I’ve worked as a digital nomad in over 20 European cities now, spending anywhere from one week to several months in each destination.
And while I’ve been a digital nomad in many cool cities, I’ve narrowed it down to the top three based on factors like affordability, quality of life, and ease of being a digital nomad there.
Some of my actual favorite cities like Paris didn’t make the cut because of how pricy they are.
But these three cities are all more affordable and have great options including long-stay visas for digital nomads looking to live and work in Europe.
1. Seville, Spain
Seville is a city where I’ve spent a lot of time as a digital nomad. Forget Madrid, forget Barcelona – I think Seville is the best city in Spain for digital nomads.
This fourth-largest city in Spain is in the southern region of Andalusia, where there’s plenty of year-round sunshine, so leave your umbrella at home. If you’re like me and obsessed with history and architecture, you’ll love Seville. Another thing Seville has in spades? Culture and nightlife!
From flamenco shows to tapas in sidewalk cafes long after the sun sets (don’t even think about going out to dinner before 9 PM), Seville is a fun-filled city.
What about money? The cost of living in Seville is lower than it is in larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona. I stayed in the Casco Antiguo (the historic center of the city) but the more local neighborhood of Triana right across the river is even more affordable.
Digital nomad visa details: Does Spain have a digital nomad visa? Yup! Spain actually introduced a digital nomad visa in 2023 that allows freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs to live in Spain for up to one year (and the visa is renewable for up to five years.) To qualify, you’ll need to show at least €2,400 (~$2,600) in monthly income.
2. Athens, Greece
Athens is not going to be for everyone, but I personally loved this city so much that I actually came back for a second stay after spending some time traveling in the Greek islands!
It’s a big, slightly gritty, and chaotic city, but it has a great energy. You’ll find graffiti and street art around every corner, juxtaposed with the most unbelievable ancient ruins like the Acropolis and the Agora.
For digital nomads, Athens is a pretty affordable city, especially once you get out of the touristy areas. Psirri and Thiseio are two of the coolest neighborhoods with a fun, youthful vibe and lower prices.
Digital nomad visa details: Greece also has a digital nomad visa, but it has a higher income threshold than the others. You’ll need to have a monthly income of at least €3,500 (~$3,790) in order to qualify. The visa is good for one year, and it can be extended for one additional year after that.
3. Split, Croatia
Another great city for digital nomads? Split, Croatia. This large coastal city along the Adriatic Sea is another spot I really loved working from as a digital nomad.
Imagine working during the day then going to a beach party at night, and spending your free time taking boat trips to the nearby islands or exploring the historic maze of streets that make up Diocletian’s Palace at the center of the city.
Split is another affordable city, although it has definitely gotten more expensive in recent years. You can still find great deals on apartments in Split, especially during the off-season outside of summer.
Digital nomad visa details: Croatia was one of the first European countries to launch a digital nomad visa back in 2021. This visa allows you to stay in Croatia for up to one year, but you cannot extend it any further. You also need to have at least €2,539 (~$2,750) in monthly income.
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