The best cities for remote workers in 2024

While businesses plan a return to the office in 2024, the large majority of employees hold on to working remotely. As research conducted by Gallup shows, 90% of employees say they don't want to go back to the office full time.

So, there is still hope for workers to enjoy a sunny workation on a nice beach somewhere in the world in 2024. But which remote work destinations are trending this year? What are the best cities for remote workers in 2024? Read on and find out where to head for your next remote work adventure.

What makes a great remote work destination? There are different factors to take into consideration when choosing the best destinations to work remotely. These factors include:

• Attractiveness as a travel destination,

• Availability of remote work visas,

• Taxation,

• Allowed length of stay,

• Connectivity (including internet speed and free wifi hotspots),

• Cost of living,

• Worker friendliness (including number of coworking spaces),

• Public transport network,

• Lifestyle amenities,

• Digital nomad community,

• Options for activities and excursions, and

• Availability of cheap accommodation.

So, with these factors in mind, what are the best remote work destinations in 2024?

There are many great spots in the United States, but there is one destination that trumps all others when it comes to remote work suitability. In 2023, Atlanta was crowned “best city in America for working remotely”, and that for the second year running.

According to the analysis, the city is a great remote work destination because of its affordable cost of living and a great remote work infrastructure. For instance, the city boasts an extremely high density of coworking spaces.

Although there is no dedicated remote work visa for the U. S., there are different visa options digital nomads and remote workers can use to stay and work in the United States.

The capital of Thailand is a popular remote work destination. The city has a lively digital nomad community which makes it easy to get to know and connect with like-minded people. Also, the vibrant streets of the capital offer lots of opportunities to try exotic foods and go on an adventurous discovery tour.

Given the large number of shared office spaces, remote workers typically don’t have to look for long to find a suitable spot to set up their work equipment. Another big advantage is the availability of several visa options for remote workers and digital nomads, including the new long-term resident permit (short: LTR permit).

Portugal is high up on the list of popular remote work destinations. The country boasts a large number of lively cities and beautiful islands. One of the most popular spots for remote workers is the city of Lisbon.

The Portuguese capital is a fascinating place to live and work, and thanks to the small size of the country, it’s relatively easy to reach other attractive destinations, such as the Algarve or the lovely city of Porto. The newly introduced digital nomad visa has made things even simpler for foreign workers who wish to settle in the country for a longer period of time and enjoy the comforts of the Portuguese lifestyle while working remotely.

A rich offer of cultural activities, a vibrant nightlife, great weather, and a cheap cost of living. It really seems like Medellín has got it all. The city in the North of Colombia is a popular spot for digital nomads and remote workers who enjoy the pleasant conditions for living and working.

Seeing that Medellín was nicknamed “the city of eternal spring”, visitors from overseas can look forward to pleasant weather throughout their stay. Thanks to the remote work visa that was introduced in 2022, it’s possible to stay in the country for up to two years.

Stunning beaches, lively cities, and plenty of delectable foods to try. Mexico is a stunning remote work destination and the capital of the same name definitely shouldn’t be missing in any listing of the best destinations for remote work.

When remote work first became a thing in 2020, the Central American country was the perfect escape for U. S. residents trying to avoid the harsh COVID policies. Now, with visa options ranging from 180 days to up to a total of four years, remote workers can surely have an amazing experience working remotely from the capital of Mexico.

Toronto is a welcoming city with plenty to see and do. The capital of the province Ontario is one of the best cities for remote workers in Canada. There are plenty of options for those looking for a peaceful spot to set up their laptop and spend some productive hours, be it one of the many coworking spaces, libraries, or cafés.

A speedy internet connection is a given everywhere in the city, and once the workday is over, it’s time to discover the many different neighborhoods and soak up the cosmopolitan flair of the city.

Japan is expected to become a major travel hotspot in 2024. The country is often praised for its unique combination of tradition and modernity which visitors can experience in all of the country’s major cities, but especially in Tokyo.

As a trending travel destination, Tokyo is definitely a hot candidate to make it onto the list of best cities for remote workers in 2024. Between neon-lit skyscrapers and historic temples, it’s hard to get bored in the vibrant city after work. And although accommodation here is on the pricey side, the range of cultural sights and activities are worth paying a little more for the stay.