With the pandemic-induced worldwide lockdowns (hopefully) nearing their end and travel becoming less restrictive, people are setting their sights on new destinations to work remotely from – and Europe is high on many lists.
Yet Europe is a continent full of so many different cultures, languages, and climates that it can be difficult to know where best to live. Add to that the considerations like cost of living, internet speeds, and access to public transport, and you’ll find that there are some European cities that work better for digital nomads than others.
Based on a myriad of sources like Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey, European Destinations of Excellence Network, NomadList, as well as preferences of our own WiFi Tribe community, we’ll be taking a look at the 17 best places to live in Europe for expats, without focusing on your “typical” digital nomad destinations (though some of those will definitely be part of the mix).
We’ll look at various factors, such as cost of living, wifi speeds and reliability, climate, digital nomad scene, and access to fun things to do, to help you find your best possible remote work location. To give this some sort of structure, we’ve ranked the best cities from lowest to highest cost of living.
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
As the largest city in Georgia, the capital Tbilisi offers plenty of digital-nomad-friendly points for those looking to relocate – at possibly the lowest prices in Europe. In Tbilisi, you’ll find lots of English-speaking locals, as well as a large digital nomad community.
Cost of living: Everything is cheap in Tbilisi (compared to the other European cities): rent, groceries, eating out. This makes it perfect for remote workers looking to spend less than $1200 per month on all expenses.
Average rent cost: Rental prices for comfortable accommodation are low in Tbilisi, usually around the $250-$500 mark.
Wifi speed and reliability: This is where remote workers might hit a bit of a snag on occasion. While internet speeds are high, they’re not always easily or reliably available in public. For the best wifi, head to cafes and restaurants – but even then you might need a SIM card to stream your data over.
Healthcare: Georgian healthcare is best for those who are already covered by their home country’s healthcare system.
Knowledge of local language: Tbilisi is great for people who want to learn Georgian or Russian. You’ll find that most locals speak English well, but don’t be surprised if you get left out on occasion.
Digital nomad community: Tbilisi is a hotspot for digital nomads, with plenty of coworking spaces and cafes best suited for remote workers.
Things to do: Visit the old town area where you’ll find churches, museums, and art galleries. Tbilisi’s cobblestoned old town reflects its long, complicated history under Persian and Russian rule (among others).
Getting around: A car rental is best, as the old town can be hard to navigate without one. Tbilisi also offers reliable public transportation with buses or trolleybuses that take you anywhere in the city.
Climate: Tbilisi is best for people who want to enjoy a subtropical climate year-round without the scorching heat of Southern Europe. It can get cold in the winter, though.
2. Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, is another good option for digital nomads on a budget, while not compromising on quality healthcare or wifi speeds. The quality of life in Zagreb is best for remote workers who want to live cheaply but also enjoy cultural events and nature.
Cost of living: As a digital nomad, you can expect total costs to come down to about $1300-$1800 per month.
Average rent cost: About $500-$1000 per month, depending on provider (AirBnB is always more expensive than local landlords) and area.
Wifi speed and reliability: Zagreb has excellent wifi speeds, so you won’t have any trouble staying connected – but it’s best to be prepared with a SIM card if you want to use your cellular data for anything other than emergencies (cell service isn’t the best in Croatia).
Healthcare: It’s best to have international travel insurance before you go, just in case. Care is best if you speak Croatian, though many doctors speak English.
The digital nomad community: Zagreb isn’t an especially popular destination for remote workers and digital nomads (yet). That said, the cost of living is great for those on a budget and who are looking to save some money.
Knowledge of the local language: It’s good to have at least basic knowledge of Croatian to get by in Zagreb, though most locals speak English, too.
Things to do: Zagreb offers a wide variety of things to explore – from its best museums and historical sites, good restaurants, to the best bars in town.
Getting around: Public transportation is excellent in Croatia, with bus services available for exploring outside of the city too. There are also bike-share programs if you want more options.
Climate: Zagreb has a moderately cold climate, making it best for those who prefer cool summers and cold winters.
3. Krakow, Poland
Not yet on many remote workers’ radar, Krakow in Poland is slowly but steadily becoming increasingly popular. Krakow offers big city life with a slower, small-town charm.
Cost of living: Expect to pay around $1300-$1800 per month to live comfortably as a digital nomad, staying for anywhere between a few weeks up to two months.
Average rent cost: Rent prices are best looked at on an apartment-by-apartment basis going from $500-$900, up to $1200 for AirBnB listings.
Healthcare: Bringing your own health insurance is best, as coverage in Poland depends on the company, which might not cover you if you’re a digital nomad.
Knowledge of the language: While Polish can be difficult to learn for those without any Slavic heritage, most locals speak English pretty well and will always help out with translations when needed.
Digital nomad community: Also still a bit of a hidden gem, the remote worker community isn’t super prevalent, but can be found in coworking spaces and cafes.
Things to do: Krakow is best suited for those looking for a slower-paced, quieter life with plenty of green space – it’s very easy to get around on foot and explore small towns by bike or car. The city offers many cultural points of interest, like its well-preserved medieval core and Jewish quarter.
Getting around Krakow: Public transportation is easy to use in Krakow, and car rentals are available for those who want to explore different parts of the country.
Climate: Krakow is best suited for those looking for a warmer climate with hot summers and chilly winters (with some snowfall).
4. Budapest, Hungary
In Budapest’s city center, there’s an eclectic mix of architectural styles from all periods and regions: Baroque palaces and Art Nouveau buildings with fine-detailed wrought ironwork stand next to modern boutiques with outdoor cafés. In the best cafes, you’ll find locals and digital nomads alike working on laptops or relaxing over coffee.
The quality of life in Budapest is unbeatable – with a rich culture, best transport systems, and best healthcare in the region.
Cost of living: Living costs are generally quite low by European standards. Digital nomads and remote workers should expect to spend around $1600-$1900 USD per month if they’re looking to live comfortably.
Average rent cost: Anywhere from $400-$1000 USD per month, depending on your desired neighborhood.
Wifi reliability and speed: Wifi speeds are best in the city center (and generally pretty good all-around), though can vary depending on location.
Healthcare: Basic healthcare is provided by the government.
Knowledge of local language: It’s possible to get around Budapest with little to no knowledge of Hungarian; more people speak English here than you might expect. That being said, knowing some basic Hungarian will make things easier for you, especially when you take trips outside of Hungary’s beautiful capital city.
Community: Budapest offers many digital nomad hotspots for remote workers and travelers alike – from the best cafes for remote working in town to co-working spaces hidden down side streets.
Getting around: Budapest is best explored on foot or by public transportation; the metro system allows you to get anywhere in town with ease.
Climate: The best season to enjoy Budapest is from May-November; but even during winter, there are plenty of things to enjoy indoors, for example the “Furdo” hot water spa baths.
5. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn offers remote workers a great balance of affordability, amenities, and high quality of life. It’s best for digital nomads who enjoy city life, as there are plenty of museums, galleries, and cultural attractions to explore.
Cost of living: Tallinn is a super affordable destination – expect to budget around $1800-$2000 USD per month (most of it on rent) to live comfortably as a remote worker.
Average rent cost in Tallinn: You should budget at least $1000 for rent per month, though it can be more or less depending on the area you choose to stay in.
Wifi speed and reliability: It’s best if you have your own internet connection (i.e. cellphone data) when living as a digital nomad in Tallinn – wifi can be unreliable unless you’re near one of the hotspots.
Healthcare: You’ll have to go through the Estonian Health Insurance Fund for healthcare, but you can find plenty of English-speaking staff.
Knowledge of local language: The best way to explore Tallinn is by having some knowledge of Estonian – though English can be found just about everywhere.
The digital nomad community: There’s a thriving community in Tallinn, and you’ll find fellow remote workers at popular cafes.
Things to do: With an insanely gorgeous old town, plenty of museums, galleries, and opera houses, you’ll find there’s never a shortage of things to explore in Tallinn.
Getting around: Tallinn is a wonderfully walkable city with medieval European charm and markets. Public transport is best for getting around outside of Tallinn center.
Climate: Temperate with enjoyably warm summers and cool winters.
6. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a city steeped in history with a youthful and vibrant spirit. With fantastic weather, generally fast internet, great access to public transportation, and a median temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius year-round, it’s an especially ideal destination for expats seeking warmth from the cold European winter months.
The quality of life in Lisbon is high, with a general feeling of happiness and satisfaction among residents. Lisbon is best for people who want to spend a few months at a time abroad and are interested in the history of this ancient city.
Costs of living: Budget living expenses for a digital nomad can average about $820 per month, while someone looking to live in Lisbon full-time can expect the costs of living to be around $1600-$2200 per month.
Average rent cost: Between $650-$800 per month.
Wifi reliability and speed: Generally good wifi speeds, with the best connection in the Baixa quarter.
Healthcare: There are a number of private healthcare options available, and most visitors to Portugal can purchase health insurance through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Knowledge of local language: People who don’t speak Portuguese should be aware that most locals aren’t fluent in English.
The digital nomad community: It’s no secret anymore that Lisbon is a digital nomad favorite and hotspot for a thriving remote worker community.
Things to do: There’s no shortage of things to do in and around Lisbon, with great beaches and outdoor activities like surfing or hiking up Sintra’s Pena Palace.
Getting around: Lisbon’s public transport system is fantastic, with a metro that connects all of the best neighborhoods. Getting around by bus or tram is also very easy to do.
Climate: Lisbon’s best season is from May to September. Be prepared for heavy rains during the winter months and high winds throughout the year.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is best known for its rich history, beautiful architecture and monuments, and delightful cafes. Prague also offers digital nomads the best of both worlds – the city is affordable but full of amenities to suit remote workers’ needs. The quality of life in Prague is high, with a low cost of living and plenty to offer for remote workers.
Cost of living: A remote worker should budget at least $1800-$2200 per month to live comfortably here.
Average rent cost: Renting a comfortable place in Prague averages about $700-$1000 a month.
Wifi speed and reliability: The best wifi in Prague runs on good old-fashioned cable internet and is pretty reliable everywhere.
Healthcare: You’ll be able to get the best healthcare in Prague if you have a Czech health care card.
Knowledge of the local language: The best way to get around and stay informed is by learning the Czech language. It’s not a difficult language, but it can take some time to learn before you’re able to really have conversations with locals. English is enough to get around, though.
Digital nomad community: You’ll find plenty of remote workers and digital nomads in Prague – the best hotspots to meet them are at some of the best cafes.
Things to do: You can’t beat Prague when it comes to attractions – there are more museums, galleries, opera houses, and history than you could explore in one lifetime.
Getting around: The best way to get around Prague is via public transport – you can use the metro, tram, bus, or even a bike. It’s also easy enough to walk and explore on foot if that’s your thing.
Climate: You’ll find Prague has four distinct seasons – so expect hot summers and some really cold weather in winter.
8. Las Palmas, Canary Islands (Spain)
Las Palmas on the Canary Islands is best known for its warm climate, vibrant nightlife, and amazing beaches. Las Palmas is high on the list of digital nomad hotspots in Western Europe, and for good reason. It’s definitely one of WiFi Tribe’s favorite European winter destinations. The quality of life in Las Palmas is high, surpassing many other European cities when it comes to great weather and beaches.
Cost of living: Expats can live comfortably on $2000-2500 per month, though Las Palmas offers great alternatives for people on a budget. Cheaper options are available for those willing to sacrifice some luxuries like having their own ensuite bathroom or living space that’s larger than 20 square meters.
Average cost of rent: To live comfortably, you should factor in $1000-$1500 USD a month for rent.
Wifi speed and reliability: You’ll find the best wifi in the city center. It can get less reliable outside of this area (though it’s still pretty good).
Healthcare: You’ll be able to get the best healthcare in Spain if you have a Spanish healthcare card.
Knowledge of the local language: The official language in Las Palmas is Spanish. You won’t find many locals who know English well, but you’ll always be able to get by with English and basic Spanish skills.
Digital nomad community: There’s no shortage of digital nomads in Las Palmas; the best hotspots are bars and cafes that offer wifi to customers. There are also a growing number of coworking spaces in Las Palmas.
Things to do: Las Palmas is best known for its beaches, but the city also offers running tracks, tennis courts, and gyms to keep people fit. Activities outside of Las Palmas are also great – the island of Gran Canaria has a ton of things to offer.
Getting around: Getting around in Las Palmas couldn’t be easier – there’s an excellent public transportation system that will take you anywhere you need.
Climate: Las Palmas enjoys a warm climate year-round, making it perfect for digital nomads who want to work outside all day and never worry about getting too cold.
9. Athens, Greece
Athens is known for its nightlife, its culture, and the best people-watching – all of which make it an excellent destination for digital nomads. The quality of life in Athens is best for digital nomads who want to work and live cheaply, while still experiencing the best of Europe.
Cost of living: You can expect to spend about $1800-$2500 per month for a very comfortable life.
Average rent cost: Expect a monthly rent of around $600-$800 for an apartment, though it can also be lower (or higher, of course), depending on location and amenities like parking or wifi access.
Wifi speed and reliability: Athens has excellent wifi speeds across the city, which is generally available anywhere you go.
Healthcare: Healthcare in Greece is notoriously difficult for non-EU citizens to find, and best if you have a European Health Insurance Card. You can find healthcare through the Greek National Health System (GNS), which is best for non-Greek speakers.
The digital nomad community: Athens isn’t exactly a remote working hotspot. The hot summers, incredible history, and comparatively low cost of living are attractive enough, but it’s also incredibly crowded and people tend to visit for shorter stays or as a stopover to the famous Greek islands.
Knowledge of the local language: It’s best if you have some basic knowledge of Greek to get by in Athens – though most locals speak English too.
Things to do: Athens offers a wide variety of things to explore – from museums and historical sites to the best restaurants in town.
Getting around: Public transportation is excellent in Athens and there are bike-share programs as well. The city’s hilly terrain means you might want your own vehicle when exploring outside of the city.
Climate: Athens has a Mediterranean climate, making it best for those who like hot summers and cold winters.
10. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is well-known for its gorgeous architecture and cuisine, but it’s also a comparatively affordable destination that offers remote workers plenty of amenities and high quality of life. Barcelona has many things to do and is easy to explore on foot.
Cost of living: You should budget at least $1800-$2500 per month to live comfortably in Barcelona, though cheaper options for lower budgets are available – mostly, it depends on how much you’re paying for accommodation.
Average rent cost: Renting accommodation will set you back anywhere from $800-$2000 a month, depending on the area and what type of place you’re getting.
Wifi speed and reliability: You’ll find high-speed wifi in Barcelona at coffee shops and restaurants.
Healthcare: You’ll be able to get the best healthcare in Spain if you have a Spanish healthcare card.
Knowledge of the local language: As everywhere, it’s always helpful to have some knowledge of Spanish before coming to Barcelona – though many locals speak English, learning a little bit will make your time there more enjoyable.
The digital nomad community: The DN community in Barcelona is alive, kicking, and growing. Some of the best places to meet other remote workers are at Turista Libre and Nomad House.
Things to do: Barcelona has popular tourist attractions and amazing architectural sights, but you’ll also find plenty to explore on your own.
Getting around: The best way to get around is by using public transport, though if you’re staying for a while it’s worth investing in a bike.
Climate: Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with warm and dry summers and cool winters.
11. Split, Croatia
Split offers some of the best beaches in Croatia. It’s more expensive than in Zagreb, but still one of the cheaper places in Europe – so if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path without breaking your budget, Split is a great option.
Cost of living: You can expect total costs including healthcare at about $1300-$1800 per month with a monthly budget of around $2000-$2500 per month to cover rent, food, and entertainment expenses too.
Average rent cost: About $1000-$1500 per month depending on area and season – prices for short-term accommodation skyrocket during the high season from June to September.
Wifi speed and reliability: The best public wifi is available at the coastal promenade, though internet speeds in private residences or even phone data coverage are more reliable.
Healthcare: Split has fairly good healthcare accessibility for digital nomads, with English-speaking doctors and hospitals in case of emergencies, though it’s best to know at least some Croatian or Italian.
Knowledge of local language: Some basic knowledge of Croatian never hurts, though locals speak some English, too, since Split relies heavily on tourism.
Things to do: Split has a wide range of things for the expat community looking to explore – from the best beaches in Croatia, beautiful nature parks, excellent restaurants and bars that will be sure to offer you an authentic experience. It can get crowded with tourists and travelers in the high season, though.
Getting around: Best done by bus or taxi, with car rental being available on-demand for exploring outside the city.
Climate: Split is best suited to those looking for a hot climate, with warm summers and mild winters.
12. Berlin, Germany
Berlin offers a quality of life that’s hard to find in other cities, with residents who feel very happy and satisfied. The city is best for digital nomads and remote workers looking for a city that’s alive with creativity and vibrant energy.
Berlin offers a diverse range of digital nomad hotspots, with the best environment in the Mitte district. From freelancers to entrepreneurs, from big-name tech startups to co-working spaces hidden down side streets, there’s always space for more people looking to spend some time here.
Cost of living: Living in Berlin can be pricey. Budget living expenses for expats average about $1400-$1600 USD per month, but if you don’t want to turn every cent over twice, you should anticipate between $2600-$2800 per month to live comfortably.
Average rent cost: Rent can cost anywhere from $1000-$2000 USD per month, depending on your desired neighborhood.
Wifi reliability and speed: Wifi speeds are generally best in the Mitte district, but can be slightly less reliable when connecting to a public network.
Healthcare: Germany has a public healthcare system that can be accessed by digital nomad and remote workers, with the best care in big cities like Berlin.
Knowledge of local language: Knowing German isn’t necessary in order to live and work remotely there, though it may make navigating the best digital nomad hotspots easier with a little bit of knowledge about how locals communicate.
Community: The digital nomad and remote worker are part of a creative scene that’s flourishing in Berlin, thanks to the diverse range of hotspots available for those looking for work or play.
Getting around: Public transportation is best in the Mitte district; it can be a bit more time-consuming to navigate outside of this area, though public transport in German cities is generally very good and gets you everywhere you need to go.
Climate: The best season to enjoy Berlin is during the summer months of April-October. The winter can be extremely cold, windy, and wet – but also quite cozy, with the right setup.
In general, Germany has a lot of cities ranking incredibly high on livability. For the sake of other locations in other countries, we won’t go into detail on them; but if Berlin isn’t quite the German vibe you’re going for, be sure to check out Frankfurt, Munich, or Düsseldorf – all of which are also in Mercer’s Top Ten of 2019 City Ranking.
13. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the – if not THE – cultural highlights in Europe. Home to the best opera houses and museums you’ll find anywhere, and best known for its Baroque and Renaissance architecture, it’s a must-see for any traveler. The quality of life in Vienna is excellent, besting many other European cities with its rich culture.
Despite being at the top spot of Mercer’s 2019 City Ranking, it’s not exactly on people’s radar as the perfect digital nomad and remote worker location, probably due to the fact that it’s not the cheapest place to live. But let’s have a look at the details, and then you can decide for yourself if Vienna isn’t a location you’d like to work from remotely – at least for a little while.
Cost of living: Living costs vary depending on what you’re looking for; generally speaking, remote workers and digital nomads should expect to spend around $2800 per month. Nice to know: there’s no sales tax anywhere in Austria.
Average rent cost: As already mentioned, the cost of living in Vienna is high by European standards. To live comfortably in Vienna, you’ll have to budget around $1000-$1500 per month.
Wifi reliability and speed: Wifi is best in the city center (though can be less reliable outside of this area).
Healthcare: You’ll need to receive a health insurance card from the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (or, if you have employer-provided health insurance in your home country with at least worldwide coverage, that is also sufficient).
Knowledge of local language: The local language is German. Generally, Austrians tend to learn English in school, and you’ll surely get around Vienna with English alone; though a smattering of German skills can never hurt.
Digital nomad community: While not really talked about, it’s not like Vienna has no remote worker community to offer at all. Vienna’s best digital nomad hotspots are the famous “Coworking Spaces”, and of course any cafe or bar that offers free wifi to customers.
Getting around: Vienna is best explored by public transportation or on foot; the city has an excellent metro system that will take you anywhere you need to go with ease.
Climate: The best season to enjoy Vienna’s scenery and architecture is from April-October. Winter in Vienna might be best spent indoors, with the city’s many theaters and museums always on offer.
14. Lyon, France
Lyon might be the surprise location in this list – you might not have even heard of it before. Lyon reflects 2000 years of history, visible in the Roman amphithéâtre and the prevalent medieval and Renaissance architecture everywhere. Lyon is a city best suited for those looking for vibrant city life with plenty to do and great access to nature and best-in-class quality of life.
Cost of living: While cheaper than many other big cities in France, Lyon also isn’t the cheapest when compared to some other European digital nomad hotspots. But you can live comfortably here around $2500-$3000 per month.
Average rent cost: Prices range from $1200-1800 per month for short-term accommodation. Longer-term rentals, especially from locals, cost around $750-$1000, depending on the type of accommodation and area.
Wifi speed and reliability: You should have no trouble finding wifi in public spaces – though you might need a SIM card if your phone doesn’t get good coverage.
Healthcare: In France, healthcare is best for those who are already covered by their home country’s healthcare system.
Knowledge of the language: Most locals understand and speak English, but can be reluctant to do so. It definitely won’t hurt to learn at least some French before heading there. They’ll appreciate it if you make an effort to speak French at “first contact”, no matter how broken.
Digital nomad community in Lyon: Lyon could still be considered a secret gem among digital nomads. There’s a small but active digital nomad community there, with plenty of meetups and events – you can even find co-working spaces geared towards remote workers.
Things to do: In addition to all the historic architecture and many museums (including one dedicated solely to comic books), Lyon also has a vibrant nightlife, best enjoyed during the warm summer months.
Getting around: Lyon has a great public transportation system. Alternatively, there are several bike-sharing programs available. You can also rent cars for those who want to explore outside of Lyon proper.
Climate: The climate in Lyon is best suited for those who are looking for a milder but still wet climate. It can get cold in the winter, though never quite as chilly as other European cities – just be sure to pack a rain jacket!
15. Zurich, Switzerland
While not part of the European Union, Switzerland is located on the continent of Europe and should always be a stop in any European travels. Zurich ranked second on Mercer’s 2019 City Rankings. The quality of life in Zurich is one of the best in Europe – if you can afford it.
Zurich offers remote workers a little bit of everything. It’s best for digital nomads who aren’t living on a budget, and who like to explore and experience new things.
Cost of living: Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, which means you should expect to budget at least $3500 per month in total costs as a remote worker there.
Average rent cost: You should budget at least about $2000 per month in rent if you’re looking to live comfortably.
Wifi speed and reliability: Zurich has some of the best internet speeds and wifi anywhere – it’s very reliable, even when you stray from the hotspot areas.
Healthcare: The best way to get healthcare in Switzerland is through the Swiss Health Insurance Fund. It’s best if you have some knowledge of German, though English can be found at most hospitals.
Knowledge of local language: The best way to explore is by knowing German or Italian – though you won’t specifically need either, as English is widely spoken.
The digital nomad community: It’s best if you have a connection with the local tech scene to find fellow remote workers in Zurich, as there aren’t really any dedicated spaces for them.
Things to do: There’s always something going on in Zurich. The city offers a wide variety of museums, galleries, and restaurants to explore. Outside of Zurich, the Swiss Alps offer a myriad of activities like skiing, hiking, canyoning, mountain climbing, and biking.
Getting around: Zurich has both public transportation and a bike-share program for its residents – which means getting around is easy enough as long as you’re willing to walk or cycle the hilly streets.
Climate: Cooler summers with cold winters.
Next to Zurich, Geneva and Basel are two other Swiss gems and in the top ten of Mercer’s 2019 City Ranking.
16. Copenhagen, Denmark
While not your typical digital nomad destination, Copenhagen offers some of Europe’s best public transportation systems and plenty of things to do when you’re not working – especially worth it if you’re looking for a less touristy location on your next remote work stint. Copenhagen’s quality of life is great, and it’s a perfect stop for those who have some work experience in Europe already.
Cost of living: Like all Scandinavian countries, Copenhagen isn’t cheap. To live comfortably, you should expect to budget between $3500-$4000 per month, if you’re staying for a couple of months or less.
Average rent cost: Expect to pay up to $2000 per month for short-term accommodation (though prices will jump in high season from May through September), and starting at $1500 for monthly rent.
Wifi speed and reliability: The best public wifi is available at the coastal promenade in Copenhagen – though internet speeds are reliable enough with phone data coverage.
Healthcare: Healthcare in Denmark is best for those who are already covered by their home country’s healthcare system. In Copenhagen, it’s fairly accessible for digital nomads, with English-speaking doctors and hospitals in case of emergencies.
Knowledge of local language: Knowledge of Danish will make your experience a lot better, though most locals speak some English too (if you’re willing to learn the basics).
Digital nomad community: There’s a digital nomad community in Copenhagen, but it’s easier (though not a must!) to find your expat, remote working tribe for those who have some experience with the language.
Things to do: You’ll never be bored as a digital nomad in Copenhagen. From biking around town and exploring the best food spots (with plenty of vegan restaurants), you can’t go wrong!
Getting around: Best done by public transportation, with car rental available on-demand.
Climate: Copenhagen is best suited for those looking for a colder climate, with cooler summers and cold winters.
17. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam also always ranks high on European livability scales. The Netherlands’ capital city offers a fantastic quality of life and a wide range of things to do, best suited for those who want a big city experience with lots of green spaces and some peace and quiet (though it can get crowded during the high season from April through September).
Cost of living: No use in sugarcoating it: Amsterdam is expensive. To live comfortably here, you should budget around $3800-$4500 per month as a digital nomad staying for a few months or less.
Average rent cost: Expect to pay around $1500-2000 per month for short-term accommodation with prices skyrocketing during high season.
Wifi speed and reliability: You’ll best have reliable wifi in public spaces – though you may need a SIM card if your phone doesn’t get good coverage.
Healthcare: In the Netherlands, healthcare is best for those who are already covered by their home country’s healthcare system.
Knowledge of the language: Most locals understand and speak English incredibly well. Knowing Dutch is definitely not a requirement, though learning the basics always helps, of course.
Digital nomad community: Amsterdam isn’t exactly a digital nomad hotspot, mostly because it’s so expensive. Yet it draws the shorter-term remote working crowds exploring Europe – you definitely won’t be the only digital nomad there.
Things to do: Amsterdam is your best bet if you want an urban adventure blended with plenty of green spaces and cultural points of interest. Plenty of museums, shopping districts, outdoor activities like biking or kayaking – it’s all here at your fingertips.
Getting around: best done by public transportation, though car rentals are available for those who want to explore different parts of the Netherlands.
Climate: Amsterdam is best suited for those looking for a cooler climate with plenty of rain in the colder months and mild summers (though it can get cold then, too).
Join our digital nomad community in Europe
At WiFi Tribe, we love European destinations – and regularly run Chapters on in several of the cities on this list. Keep an eye on our Chapter calendar to see where the community is headed next.
