Bucharest, included again among the best cities for digital nomads worldwide

As remote work gains popularity, individuals seek to capitalize on flexibility by traveling or relocating. According to WFH Research, 12.7% of full-time employed Americans worked remotely in 2023, a figure projected to rise to 22% by 2025, reports Upwork.

So, a digital nomad publication created an index of the best cities for digital nomads according to relevant criteria, such as broadband and mobile speed, cost of living, rent, and other expenses, proximity to co-working spaces and accessibility to remote working visas.  

And, of course, Romanian capital, Bucharest, is again on the list.

Ranking ninth was Bucharest, Romania, with a score of 67.99. An artistic hub, Romania’s capital has plenty for digital nomads to explore, such as its elaborate and diverse architecture, an arts scene featuring some of the world’s best galleries, museums and theatres, and tranquil parks ideal for nature lovers. 

Hoi An, Vietnam ranked first with a score of 73.94 out of 100, while Delhi, India, came second with 73.77. Ranking third was Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with 72.02 out of 100.

Top ten best cities for digital nomads 

Rank 

City 

Country 

Index score out of 100 

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 

While it may seem daunting at first, living a digital nomad lifestyle gives people the freedom to forge their own paths and enrich their lives with cultures they wouldn’t otherwise experience.  

Some people are put off by expenses and accessibility, but there are plenty of places with a lot to offer working professionals. Many of these will welcome remote workers with open arms and a sense of community. 

“Cities such as Hoi An, Delhi and Kuala Lumpur are ideal spots that have an ease of access and won’t break the bank. Their internet connection and co-working spaces also provide an infrastructure that allows digital nomads to flourish. 

“The monotony of day-to-day life can leave people feeling stagnant and uninspired, but travelling more, exploring curiosities or expanding our horizons doesn’t have to be limited to a vacation. Being a digital nomad provides endless possibilities, and these cities are sure to make anyone feel at home, no matter where they’re from,” said Irene Wang, co-founder of Freaking Nomads.

Nine factors were used to compile the index in total. Factors then had a score applied from 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst and 10 being the best. A weighting was then assigned to each factor reflecting its importance within the analysis. The factors and their percentage weightings are as follows:

  • Remote work visa ease of access (30%) 

  • Cost of Living Index relative to New York City (15%) 

  • Rent index relative to New York City (15%) 

  • Groceries index relative to New York City (10%) 

  • Restaurant price index relative to New York City (10%) 

  • Local purchasing power relative to New York City (5%) 

  • Number of coworking spaces per 100,000 residents (circa 2019) (5%) 

  • Average mobile data speed Mbps (5%)  

  • Average broadband speed Mbps (5%) 

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