The digital nomad lifestyle has been growing rapidly, giving people the freedom to work from anywhere while exploring new places. The U.S. is home to countless cities that cater to remote workers, but not all cities are created equal. Some offer incredible amenities for digital nomads, like great coworking spaces and affordable living, while others might not be as ideal due to high costs or lack of infrastructure. In this blog, we’ll get into the 10 best and worst cities for digital nomads in the States to help you choose the perfect base for your lifestyle.
What Makes a City Ideal for Digital Nomads?
When choosing a city, digital nomads typically look for a few key factors:
- Cost of Living: Affordable rent, food, and transportation are essential for a sustainable lifestyle.
- Internet Speed and Access: Reliable and fast Wi-Fi is non-negotiable for remote work.
- Coworking Spaces: A good city has plenty of coworking spots for networking and productivity.
- Community: Cities with vibrant communities of like-minded remote workers offer great networking opportunities.
- Quality of Life: Think safety, weather, activities, and overall vibe.
Now, let’s break down the best and worst cities for digital nomads in the U.S.
5 Best Cities for Digital Nomads
1. Austin, Texas
Austin has consistently ranked as a top city for digital nomads, and for good reason:
- Coworking Spaces: Tons of coworking hubs like WeWork and Capital Factory make it easy to stay productive.
- Community: The city is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and thriving tech scene.
- Lifestyle: Amazing food, live music, and outdoor activities make Austin a fun place to live.
- Cost: While it’s more affordable than cities like San Francisco, rising rent costs are something to keep in mind.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $2,300–$2,800
2. Denver, Colorado
If you love the outdoors, Denver is the place for you.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy hiking, skiing, and mountain views during your downtime.
- Internet Speed: High-speed internet is widely available.
- Cost: Living costs are reasonable compared to coastal cities.
- Community: Denver has a growing digital nomad and tech community.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $2,200–$2,700
3. Miami, Florida
Miami isn’t just about beaches and nightlife—it’s also becoming a hotspot for remote workers.
- Coworking Spaces: Spots like The LAB Miami are popular among freelancers and entrepreneurs.
- Weather: Warm weather year-round is a big plus.
- Diverse Community: Miami attracts a global crowd, making it a great place to network.
- Cost: While rent can be pricey, there are affordable neighborhoods if you’re flexible.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $2,500–$3,200
4. Chattanooga, Tennessee
This underrated gem is perfect for digital nomads looking for affordability and charm.
- Cost of Living: Rent and expenses are much lower than in bigger cities.
- Internet Speed: Known for its lightning-fast gigabit internet.
- Coworking Scene: Growing spaces like The Edney offer a productive work environment.
- Lifestyle: Scenic views and outdoor activities make it a peaceful place to live.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $1,800–$2,200
5. Portland, Oregon
Portland’s quirky vibe makes it a favorite for creative digital nomads.
- Coworking Spaces: Places like CENTRL Office cater to remote workers.
- Culture: It’s a haven for coffee lovers, foodies, and artists.
- Community: Portland has a strong community of freelancers and entrepreneurs.
- Cost: While not the cheapest, it’s still more affordable than cities like New York or LA.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $2,200–$2,800
5 Worst Cities for Digital Nomads
1. San Francisco, California
San Francisco might be a tech hub, but it’s not ideal for digital nomads:
- Cost of Living: Sky-high rent and expenses make it one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.
- Crowds: Overcrowding and traffic can make daily life stressful.
- Coworking Costs: While there are many coworking spaces, they’re often pricey.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $4,500–$5,500
2. New York City, New York
The Big Apple offers a lot of opportunities, but it can also be packed for digital nomads.
- Cost: Rent, food, and transportation are extremely expensive.
- Internet Speed: Decent but not exceptional for the price you’re paying.
- Work-Life Balance: The hustle culture can feel overwhelming for some.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $4,000–$5,000
3. Los Angeles, California
While LA offers sunshine and beaches, it has its downsides:
- Cost of Living: Rent is expensive, and traffic adds extra commuting costs.
- Internet: Spotty in some areas.
- Community: The spread-out nature of the city can make it hard to build connections.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $3,800–$4,500
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas might be great for a vacation, but it’s not ideal for digital nomads:
- Distractions: The 24/7 party scene isn’t great for productivity.
- Coworking Options: Limited compared to other cities.
- Cost: Surprisingly high for what you get in terms of quality of life.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $2,500–$3,200
5. Anchorage, Alaska
While beautiful, Anchorage isn’t a practical choice for remote work.
- Internet: Slower than most major cities.
- Isolation: It’s far from major hubs, making networking difficult.
- Weather: Harsh winters can be tough to handle.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $2,200–$2,700
Why Digital Nomads Should Consider an LLC
If you’re a digital nomad who freelances, runs an online business, or does remote consulting, forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) can give you significant advantages:
- Protect Your Personal Assets: An LLC separates your business finances from your personal finances, protecting your assets in case of legal issues.
- Professional Image: Operating under an LLC name makes your business look more credible and professional.
- Tax Benefits: Depending on how you structure it, an LLC can help you save on taxes.
- Flexibility: It’s easy to set up and manage, even for a one-person operation.
SwyftFillings, Northwest Registered Agent, or Bizee
Services like SwyftFillings, Northwest Registered Agent, or Bizee can help you set up an LLC quickly and affordably so you can focus on building your business while traveling.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right city as a digital nomad can make or break your experience. Cities like Austin, Denver, and Miami stand out for their affordability, community, and lifestyle. On the flip side, places like San Francisco and New York, while iconic, might not be worth the high costs. If you’re serious about your digital nomad journey, don’t overlook the importance of setting up an LLC for your business. It’s a small investment that provides long-term security and professionalism.
