With gentrification having ruined a number of tried-and-true workcation spots worldwide, from a no-longer-peaceful Tulum, all the way over to Tbilisi, in Georgia, where rental prices have shot through the roof since it got ‘discoverd’, I get it if you feel as if you’re running out of options.
Us digital nomads are always looking for the cheaper alternatives, preferably those yet to be ruined by mass tourism––or should we say, mass nomadism in this case––and based on a new report published by Search Logistics, we might just have found them.
The digital marketing agency has listed 3 surprising cities as the best destinations for digital nomads in 2025, and having lived experience in all of them myself, I’m inclined to agree:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The third-best ranked is Rio de Janeiro (or just Rio), in Brazil: this vibrant coastal metropolis backed by verdant mountains and straddling an azure ocean scores 62.35 out of 100, and it’s the closest Brazil gets to a digital nomad paradise.
I mean, between the postcard-ready beaches––think a world-famous Ipanema or a glityz Copacabana––and the eclectic cultural scene, with colonial buildings and samba bars galore, it’s easy to see how Rio would be stealing the hearts of my fellow long-term travelers.
I particularly love it for its laid-back atmosphere (Praia do Leme and some fresh coconut is all the relaxation you need after a long office day), and plethora of laptop-friendly brunch spots, though my absolute favorite is American-run Gringo Cafe in Ipanema.
As beautiful as Rio may be, however, I’d encourage you to proceed with caution: definitely do not flash valuables in public (this includes your phone), beware of pickpockets, and if you’re going to a favela event or gathering––foreigners love those, for some reason––do not go unaccompanied.
Average cost of living in Rio de Janeiro according to Numbeo
- Price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant: $5.77
- A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: $34.44
- Monthly cost of transportation: $49.08
- One-bedroom apartment in downtown Rio: $419.58
- Estimated monthly expenses: $996
Bucharest, Romania
Taking up the runner-up slot is Bucharest, with a score of 65.62, the fascinating capital of Romania, and an Eastern European gem I called home for just over a month many winters ago, and I am glad it is finally getting the praise it deserves:
Bucharest has incredibly-diverse architecture, with elements of Belle époque and Soviet-style Brutalism, and it’s a hugely-underrated cultural hub playing host to world-class art galleries––if you’re a museum geek like me, I would strongly suggest you pay the National Museum of Art a visit.
I won’t lie to you, the endless clusters of communist-era apartment blocks away from the Paris-coded city center may feel oppressive at times, especially if you’ve grown up as a Western kid, but the good thing about Bucharest is, there’s always a tranquil park to escape to.
Herastrau in spring puts New York’s Central Park to shame, and a peaceful Parcul Tineretului in Sector IV is great for beating the downtown crowds, and the nearby Erbario Coffee is a cozy eatery serving brunch and specialty coffee at local prices.
Average cost of living in Bucharest according to Numbeo
- Price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant: $11.66
- A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: $52.98
- Monthly cost of transportation: $16.95
- One-bedroom apartment in downtown Bucharest: $596.14
- Estimated monthly expenses: $1,304
Bangkok, Thailand
Taking the lead on a score of 69.98 out of 100, the temple-dotted urban sprawl that is Bangkok, Thailand is officially the best destination for digital nomads next year according to Search Logistics, and in all fairness, I second that:
Not only is this supported by Nomads, which lists Bangkok as the most popular city in the community right now, Bangkok is essentially a Mecca for remote workers thanks to its extensive list of coworking spaces, unmatched social scene, and dirt cheap prices.
You can get dinner for $3, pamper yourself with a foot massage for around $8, and spend as little as $154 in a week––well, you could probably get the same, if not cheaper, in places like Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, or Hanoi, in Vietnam, but you get my point.
Last but not least, Bangkok is just unabashed, riotous fun from Monday to Monday, with gay-friendly Silom Soi 4 catering to a libertarian crowd, and a busy Sukhumvit Soi 11 offering a big selection of cocktail bars and laid-back rooftop venues.
Average cost of living in Bangkok according to Numbeo
- Price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant: $2.85
- A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: $28.52
- Monthly cost of transportation: $37.07
- One-bedroom apartment in downtown Bucharest: $555.16
- Estimated monthly expenses: $1,197
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