A recent study has identified the best cities for digital nomads to live and work in, with Hoi An, Vietnam, taking the top spot with an index score of 73.94.
Delhi, India, follows closely as the second-best city for digital nomads, scoring 73.77, while Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ranks third with a score of 72.02.
The research, conducted by the digital nomad publication Freaking Nomads, assessed various factors influencing the appeal of cities for digital nomads.
Criteria included internet speed, availability of co-working spaces, visa options, cost of living, and other living expenses. The increasing popularity of remote working has driven many professionals to seek new opportunities abroad.
According to WFH Research, 12.7 percent of full-time employed Americans worked remotely in 2023, a figure expected to rise to 22 percent by 2025, as per Upwork.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads
Hoi An, Vietnam With a score of 73.94, Hoi An is an emerging haven for digital nomads. The city scored 85.48 for cost of living and 77.78 for visa accessibility. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An is known for its historic charm, with well-preserved buildings, colourful lanterns, and winding streets.
Delhi, India Delhi scored 73.77, ranking first for cost of living (89.03) and 77.78 for visa accessibility. The vibrant capital offers a rich cultural tapestry, from the historic Red Fort to bustling markets and diverse cuisine.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia With a score of 72.02, Kuala Lumpur is known for its distinctive skyline, including the Petronas Twin Towers. The city scored 83.33 for visa accessibility and 76.06 for cost of living, appealing to those seeking a dynamic yet affordable urban environment.
Da Nang, Vietnam Da Nang, with an index score of 71.32, is noted for its natural beauty and coastal charm. It ranked 10th for cost of living (80.72) and 34th for visa accessibility (77.84).
Mumbai, India Mumbai, scoring 69.81, is a bustling metropolis known for its beaches, street markets, and culinary delights. It ranked 18th for cost of living (77.21) and 24th for co-working spaces (61.15).
The Top Ten Best Cities for Digital Nomads
| Rank | City | Country | Index Score |
| 1 | Hoi An | Vietnam | 73.94 |
| 2 | Delhi | India | 73.77 |
| 3 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | 72.02 |
| 4 | Da Nang | Vietnam | 71.32 |
| 5 | Mumbai | India | 69.81 |
| 6 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | 69.40 |
| 7 | Bangkok | Thailand | 68.15 |
| 8 | Santa Cruz de Tenerife | Spain | 68.14 |
| 9 | Bucharest | Romania | 67.99 |
| 10 | Las Palmas | Spain | 67.89 |
Buenos Aires, Argentina Scoring 69.40, Buenos Aires is famed for its lively neighbourhoods and vibrant culture, making it an exciting option for those seeking a Latin American flair.
Bangkok, Thailand With a score of 68.15, Bangkok is known for its ornate temples, street food, and dynamic urban life.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain This city scored 68.14, attracting digital nomads with its warm climate and relaxed island atmosphere.
Bucharest, Romania Bucharest, with a score of 67.99, offers an artistic and architectural haven, ideal for those seeking a culturally rich environment.
Las Palmas, Spain Scoring 67.89, Las Palmas is celebrated for its beautiful weather, vibrant beaches, and historic sites.
The digital nomad lifestyle
Irene Wang, co-founder of Freaking Nomads, emphasised the benefits of the digital nomad lifestyle: “Living as a digital nomad allows individuals to explore new cultures and forge unique paths. Cities like Hoi An, Delhi, and Kuala Lumpur offer affordability, accessibility, and a supportive infrastructure for remote work.”
Wang added, “The monotony of daily life can leave people feeling uninspired. Embracing a digital nomad lifestyle opens up endless possibilities, making these cities feel like home to anyone, no matter where they come from.”
With remote work on the rise, these cities represent prime destinations for those looking to blend work with exploration, offering a diverse range of environments to suit every digital nomad’s preferences.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
