Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many offices have closed their doors and allowed their employees to work from home. This new era of remote work has people around the world discovering what it’s like to live without a commute, in-person meetings, and a 9-to-5 work schedule.
As people learn to prioritize and optimize their work-life balance, they’re also discovering that remote work doesn’t only mean working from home.
No longer going into the office? Why not work from anywhere?
While this way of working has increased in popularity, it’s not all that new. Digital nomads have been working from destinations around the world for decades already, and thank goodness for them! They paved the way for the #WorkFromAnywhere movement and ensured the best destinations around the globe were already set up with co-working spaces, high-speed internet, and a good quality of life that allows remote working newbies the luxury of just pitching up and having everything they need to succeed at their fingertips.
In this article, we’ll explore the best cities for remote workers in 2022. While the world is packed with destinations that would make for a great adventure for any globetrotter, we’ve chosen these cities due to their suitability for remote workers specifically. Our choice was based on a number of factors, including quality of life, internet connectivity, cost of living, and safety.
Whether you’re looking to work from one of the world’s large tech hubs, a tropical island, or one of the European capitals, our list of the top 10 remote working locations has something for everyone.
The Best Cities for Remote Work
Lisbon:
Lisbon is quickly becoming a digital nomad hotspot in 2022, and we can see why. The city has not only made it into the top 10 locations for liveability, according to Monocle, but it’s also found its way into the hearts of remote workers from around the world.
Lisbon experiences an average of 300 sunny days per year, so if you’re not heading to the Portuguese capital for its affordability, with a cost of living that is 20% lower than other European capitals, you can at least look forward to working on your tan on one of the many gorgeous beaches that line its shores.
Not only does the city have everything you need to feel like you’re living life on holiday, but it’s also home to an array of coworking spaces. Whether choosing to spend your working hours here, at your new home, or at a local cafe overlooking the Mediterranean, even the workaholics among you won’t need to slow down in Lisbon, but can instead enjoy internet speeds of 60 Mbps.
With delicious food, a lively local culture, countless spots from which to enjoy the city’s excellent views, and endless lists of things to see and do, from exploring the surrounding natural landscape to visiting the city’s many museums, it’s easy to see why Lisbon has become such an attractive city for both the young and old.
Bali:
Looking to set up your remote working base in a more tropical location? Bali might be the perfect destination for you. With its warm weather, exotic landscapes, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder this Indonesian island is such a popular choice among travelers.
Life in Bali brings with it many luxuries that may just suit your desired lifestyle. The island’s residents enjoy a relaxed way of life, dine daily on deliciously fresh and exotic fruits and vegetables, and find comfort in the fact that they live in a safe environment. Not only that, but Bali is also extremely affordable.
Those concerned about struggling to find a Wi-Fi connection on the island, need not worry. Thankfully, Bali has excellent internet connectivity and plenty of co-working spaces and cafes, so you’ll never have to worry about finding a place to work.
Bali makes for a beautiful home and a wonderful adventure for those looking to get out of the city and into a more peaceful environment.
Tokyo:
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Tokyo is ideal for remote workers who want to experience an exciting and fast-paced lifestyle. As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is a modern and cosmopolitan city with plenty to see and do.
Although the cost of living in Tokyo is higher than in other cities on this list, with a little effort, it is possible to live somewhat affordably. Tokyo brings a sense of urgency to your life that can inspire you and enhance your productivity. For many, this contagious energy, along with everything there is to experience and explore in the Japanese capital, is well worth the living costs.
Getting around in Tokyo has never been easier, with excellent public transport that will have you at your destination in no time. And, with some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, remote workers will never have to worry about missing a Zoom call.
Not only will life in Tokyo offer you exceptional safety, excellent food, and a nightlife scene that is unmatched around the world, it will be a chance to experience a rich and different culture. For those wishing to venture out of the capital, the hustle and bustle of Tokyo can be easily left behind and replaced with outstanding scenery in the Japanese countryside. Tokyo is also a great starting point for exploring other Asian countries, as well as Oceania.
Madrid:
Remote workers bound for Europe in search of an exciting home base but also a spot from which to venture out over the weekends will discover no place better suited than Madrid. Not only does the Spanish capital rank highly for quality of life, again and again, but it’s also extraordinarily well connected to both the rest of the country and its neighboring nations.
The city is a wonderful mix of modern and traditional, offering the best of Spanish culture, food, and nightlife, set against a dynamic and vibrant backdrop. Not only will remote workers in Madrid be overwhelmed with the number of things they’ll need to tick off their bucket list while in the city, but they also luck out in terms of walkability, public transport, weather, air quality, access to public Wi-Fi, and hospitals.
Spain’s landlocked capital is packed to the brim with museums, parks, lively bars, and cute cafes that, along with a buzzing annual events calendar, will ensure you make the most of your free time. As it’s far too easy to get wrapped up in all the excitement of a new city, to ensure some sort of work-life balance, Madrid is also home to plenty of coworking spaces where remote workers can spend their mandatory work hours.
Singapore:
If you’re looking to spend some time in an exciting and multicultural city, you need not look further than Singapore. Despite its size, this tiny city-state is a melting pot of cultures, languages, cuisines, and ethnicities that can make it feel like five cities in one, at times.
This extreme diversity certainly adds to Singapore’s allure and makes life on the little red dot that much more exciting. It’s no wonder living in Singapore is a dream for so many professionals around the world.
As soon as you step out of the plane, you’ll be amazed by the sheer beauty of Singapore and what it has to offer. Even its airport is a tourist attraction. Can you believe it?
Being one of the wealthiest cities in the world, the cost of living in Singapore is high. That said, life in the city-state comes with many benefits too, not least of which is its extreme safety. Singapore continues to impress its visitors with its eco-friendly nature, and it’s also one of the cleanest cities in the world.
Known for being a financial hub and often referred to as one of Asia’s economic tigers, Singapore is a fantastic place to live for those who want to be constantly challenged by innovation.
Berlin:
Berlin continues to move up the list of the top European cities for digital nomads. It’s known far and wide for its incredible art scene and alternative lifestyle, which is certainly one of the many reasons why individuals from around the world are attracted to this rich and vibrant city.
With its lively nightlife scene, Berlin is known for being a party city, and those who enjoy a night in the town won’t struggle to find a bar or club to suit their mood and a group of either locals or internationals who will be happy to adopt a new friend. In fact, an exercise in self-discipline may be necessary to maintain a healthy balance of work and fun.
Those looking to absorb some culture in Berlin, won’t be at a loss for things to do, as the city is littered with galleries, museums, and monuments that dive deeply into Germany’s history. With an abundance of parks and green spaces, those wanting to spend a day summer’s day outdoors will also be spoilt for choice.
Luckily, unlike in the not-so-distant past, remote workers shouldn’t struggle too much to stay connected in Berlin, as a great effort has been made to install fiber optic cables throughout the city. The vast majority of cafes will have Wi-Fi freely available, and homes should also be set up with the internet and ready for remote working tenants.
Dubai:
Remote workers wanting to live a life of luxury should strongly consider heading to Dubai. Known around the world for the attention it pays to innovation and growth, new arrivals in Dubai can expect to live the high life in this Emirate. As is expected of a 5-star lifestyle, however, living in Dubai does cost a pretty penny, and finding affordable accommodation is not always easy.
That being said, Dubai continues to attract remote workers from around the world, and they have certainly made an effort to accommodate them. Nomads will have access to plenty of co-working spaces that meet all their remote working needs and are also place for them to meet and network with other like-minded ex-pats.
With no real cold season, remote workers in Dubai can expect warm weather all year round. In fact, summers can be on the scorching side, and those not used to the heat may find it rather tough being outdoors at this time of the year.
Luckily, Dubai has no shortage of both indoor and outdoor attractions to visit in your spare time. In a destination packed with high-end shopping and nightlife spots, remote workers won’t have a tough time spending their hard-earned cash. Don’t worry though! Dubai has it all! You also have the luxury of spending a day relaxing on one of the city’s gorgeous beaches all year round. And the best part, they’re free!
Capetown:
Cape Town has been voted the best city in the world by Telegraph Travel for more than a few years running. And they’re not the only ones who think so. Where else in the world could you find such a diversity of nature within a city itself. Cape Town CBD is surrounded by mountains, beaches, winelands, and nature reserves. New arrivals to the city, also don’t have far to travel to see Africa’s Big 5 — the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
As the cultural hub of sunny South Africa, Cape Town is littered with attractions and activities to keep you busy. From adrenaline-fuelled extreme sports to an array of museums and cultural sites, there’s something for everyone. And, no one does a braai (barbecue) quite like the South Africans.
While slightly isolated from the rest of the world, Cape Town offers a quality of life that is unmatched, and the relatively low cost of living doesn’t hurt either. Cape Town has grown in popularity among remote workers in recent years, and we can see why. Those with an adventurous streak will certainly be in their element in this stunning city.
San Diego:
Although less well-known than Los Angeles and San Francisco, we believe San Diego has just as much to offer and for a more affordable price. Although not cheap, as far as American cities go, San Diego is everything there is to love about the West Coast but at a more reasonable rate.
Packed with beaches and trendy neighborhoods, San Diego boasts an excellent quality of life. Those heading to this West Coast city will be confronted with an extensive to-do list, but luckily, there’ll be no shortage of sunny days in which to work through it.
Remote workers who are hoping to get in their full 8 hours are also in luck, as Wi-Fi is freely available throughout the city, and the selection of co-working spots and cafes is just as extensive as that of leisure activities.
San Diego is also known for its good safety record, and it’s just a hop skip and a jump away from Mexico. Needless to say, what’s not to love?
Conclusion
Choosing the right destination to set up your remote work base is essential for you to succeed in this new way of life. We’ve explored some of the best destinations around the world for remote workers in 2022. All of these cities boast an incredible quality of life that will assist with your work-life balance, as well as have you exploring new locations, getting in touch with new cultures, and having experiences that working in an office or even from home would never have provided.
So, all of that said, what is your city of choice for remote working in 2022?
