While popular destinations such as Chiang Mai and Bueno Aires deserve all the hype they are getting, mass tourism has over-saturated these places in a way.
If you are someone who wants to enjoy the benefits of a digital nomad-friendly destination without having to deal with high prices and big crowds then consider looking at some of the underrated destinations. You can still enjoy modern amenities while staying close to the community and leading a high quality of life.
Let’s talk about some of the most underrated digital nomad destinations as of now.
1. Da Nang, Vietnam
The coastal city of Da Nang is a good option because of its bustling environment and natural beauty. Divided by the Han River, the city can be easily distinguished into two parts, both equally charming. If beautiful beaches and pleasant weather are not enough to attract you then you’ll be happy to know that there is also a thriving digital nomad community.
Location
Da Nang is a city located in central Vietnam, on the coast of the East Sea of Vietnam. It lies on the South China east coast, about midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It is also enclosed by the large Tien Sa Peninsula and Cape Da Nang.
Internet connectivity
Da Nang has an average wifi speed of 26 Mbps which is good overall. Additionally, the mobile speed can go up to 41 Mbps. The internet speed and connection will essentially vary on your location but remain decent in general. Most places will have a good connection but you also have the option to opt for mobile data. Local sims like Viettel can be purchased at convenience stores and sim provider stores for affordable rates. However, you’ll need to buy data packages in addition to the card itself.
Cost of living
| Meal at a restaurant | 1.57$ (1.46€) |
| Domestic beer | 1.18$(1.10€) |
| Gasoline (1 gallon) | 3.53$(3.28€) |
| Basic utilities | 57.17$(53.07€) |
| 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | 307.02$(285.02€) |
| 3-bedroom apartment (city center) | 633.52$(588.13€) |
| 1-bedroom apartment (outside the city center) | 230.17$(213.68€) |
| 3-bedroom apartment ( outside the city center) | 452.47$(420.05€) |
2. Dalat, Vietnam
The mesmerizing city of Dalat is a concoction of forests, mountains, and waterfalls. This perfect place has everything a typical digital nomad prefers; trendy cafes, delicious street food, a vibrant atmosphere, and ravishing sights.
Dalat City isn’t half as popular among digital nomads as other best cities (Thailand or Bali) but it’s safe to say it’s a treasure overlooked. From a good wifi connection, friendly people, and cafes to touristy sights, the scope for outdoor activities, and misty weather, it truly is the “city of eternal spring”.
Location
Dalat City is located in southern Vietnam and is the capital of Lam Dong province. It is 1500m (4900 ft) above sea level on the Langbian plateau and surrounded by pine forests. Dalat is also the largest city in the central highlands region.
Internet connectivity
One of the best parts for digital nomads is that all of Vietnam has a great internet connection. Wifi is available almost everywhere and it has an average speed of 30 Mbps.
If you want a sim card just to be cautious, there are a bunch of providers. Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobiphone cards can be purchased at any electronic store and they offer 20-30 Mbps. They are also available at the Big C mall and FPT cellphone store. However, make sure to remember that data packages are not complimentary with the SIM card. A 5 GB data package can be purchased for around 2$ (1.87€).
Cost of living
| Nomad’s cost of living | $1044/month (€975) |
| Cost of living for a family | $1492/month (€1394) |
| hotel | $461/month (€431) |
| Studio in the city center (1br rent) | $300/month (€280) |
| Airbnb | $948/month (€886) |
| Dinner | $2.37 (€2.21) |
| Beer | $1.15 (€1.07) |
| Taxi | $2.35/trip (€2.20) |
| Coca-cola | $0.57 (€0.53) |
| Coffee | $1.73 (€1.62) |
| Co-working desk | $176/month (€164) |
3. Bansko, Bulgaria
The exotic town of Bansko is a dreamy destination, located in the heart of Bulgaria. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, Bansko has the kind of old-world charm that attracts tourists and visitors. You can enjoy a high quality of life, modern amenities, interact with like-minded people, and a beautiful culture while remaining on a budget.
Location
Bansko is a small town in Bulgaria, located in the Balkans. This place lies in South-eastern Europe at the foot of the Pirin mountain range. Bansko is located 1200 meters above sea level in southeast Bulgaria.
Internet connectivity
Remote workers would be happy to learn that Bansko has high internet speeds and great coverage. You can maintain a good work-life balance and meet those tight deadlines! The modern telecommunication infrastructure is also pretty good in the city. The average internet speeds are pretty good with download speeds estimated to be 53 Mbps and upload speeds 78 Mbps.
Other than that, there are a bunch of good providers in the city. You can get a local SIM card after arriving to ensure extra reliability.
Cost of living
| Meal | 9.15$ |
| Coffee | 2.03$ |
| Beer | 2.15$ |
| Apartment in the city center (one-bedroom apartment) | 305.10$ |
| Fitness club | 24.23$ |
| Utilities | 77.81$ |
| Internet | 12.38$ |
| Local transport (ticket price) | 0.54$ |
4. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a mesmerizing city with a combination of colors and vibrancy. While it has always been unique, this place has gained popularity among the digital nomad community over the recent years.
The “baltic pearl” is undoubtedly one of the best digital nomad hotspots in all of Northern Europe and it’s highly desirable for remote workers.
Location
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia, located on a bay in the North of the country. It is situated on the Baltic Sea, off the Gulf of Finland’s shore. It lies 80 km south of Helinski and east of Stockholm.
Internet connectivity
The good news for remote workers is that Tallinn has great internet speeds! Recent estimations from 2022 show that the city experiences an average speed of 59.5 Mbps. Another good thing is that the internet coverage is also pretty good. You can rely on the speed and keep a healthy work-life balance.
Remote workers and tourists can also get a local SIM card upon arrival.
Cost of living
| Meal | $13.90 (€12.73) |
| Coffee | $3.54 (€3.24) |
| Beer | $5.56 (€5.09) |
| Apartment in the city center (one-bedroom apartment) | $738.91/month (€676.70) |
| Fitness club | $54.01/month (€49.46) |
| Utilities | $289.89/month (€265.55) |
| Internet | $28.95 (€26.51) |
| Local transport | $2.22/trip (€2.03) |
5. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
It’s no secret that Southeast Asia is considered a desirable location by digital nomads and remote workers all over the world. Cambodia has a lot of great places for digital nomads but Phnom Penh is one of the best options. Phnom Penh is a populated French-built city, known for its uniqueness and historical significance. Digital nomads and remote workers are sure to enjoy the Southeast Asian influence, affordable cost of living, and pleasant weather here.
Location
Phnom Penh is a French-built city that is located in Cambodia, Southeast Asia. It lies atop Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers and has been the capital of Cambodia since 1865.
Internet connectivity
Internet connectivity in Phnom Penh mostly depends on your location and chosen network. Some parts of the city experience high internet speeds and connectivity while others lack high-speed Internet. On average, digital nomads can expect 50-100 Mbps in the well-developed parts of the speed. Higher speeds are also available with a wired connection and fiber cable alternatives.
Cost of living
| Meal at a restaurant | 3.00$ (2.71€) |
| Beer | 1.00$ (0.90€) |
| Cappuccino | 2.39$ (2.16€) |
| Local Transport | 1.00$ (0.90€) |
| Internet | 30.91$ (27.89€) |
| Utilities | 103.39$ (93.29€) |
| Rent (One-bedroom apartment in the city center) | 524.76$ (473.52€) |
6. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is a contemporary destination, located in the country of Georgia (not to be confused with the state in the US). With modern architecture and old-life charm, this city is the perfect example of old meets new. Its rich history, natural beauty, and well-developed infrastructure play a huge part in its popularity.
Location
Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia, located in the South Caucasus. It is situated on the Mtkvari River near Trialeti and Kartli ranges. Tbilisi is located on the banks of Kura, the largest river of Transcaucasia.
Internet connectivity
While Tbilisi doesn’t have the fastest internet in the world, it’s still pretty decent and reliable. You can expect internet speeds faster than 20 Mbps at any given place and time. However, it can be spotty outside the city premises. If you want consistent wifi then make sure to buy a local SIM card upon arrival. This is a piece of practical advice as SIM cards allow you to continue working despite power outages.
Cost of living
| Meal | $11.52 (€10.65) |
| Coffee | $3.00 (€2.77) |
| Beer | $1.92 (€1.78) |
| Apartment in the city center (1 bedroom) | $920.16/month (€850.78) |
| Fitness club | $59.58/month (€55.09) |
| Utilities | $67.21/month (€62.14) |
| Internet | $20.17 (€18.65) |
| Local transport | $0.38/trip (€0.35) |
7. Medellin, Colombia
The city of Medellin is an excellent destination that allows people to discover and explore a balanced digital nomad lifestyle. The affordable cost of living and high quality of life make it a perfect place for remote workers who wish to enjoy a higher standard of living.
Medellin is also a great place because of its rich culture, pleasant weather, and natural beauty.
Location
Medellin, the capital city of Antioquia province, is a beautiful place located in Columbia. It lies in the famous Aburra valley (Andes Mountains) in the northwestern region of South America.
Internet connectivity
The good news for remote workers is that Medellin has a very fast internet. The average download speed is usually 20-50 Mbps and fiber optic connections are reliable too. Additionally, the internet is reliable for remote work. You can also get local SIM cards upon landing in the country. The most common services are Claro, Tigo, and Movistar.
Cost of living
| Meal at a restaurant | 4.16$ (3.88€) |
| Coffee | 1.23$ (1.15€) |
| one-bedroom apartment (in the city center) | 266.77$ (248.86€) |
| Beer | 1.02$ (0.95€) |
| Fitness club | 19.06$ (17.78€) |
| Internet | 27.25$ (25.42€) |
| Basic utilities | 61.51$ (57.38€) |
8. Cape Town, South Africa
If you want to immerse yourself in the dynamic and rich culture of Africa while avoiding the intense heat then Cape Town is the perfect destination for you.
The place offers a high quality of living with a budget-friendly lifestyle. Cape Town is one of the best places for digital nomads because of its natural beauty, low cost of living, and friendly South Africans.
Location
Cape Town is the legislative capital and the seat of South Africa’s parliament. This urban city is located at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula, right in the southwestern part of the country.
Internet connectivity
The best way of describing Cape Town’s internet situation is by saying one single word; “developing”. The internet connection here is not the best but it’s definitely improving over time. The internet speed varies from location to location but several digital nomads have complained that the internet here is not the fastest. You can find moderate and reliable internet at several Airbnbs, restaurants, and coffee shops but there are no promises about the speed. The load shedding certainly doesn’t help as most places do not have the wifi on inverters.
Cost of living
| Nomad’s cost of living | $2091/month (€1926) |
| Cost of living for a family | $2524/month (€2325) |
| hotel | $1097/month (1010€) |
| Studio in the city center (1br rent) | $477/month (€440) |
| Airbnb | $1556/month (€1433) |
| Dinner | $8.14 (€7.50) |
| Beer | $4.07 (€3.75) |
| Taxi | $2.33/trip (€2.15) |
| Coca-cola | $1.36 (€1.35) |
| Coffee | $1.74 (€1.60) |
| Coworking desk | $198/month (€182) |
9. Tirana, Albania
Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is the epitome of perfection and an excellent place for digital nomads. With its low cost of living, coworking spaces, and abundance of cafes, it invites people from all over the world. You can enjoy a high quality of life, modern amenities, and a beautiful culture while remaining on a budget. Tirana offers a great deal to its visitors and promises a great living experience.
Location
Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania, is located in the Balkans region of Southeast Europe. This beautiful country lies between Greece, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
Internet connectivity
The good news for remote workers is that Tirana has a great wifi connection. In fact, the Albanian government has highly invested in the internet infrastructure to enable reliable and high-speed Wi-Fi all over the region. Tirana experiences an average median download speed of 48.78 Mbps which is great for remote work. Digital nomads can easily maintain a good work-life balance thanks to these.
Cost of living
| Meal at a restaurant | 5.58$ |
| Coffee | 1.36$ |
| Beer | 1.86$ |
| one-bedroom apartment (in the city center) | 390.23$ |
| Fitness club | 34.68$ |
| Internet | 19.46$ |
| Basic utilities (per month) | 81.96$ |
10. Mexico City, Mexico
Despite being somewhat popular, Mexico City is still relatively underrated in the digital nomad community. This city offers similar benefits and a greater value for money than several major cities and European countries. The capital of Mexico is not only affordable but it also allows you to divulge in local culture and history. You can enjoy the scenic beauty and live in a bustling environment.
Location
Mexico is the largest city in the western hemisphere and the capital of Mexico. This major city is located in an inland basin known as the Valley of Mexico. It lies within the high Mexican central plateau, situated 2300 meters above sea level.
Internet connectivity
One of the best things about Mexico City is its high-speed internet. The city has an average of 65 Mbps internet speed which is great for remote workers and digital nomads. The two major fiber optic providers are Infinitum and Izzi, both efficient and affordable. You can expect either of these to cost around 25$ per month and offer fast internet. You can also get a local SIM card upon arriving in the country. The most common provider is Telcel as of now and it provides some great packages. You can purchase a sim at 7-11 stores or your nearest Oxxo.
Cost of living
| Nomad’s cost of living | $1917/month (€1780.75) |
| Cost of living for a family | $3089/month (2869) |
| hotel | $1052/month (€977) |
| Studio in the city center (1br rent) | $677/month (€629) |
| Airbnb | $1363/month (€1266) |
| Dinner | $4.75 (€4.41) |
| Beer | $2.44 (€2.27) |
| Taxi | $1.74/trip (€1.62) |
| Coca-cola | $1.14 (€1.06) |
| Coffee | $2.28 (€2.12) |
| Coworking desk | $279/month (259) |
Conclusion
More often than not, popularity doesn’t play a huge role in a city’s credibility. Some places are simply famous because of mass tourism and their geographic location. For those of you who are willing to take a leap of faith, the underrated cities might just end up surprising you!
A digital nomad city is already good if it has an affordable cost of living, a rich culture, and an accommodating digital nomad visa.
We hope this article guided you about the less popular digital nomad cities. If you have any further questions or queries, feel free to ask us and we’d be happy to help.
Did You Like This Article about Underrated Cities for Digital Nomads?
Sign up for our newsletter to receive more exclusive tips and insights straight to your inbox!