorites like Vienna shine for remote workers, while best Berlin neighborhoods offer creative vibes and cost-effective living amid buzzing co-working scenes.

Frequently asked questions