Which Destination Is Truly Best for Digital Nomads in 2025? A new global ranking from hotelwithtub.com reveals the top 100 destinations, based on real-world data and nomad experiences.
Bangkok claims the top spot. Scoring 91 out of 100, it stands out for its unbeatable affordability, strong infrastructure, and high nomad satisfaction, attracting over 23 million visitors annually with an 18% return rate. Thailand leads the pack with seven cities featured, emphasizing its growing appeal for remote professionals seeking both vibrant culture and cost-effective living.
Among the 100 ranked cities, Weligama, Sri Lanka, emerges as the cheapest destination, with solo living costs as low as $624 per month. On the opposite end, New York City ranks as the most expensive, with solo living costs exceeding $7,600 monthly and family expenses topping $12,000. This range highlights the diversity of options for digital nomads, from ultra-budget beach towns to high-cost global hubs.
The study by hotelwithtub.com analyzed 1,370 locations worldwide using a weighted scoring system that balances affordability, safety, quality of life, infrastructure, nomad return rates, and social media presence. Data was gathered from public sources and community-driven platforms such as Nomad List, Numbeo, and Instagram hashtags to ensure a comprehensive view of the digital nomad landscape in 2025.
Key Findings:
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Bangkok ranks #1 with a top score of 91/100, offering low living costs ($1,537/month), excellent infrastructure, and a high nomad satisfaction score (4.55/5).
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Thailand dominates the list with 7 cities in the top 100, cementing its reputation as the go-to country for digital nomads in 2025.
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Lisbon has the highest return rate at 24%, showing it consistently draws nomads back for long-term stays.
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Weligama, Sri Lanka, is the cheapest destination, with solo living costs at just $624/month and family costs as low as $1,905/month.
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New York City is the most expensive, with solo costs exceeding $7,600/month, placing it near the bottom at rank #93.
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London ranks #3 and is the most Instagrammed city in the study, with 190 million hashtags, showing strong global digital appeal.
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Nakhon Ratchasima (Rank #5) is the most affordable city in the top 10, with solo living costs at just $1,062/month and family costs barely over $1,100.
10 Best Destinations for Digital Nomads Ranked in 2025
| Rank | Destination Name | Country | Final Weighted Score | Score by Nomads (Out of 5) | Quality of life score (nomads) | Safety (nomads) | Return rate (%) | Visitors/year | Living cost per nomad/month | Living cost per family/month | Instagram Hashtag |
| 1 | Bangkok | Thailand | 91 | 4.55 | Good | Good | 18 | 23.3M | $1,537 | $2,839 | 37.2M |
| 2 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates | 89 | 3.5 | Okay | Great | 16 | 16.0M | $3,156 | $8,065 | 167.2M |
| 3 | London | United Kingdom | 85 | 2.87 | Good | Great | 15 | 19.8M | $5,937 | $10,786 | 190.0M |
| 4 | Tokyo | Japan | 81 | 3.47 | Good | Great | 17 | 19.8M | $3,284 | $4,366 | 16.0M |
| 5 | Nakhon Ratchasima | Thailand | 80 | 2.92 | Good | Great | 14 | 9.7M | $1,062 | $1,103 | 82.3K |
| 6 | Seoul | South Korea | 80 | 3.35 | Good | Great | 14 | 7.7M | $2,561 | $3,714 | 27.2M |
| 7 | Taipei | Taiwan | 78 | 3.02 | Good | Great | 14 | 9.3M | $2,330 | $3,028 | 19.4M |
| 8 | Barcelona | Spain | 78 | 3.15 | Good | Great | 15 | 7.6M | $5,509 | $6,167 | 78.2M |
| 9 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | 78 | 3.05 | Good | Okay | 18 | 2.2M | $1,600 | $2,771 | 29.0M |
| 10 | Tbilisi | Georgia | 77 | 3.41 | Good | Good | 17 | 2.5M | $2,120 | $3,482 | 4.1M |
1. Bangkok, Thailand
Topping the list with a score of 91/100, Bangkok offers unbeatable value—$1,537/month solo, $2,839 for families—plus strong infrastructure and a 4.55/5 nomad rating. With 23M annual visitors, 37.2M Instagram tags, and an 18% return rate, it’s a clear favorite.
2. Dubai, UAE
Dubai ranks #2 with high safety, premium amenities, and fast digital access. Living costs are higher ($3,156 solo, $8,065 family), but its 16% return rate and 167M Instagram hashtags highlight its strong appeal to affluent nomads.
3. London, UK
At #3, London offers unmatched access and culture. While solo costs are steep ($5,937/month), it earns a 15% return rate and dominates online with 190M Instagram tags.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Ranked #4, Tokyo balances safety, efficiency, and quality of life. Costs sit at $3,284 solo and $4,366 family. It has a 17% return rate and 16M Instagram hashtags.
5. Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
The most affordable in the top 10, Korat ranks #5 with solo costs of just $1,062/month. Rated “Great” for safety, it has 9.7M visitors, a 14% return rate, and 82K hashtags.
6. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul takes #6 with strong digital infrastructure, $2,561/month solo costs, and a 14% return rate. It’s widely shared online with 27.2M Instagram tags.
7. Taipei, Taiwan
At #7, Taipei blends energy and calm. Solo living costs are $2,330/month, with “Great” safety, a 14% return rate, and 19.4M Instagram hashtags.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona ranks #8, offering lifestyle perks for $5,509/month solo. A 15% return rate and 78M hashtags confirm its popularity among creatives.
9. Buenos Aires, Argentina
At #9, Buenos Aires delivers big-city culture at $1,600/month. It’s 18% return rate and 29M hashtags make it Latin America’s nomad standout.
10. Tbilisi, Georgia
Rounding out the top 10, Tbilisi combines affordability ($2,120/month) with simplicity, safety, and a 17% return rate. It’s 4.1M hashtags show it’s gaining attention.
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