For employees in the modern age, the life of a digital nomad brings great opportunity, but some cities are more suitable than others.
Arguably one of the best consequences to emerge from the difficulty that was the global pandemic is remote working, which has opened significant avenues for those looking for greater work-life balance. A vast number of countries worldwide have cities capable of supporting remote workers from all around the globe, but where do you get more bang for your buck?
A new report from neobank Bunq takes a look at how expensive it is to work as a digital nomad in various cities. Dublin, for example, was found to be the third most expensive location from which to work remotely, behind only London and Amsterdam, with high costs for rent and food driving its position as less than ideal, compared to the following ten European cities.
Bucharest
Taking top position as the best location from which to work as a digital nomad, Bucharest, Romania’s capital, is a popular spot. Bunq’s report indicates that the cost of living is roughly €8777 month, with additional research showing that on average, rent, food costs, public transport and utilities are on the cheaper side, compared to other European nations.
A city with a rich history, culture and natural beauty, Bucharest also offers much in the way of a healthy work-life balance, as it has strong internet infrastructure and plenty of activities for those looking for adventure away from their desk.
Sofia
In second position is Bulgaria’s capital Sofia. Bunq’s research shows that the cost of living here is around €979. A city with strong internet infrastructure, a lively social atmosphere and relatively direct access to neighbouring countries via public transport and air travel, Sofia also has a number of co-working hubs for those who crave a flexible office environment on occasion.
The cost of living tends to be considerably lower than the majority of cities in Europe and digital nomads can expect a high quality of life with a focus on a healthy work-life balance.
Budapest
Coming in third is Budapest, the capital of Hungary, where the cost of living is on average €1,027. A city that is highly walkable and has strong public transport linking both Buda and Pest, this location is both affordable and relatively easy to navigate.
Research shows that there is a growing online community here of digital nomads and groups committed to helping foreign employees work, assimilate and make connections. A beautiful city, with a number of hot desk options, the internet, while perhaps not as strong as previous entries on this list, is still reliable and up to the task.
Riga
Latvia’s capital city Riga is, according to Bunq, an ideal location from which to work remotely, as the cost of living is around €1,044. A charming city in the Baltics, Riga has plenty of opportunities for digital nomads looking for a lifestyle slightly off the beaten track and the city actually has an established visa programme specifically for foreign nationals.
Research shows that digital nomads can expect manageable living costs, good internet speeds and conditional visa-free entry to the Schengen Area though the visa programme.
Athens
The capital of Greece, Athens’ cost of living is on average €1,095. A city of immense historical importance, with favourable weather for most of the year, (though it can get very hot in the summer), the city has much to offer in terms of activities, night life and immersion. The cost to live here is relatively low or stable depending on where you choose to settle down and there are plenty of cafes and co-working spaces open to remote employees.
The city is also home to a wide variety of AirBnBs, has reliable internet, access to public transport and many cafes and restaurants remain open well into the evening. It is important to note, however, that it isn’t as walkable as other locations on this list and public transport doesn’t always connect to the outer parts of the city.
Vilnius
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and according to Bunq, living here as a digital nomad costs around €1,151 monthly. Another Baltic entry, Vilnius is known for its support of nomadic workers and the upwards trajectory of its technology and IT sectors, as well as a dynamic and active start-up scene. A desirable location for digital nomads and settled entrepreneurs alike, the affordable cost of living, advanced start-up landscape, co-working spaces and culture make Vilnius an ideal city in which to lay down some professional roots.
Nicosia
If you want to live and work remotely in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, you will need roughly €1,179 a month to get by. Research shows that the city has reliable internet connectivity, a vibrant culture, fun nightlife and is well-connected via public transport. Earlier this year the Cyprus digital nomad visa reopened, allowing remote workers and their family members to live in the country for up to two years.
Zagreb
Number eight on this list is Croatia’s capital Zagreb, which has a cost of living of around €1,213 a month. An affordable city that is easy to get around, with a high quality of education and robust internet infrastructure, Zagreb is considered an ideal location for digital nomads. It is also considered a safe city and has decent public transport.
Tallinn
Living in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, will cost around €1,268 monthly. Research indicates that the city is nomad friendly, is good value for money, has reliable, high-speed internet, decent public transport and a high quality of life. The centre of a recent technology boom, digital nomads in the tech space will likely find themselves in the middle of a vibrant, professionally stimulating environment.
The city has a thriving community of digital nomads and the location itself is considered to be beautiful and easily navigated. There is also the possibility of a day-trip over to Helsinki, Finland via ferry.
Bratislava
The tenth and final entry on this list is the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, where it will cost a digital nomad around €1,299 monthly. The city offers access to co-working spaces, high internet speeds and a manageable cost of living, with a growing community of digital nomads eager to share their insights and experiences.
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