12 Best Countries for Digital Nomads

In recent years, people from all walks of life have been leaving their boring, stressful, or unfulfilling desk jobs and flocking to the “digital nomad” lifestyle in droves. Working as a digital nomad is an enticing option for many reasons: you can be your own boss, work less hours, and of course, live anywhere you want.

This, in particular, has attracted many Americans who long to see the world and explore. There are an abundance of destinations where expats can work and live, but a few stand out as the best countries for digital nomads to call home.

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How do digital nomads make money?

Yep—you’ll be living the dream.

The term “digital nomad” often stands as a catch-all for work that is mostly or entirely done online. Digital nomads can be self-employed in blogging, coaching, or consulting. They can be contracted employees, working as freelance web designers, graphic designers, or marketing strategists.

They can even be employed at a company, as an increasing number of companies offer entirely remote positions—one of the most popular at the moment is teaching English online. There are a plethora of online companies that are hiring native English speakers to teach children remotely...and they often pay upwards of $20/hour.

No matter what sounds like the right work for you, understand that becoming a digital nomad takes hard work, patience, and dedication. But the pay-offs can make it all worth it, as your lifestyle is sure to change for the better. Let’s take a look at the best places for digital nomads and what makes each one so great.

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12 best countries for digital nomads

1. Vietnam

Why? Vietnam is one of the slightly more under-the-radar destinations in Southeast Asia, but it happens to be an expat’s paradise. Not only does Vietnam boast delicious cuisine, low crime levels, and a stellar work-life balance, but the welcoming locals are happy to share their country with foreigners.
And did you know Vietnam has one of the fastest growing and stable economies in Southeast Asia? The cost of living is low and infrastructure is quickly improving as the country has become a hub for digital nomads in recent years. Oh, and have we mentioned Vietnam is a tropical paradise?
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $420 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $1.69

2. Germany

Why? In notoriously efficient and productive Germany, you might be surprised to learn that citizens prioritize an excellent work-life balance. There is also a stable economy, great social systems, and a high standard of healthcare. Taxes are expensive, but this is mostly to fund the excellent social systems set in place.
Germany also boasts great infrastructure, with some of the best public transport available in major cities and even throughout Germany and neighboring nations. Being an expat in Germany will allow you to discover all the nuances of this dynamic, culture-rich country.
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $884 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $3.30

3. Spain

A remote job AND siesta? Lucky you!

Why? Spain is another expat’s dream. The country is full of gorgeous, diverse places to live, from the rugged West coast to the sunny warmth of the South, to the glittering cities of Madrid and Barcelona. The climate is perfect for the fun, active lifestyle Spain is famous for.
Citizens prioritize relationships and connections, as well as physical and mental health, above the toxic rat-race associated with many Western capitalist countries. U.S. currency goes a long way here, and Americans can expect to find a much lower cost-of-living than they’re used to—think cheap groceries, rent, and wine!
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $793 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $1.97

4. Australia

Why? Australia is known for its warm climate almost as much as its warm people, making it a great spot for outgoing expats. The health-forward, active, and laidback lifestyle causes many expats to experience an improvement in both their physical and mental health upon arriving.
You feel a bit closed-off living on an island, but many Australians fight this “isolation anxiety” by traipsing off to nearby getaways like Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Philippines. While the price of living is high, the quality of life reflects it, providing more than enough opportunities for expats to enjoy high-quality food, fun activities, safe and clean cities, and an abundance of natural beauty.
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $1,222 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $3.30

5. New Zealand

Why? The adventure capital of the world, New Zealand is anything but boring. You can go surfing in the Pacific, skydiving over the Southern Alps, bungee jumping, rafting, caving, and more, New Zealand features a laid-back lifestyle, with workers having tons of free time that leads to high mental well-being.
Digital nomads love the many opportunities for entrepreneurs and the ease of access to banking, health care, and education. With safe streets and friendly inhabitants, and little government corruption, New Zealand is pretty close to a utopia.
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $1,124 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $3.28

6. Argentina

Mate tea pairs well will both remote work and adventure.

Why? There is much to love about Argentina: siestas, salsa dancing, natural beauty, tons of history, and culture. Digital nomads can quickly develop a fun social life as people are warm, open, and active. While the laidback lifestyle can mean that bureaucracy, healthcare systems, and other services can be slow, living in Argentina will teach you how to slow down and enjoy life.
The cost of living is low (Argentina is one of the cheapest places for digital nomads) but the economy can be unstable, and prices often fluctuate. Argentina is a great option for those earning U.S. dollars, as those will take you a long way.
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $229 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $1.68

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7. South Korea

Why? South Korea is more than a pop culture wonderland. The country features charming towns, excellent public transportation, and cheap healthcare. Making friends is easy: expat communities are close and locals tend to be shy but friendly. Seoul, in particular, is one of the best places for digital nomads.
The city is a bustling wonderland of food, culture, and shopping. The cost of living is low for necessities. And while South Korea is very safe, with little to no crime, the political situation is potentially unstable as the country is technically still at war with North Korea—but don’t worry, there haven’t been hostilities in decades.
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $575 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $4.06

8. Uruguay

Why? Uruguay is a great place for expats looking to move to South America, but who might be concerned about safety, as Uruguay has a relatively stable economy and political system. It’s also one of the most socially liberal countries in South America; most people are welcoming of other races, religions, and sexual orientations.
The work-life balance is typical of Latin countries, with less pressure to work yourself to death and more time to enjoy life. However, expats might be surprised to find that this standard of living isn’t exactly low-cost. It’s also important to understand some Spanish as many people don’t speak English.
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $425 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $2.58

9. Thailand

There’s a *ton* to do during your downtime as a digital nomad in Thailand.

Why? It’s easy to see why Thailand is so popular with expats. It’s one of the cheapest places for digital nomads to live, accommodation is easy to find, and Thai people are generally welcoming of foreigners. Expats can choose between thrilling city life in Bangkok or laid-back island living in hotspots like Koh Samui or Phuket—don’t worry, you’ll have strong Wi-Fi wherever you go.
The tourist visa is popular with digital nomads, for up to a 6-month stay with possibility to renew, and the process isn’t too tough. While you may not always get first-world living standards, the infrastructure is good enough to get around easily and live comfortably.
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $476 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $1.99

10. Canada

Why? Canada is known in America for maple syrup and friendliness, but this country is so much more than that. Canada is politically and economically stable, with low costs of living and great education and healthcare systems. Expats will also love the diversity, low crime rates, and general tolerance towards everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
Canada may be chilly, but with a stunning natural environment, it’s one of the best places for digital nomads looking for a nature-centered lifestyle.
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $1,020 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $3.26

11. France

Why? France is much more than just Paris. Besides the obvious abundance of cultural experiences, France has great social systems and a famously chill work-life balance that puts relaxation and social time above chasing success. This slow-and-steady work style makes bureaucracy a nightmare, but as long as you are patient and organized, you’ll be fine.
Deciding where to live is like a choose-your-adventure—you can choose little towns in the Alps, the charming cities of Paris or Lyon, the glitz and glam of the southern shores, or relaxed provincial life. Connecting with French locals might be tough, and you may have to brush up on your French if you’re looking to make long-term friends.
With the French “talent visa”, which allows foreign artists and entrepreneurs to live in France and work on a project, the country is practically begging for digital nomads to move in.
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $1200 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $3.36

12. Switzerland

Will you head to the big city or the quaint countryside?

Why? Switzerland may be notoriously expensive, but think of everything the country offers in return: clean and safe cities, high paychecks, excellent infrastructure, and a high standard of healthcare. Because Switzerland has four official languages (none of which are English), it can be tough to understand and navigate signage.
Americans might also find it hard adjusting to the reserved, private social style of Swiss people. But don’t worry—your free time can be spent exploring the Alps, eating delicious chocolate, traveling using the top-notch transportation systems, and learning a new language (which will put you in good standing with the quadrilingual locals!).
Average rent (1 bedroom, city center): $1,646 per month
Average cost for a cup of coffee: $5.02

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Is the digital nomad lifestyle for you?

A digital nomad lifestyle is hard work. Breaking into freelancing, learning a new skill, and finding clients are all obstacles you might have to overcome working as a digital nomad. But why not face these challenges in an environment that makes you feel safe, comfortable, and happy?

Moving abroad comes with its own set of challenges, too. But it will all be worthwhile because of the growth, independence, and balance you’re sure to discover in whichever country you choose to call home.