Europe seems to be every digital nomad’s playground these days, not only due to its diverse cultures and multiple options of countries but also its lower cost of living in some areas compared to much of the United States, impressive levels of safety, and higher quality of life.
Sadly, across much of the continent’s well-known hotspots, nomads are encountering some issues, such as prices increasing dramatically and locals becoming more hostile to them (this includes former nomad hotspot Lisbon, in Portugal, and Spain’s overpriced Barcelona).
If it’s still your dream to relocate to Europe, even if temporarily, but you’re unsure where to go now that ‘nomad fatigue’ is on the up, you should consider these 5 new surging nomad destinations, that are both great value for money and yet to be ruined by the masses.
But hey… You didn’t hear it from us.
Bucharest, Romania
The capital city of Romania, Bucharest is the fifth highest-charting on Nomad List‘s ranking of cheap rising cities in Europe, and whatever it lacks in value as a tourist destination, with its run-down Old Town and overly-gray, communist-era cityscape, it makes up for in nomad infrastructure.
For instance, it’s quite easy to get around the city with its comprehensive network of metros and buses, and if you’re staying centrally, chances are you’ll be a short five to ten-minute walk of metro stations, one of the ‘big four’ European supermarkets, convenience stores, city parks and restaurants.
Bucharest isn’t the most exciting city to visit (it isn’t as monumental as Budapest, as beautiful as Paris, and definitely not as spotless as Zurich), but it can be a great place to live, with its plethora of work-friendly cafes, lively social scene – if you’re partying well into your 30s, this is the place to be.
It’s remarkably affordable, too, with living costs capping at only $1,962 per month (average rent is between $426 – $644), and though pickpocketing may happen on occasion, armed robbery and violence are not at all common, and the city is quite safe in general.
Istanbul, Turkiye
The largest city in Turkiye (formerly spelled Turkey), Istanbul may seem intimidating at first, with its 20+ million population, immense size (it’s so big it surpasses Europe’s continental divide with Asia), and chaotic traffic, but it’s precisely this urban mess that makes it fascinating.
Contrary to popular belief, no, it is not the Turkish capital (not since the 1920s, at least), but it is undoubtedly the nation’s cultural heart, dating back at least two millennia and being formerly known as Constantinople – yes, the Constantinople.
Nomads based in Istanbul have numerous ancient sites to discover, including the world-famous Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the formerly impenetrable, still-majestic Walls of Constantinople.
Yet at the same time, a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis awaits them.
Istanbul has 136 coworking spaces on Coworker, and the entrepreneurial atmosphere of its fast-growing districts is sure to inspire you. This is all the better for the budget-conscious, as living here will only set them back a maximum of $1,844 per month.
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (Spain)
The capital of Gran Canaria, the largest of Spain’s lesser-known Canaries archipelago, Las Palmas is best known for its year-round, spring-like temperate climate – it’s never too hot nor too cold – golden-sand Las Canteras Beach, and most importantly, its laid-back living.
Yes, it is a mid-size city over 378,000 Canary Islanders (and expats) call home, but for the most part, you’ll feel that the combination of ocean and rugged nature – everywhere to be seen in Las Palmas in stark contrast with its clusters of high-rises – can seriously reduce your stress levels.
From biting away at some churros dipped in chocolate in storied Triana in the morning to going for strolls down the lengthy, palm-lined promenade – maybe even an afternoon swim? – to partying till dawn in a vibrant Vegueta, life in Las Palmas feels like an (ocean) breeze.
It’s no surprise a vast majority of respondents on Nomad List (82%) like it, especially when it can be pretty affordable to live compared to the average Spanish destination: in total, you’re expected to set aside $1,852 per month living on the island.
Split, Croatia
Split is the second fastest-rising nomad destination in Europe, and we can definitely see why: the off-season climate is mild, at best, it’s a lot smaller than every other city on this list, it’s Mediterranean-coastal, and it combines ancient heritage and beaches.
What more could you ask for? Strolling the centuries-old Old Town, housed in a Roman palace built for an emperor, you’ll come upon historic Romanesque churches, well-preserved ruins lying out in the open alongside quirky alfresco cafes, charming bakeries, and inviting gelato shops.
Moving away from the cobbled center, however, there’s a beautiful palm-dotted boardwalk lined by turquoise waters, leading to tranquil residential zones further down the coast and isolated pebbly beaches where naturism is sometimes practiced.
With its architectural wonders, casual vibes and blood orange-tinged sunsets, Split is an absolute gem of Europe, and we’re glad to inform that, if it appeals to you as a nomad, the most you’re likely to pay monthly residing here, rent and all expenses included, is an affordable $1,967.
Skopje, North Macedonia
Believe it or not, the number one nomad destination ‘surging’ right now is an unheard-of, post-communist, seriously underrated city that is most likely not on your travel radar this year: Skopje, the quirky, statue-packed capital of landlocked North Macedonia.
It is distinct for its delectable South Slavic cuisine, Macedonian culture, and association with the legendary Alexander the Great, who they claim, to the dismay of Greeks, and whose golden-washed sculpture mounting his horse stands proudly in the center of town and medieval landmarks.
Skopje ticks all the boxes for what makes a European capital great: the cobbled historic zone, lined by traditional eateries and souvenir shops, the ancient castle, perched on a hill overlooking the conurbation below, and the wide, leafy boulevards, except it is not prohibitively expensive.
Based on Nomad List estimates, living in Skopje will cost you between $830 if you’re the frugal type who doesn’t eat in restaurants often and is fine with one-bedroom rentals, and $1,349 if you don’t mind treating yourself to a spacious apartment and nice dinners in the Centar on occasion.
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