This blog originally appeared at EURONEWS.
By Amanda Kavanagh
Digital nomads are always seeking out new destinations that offer an ideal mix of affordability, high quality of life, convenient time zones, and reliable tech infrastructure.
While Lisbon has been a popular choice for international remote workers in recent years, this influx has contributed to rising rent prices. Additionally, some of the initiatives that initially attracted digital nomads are being rolled back by Portuguese authorities, such as the termination of the non-habitual tax residence (NHR) program.
With these changes, digital nomads are on the hunt for the next hot spot.
3 Jobs in Germany to Consider This Week:
- Lackiermeister (m/w/d), Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH, Fuldabrück
- Abteilungsleiter Obst & Gemüse (m/w/d), REWE Deutscher Supermarkt, Schwerin
- Account Manager (f/d/m), Leica Biosystems, Dulmen
New Destinations for Tech Workers
In March, New Zealand’s Trade & Enterprise, a government agency, released a report titled Tech Jobs in Europe. Originally aimed at helping New Zealand exporters understand top and emerging tech hubs across Europe, the report offers valuable insights for remote workers looking for their next destination. Although the data primarily comes from secondary sources, providing more general trends than definitive conclusions, it still offers a useful guide for digital nomads.
For most European cities, internet quality and time zone compatibility with European jobs are solid. That narrows the focus to two key considerations: quality of life and cost of living—both of which are analyzed in the report.
The report’s cost of living index compares the prices of consumer goods, such as groceries, dining, transportation, and utilities, relative to New York City. Meanwhile, the quality of life index considers factors like purchasing power, pollution levels, housing affordability, safety, healthcare quality, commute times, and climate conditions to estimate overall quality of life.
Spain
Spain emerges as an attractive option for digital nomads, offering the lowest cost of living index among the countries studied, paired with the third-highest quality of life index, and, of course, abundant sunshine. The report highlights several Spanish cities, including Bilbao, Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.
Barcelona, known for its dynamic start-up scene and vibrant nightlife, has long been a favorite among digital nomads. However, its struggles with over-tourism have been well-documented, and expats may not always receive the warmest welcome.
Valencia is quickly becoming a favorite among remote workers. This coastal city offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Barcelona or Madrid, yet still boasts excellent infrastructure and a high quality of life. With its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, Valencia is the perfect place for those who prioritize work-life balance.
For those who want to immerse themselves in Spanish culture and experience a vibrant nightlife, Madrid is the place to be. The city is a hub for the tech industry and has introduced a Start-up Law aimed at attracting entrepreneurs. This law also grants remote workers and freelancers from outside the European Union the right to stay in Spain for an initial period of one year, making Madrid an attractive option.
Up north, Bilbao offers a unique experience with its blend of traditional Basque culture and incredible cuisine. It’s an ideal destination for those looking for a more authentic and less touristy experience.
Sweden
Sweden stands out in both the cost of living and quality of life indexes, making it a compelling choice for digital nomads who are comfortable with the northern climate. The report highlights Malmö and Stockholm as key cities for tech and innovation, offering a dynamic environment for remote workers.
Stockholm has established itself as a major tech hub, with success stories like Spotify and Klarna originating from the city. It’s a magnet for those in the tech industry, offering a dynamic environment and ample opportunities.
However, Malmö is gaining attention as well. Just a short train ride from Copenhagen, Malmö provides a more affordable alternative to Stockholm while still offering a vibrant tech community and an excellent quality of life.
Italy
Who hasn’t been tempted by those enticing ads offering historic buildings in rural Italy for almost nothing?
Unfortunately, high-quality internet isn’t always a given in those rural areas. The New Zealand report, therefore, focuses on Milan, Turin, and Rome. These cities offer a relatively low cost of living, a moderate quality of life, and reliable internet speeds, making them more suitable for digital nomads.
While Rome’s historic charm is hard to resist, Milan is emerging as Italy’s top tech and business destination. Known for its fashion and design heritage, Milan is now also home to a growing start-up scene, with companies like Scalapay, a payment solution that lets customers make purchases in three interest-free installments, leading the charge.
Turin, often overlooked by tourists, is another Italian city worth considering. Known for its innovation, particularly in the automotive industry with brands like Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and New Holland, Turin is now undergoing significant urban and industrial redevelopment. The city is positioning itself as a strategic center for excellence in the aerospace industry.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands boasts the highest quality of life index among the countries examined. While the cost of living is moderate, the overall appeal of the country remains strong for digital nomads. The report highlights cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam.
Amsterdam, with its iconic canals and progressive culture, has long been a favorite among tech workers. However, as housing prices in the capital continue to rise, other Dutch cities like Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam are becoming increasingly attractive alternatives.
Utrecht, with its large student population and central location, provides a more relaxed alternative for digital nomads seeking a laid-back atmosphere. The Hague, renowned for its international organizations and stunning beaches, is particularly appealing to those in law, policy, or international relations.
Rotterdam, famous for its bustling port and ambitious plans to become Europe’s largest green hydrogen hub, is also gaining popularity. The city is known for its founder-led communities, a high concentration of start-ups, numerous incubators, and an abundance of coworking spaces, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
Germany
Germany strikes a good balance between cost of living and quality of life, making it an appealing choice for digital nomads. The report highlights Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich as key cities.
Berlin has long been a hotspot for digital nomads, celebrated for its affordable living costs and its vibrant arts and techno scene. However, as Berlin’s popularity grows, so do its living expenses, prompting many to explore other German cities.
Hamburg, with its rich maritime history, offers a unique flavor of German city life. The city is home to the carbon-neutral energy systems provider and unicorn 1KOMMA5°, along with several innovative and high-profile tech companies in biotech, health tech, and fintech sectors.
3 More Jobs to Apply for This Week:
- Senior Project Manager (m/f/d), Cytiva, Darmstadt
- Regional Sales Manager Germany Central (f/m/d), Beckman Coulter, Diagnostics, Frankfurt
- Frontend Developer, Jobbio, Dublin / Remote
Munich, though more expensive, makes up for it with a high quality of life, close proximity to the Alps, and a robust job market. Known traditionally for its engineering prowess, Munich is now shifting its focus towards software engineering, with 11% of Germany’s total start-ups located in the city.
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