The number of remote workers in the population is growing. In the latest poll from Gallup.com, about 37% of respondents in the U.S. said they have worked remotely at least part of the time. Telecommuting gives workers so many options of where they want to spend their time, and these options are being explored more and more by remote workers. While it’s nice to enjoy the comfort of home, think of all the other places you could possibly go be while you are working. Changing your surroundings can give you a fresh perspective, which promotes productivity and creativity. And you increase the chances you will meet new people and be presented with exciting opportunities for your life and career.
Whether you run your own business from home, have a full-time job that doesn’t require you to be in an office, or are a freelancer in the gig economy that works remotely, you should make the most of the freedom your job allows you. Nomadlist.com is a website that finds the best places in the world for remote workers to live and travel to. You can search for the best cities based on factors such as Internet speed, weather, clean air, nightlife and even freedom of speech. We did an international search of the most affordable cities for remote workers that are also the safest and friendliest. Here are seven of our top picks:
1) Bangkok, Thailand
There is so much to see in Bangkok, from palaces to beautiful Buddhist temples and shrines to peaceful rivers and canals. As a foreigner, you can expect a warm welcome in this large city. There are plenty of places to work, great Wi-Fi, and the cost of living is only $1,129 per month.
2) Porto, Portugal
Porto is a very old town known for its port wine cellars, cobblestone streets, and medieval scenery. This is one of the highest rated cities overall on Nomadlist.com, and it really does seem to have everything, from racial tolerance to great weather and a happening nightlife scene. You can expect feel safe here, with a cost of living of only $1,671 per month.
3) Charlotte, NC
If you would like to stay in the U.S., this is one of the most affordable cities for remote workers that is also friendly and safe. It’s a commercial hub, making it an excellent place for doing business. Among the attractions are the Levine Museum of the New South where you can get educated on Civil War History, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. If you lack a car, this is a great city for walking to their many Wi-Fi-equipped spots. The cost of living for Charlotte is estimated to be $1,858 per month.
4) Shanghai, China
With 24 million people as of 2014, Shanghai is a bustling financial hub and the most populous city in the world. It’s also a beautiful and multicultural city, with futuristic skyscrapers, colonial buildings and peaceful ponds and pavilions. Shanghai’s friendly population is probably one of the reasons for its exotic and thrilling nightlife. The estimated cost of living is $1,253 per month.
5) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
If you want to experience glorious beaches and resorts, Puerto Vallarta graces Mexico’s Pacific coast, and is the most affordable of the cities on our list. The residents will make you feel right at home, and at $868 per month, the cost of living is impressively low.
6) Bratislava, Slovakia
This friendly and safe 18th century town is among the most affordable cities for remote workers, and that’s just a start. Bordering Austria and Hungary, there are so many forests and mountains to hike, bike and enjoy. It’s a pedestrian only town, so if you don’t have a car you will do fine. The estimated cost of living is $1,550 per month.
7) Las Palmas, Spain
Located on Spain’s Canary Islands off the coast of northwestern Africa, Las Palmas is a cruise ship port with an excellent beach scene and festive carnivals with exotic costumes and dancing. This is an extremely peaceful, tolerant city where you can expect to live comfortably. With an estimated cost of living of only $1,483 per month, this is one of the best places in the world for remote workers.
Click below for work from home jobs in:
Author: Jessica Cody
Jessica Cody, a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, has a background in online marketing and public relations. Currently, she works at VHMNetwork LLC in the role of Marketing Analyst. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where she studied Journalism and Political Science. She is also an avid runner with a passion for the outdoors.
