*This was published by Killer Startups.
Over the past decade, I’ve lived and worked all over the world — from bustling cities to sleepy beach towns. Being a digital nomad sounds glamorous (and it is sometimes), but it also means you have to keep moving as places change.
And lately, I’ve noticed a big shift: many digital nomads are quietly leaving some of the old hotspots behind. Places that used to be thriving hubs are now feeling… well, a little stale, crowded, or overpriced.
So why is this happening — and where are the new hotspots everyone’s talking about? Let’s dive in.
Why digital nomads are leaving the old favorites
When I first started traveling, certain cities were on every digital nomad’s bucket list. Think Bali, Chiang Mai, Lisbon, Medellín. These places had it all: cheap cost of living, great internet, good weather, and a ready-made community of like-minded people.
But over time, a few things have changed:
1. Rising costs
Let’s be real: many of the original “cheap” places aren’t so cheap anymore.
Take Bali, for example. Ten years ago, you could rent a decent villa for $400 a month. Now? It’s not unusual to pay $1,000 or more — and that’s before you even factor in co-working spaces, eating out, or transportation.
Lisbon, once a haven for budget-conscious remote workers, has become one of Europe’s most expensive cities relative to local wages. Prices skyrocketed after a flood of digital nomads and foreign investors entered the market.
When your income stays the same but your cost of living doubles, it’s only natural to start looking elsewhere.
2. Overcrowding and “Instagram fatigue”
When a place becomes the destination for digital nomads, it quickly loses its charm. Cafes get packed. Internet speeds slow down. Traffic becomes a nightmare.
And honestly? A lot of these places start to feel like Instagram theme parks — more about capturing the perfect latte art shot than actually living well.
Many long-term nomads are craving authenticity again. They want real experiences, not just curated content for social media.
3. Visa headaches
Governments are catching on to the digital nomad trend — but not always in a friendly way.
Some places have tightened visa restrictions or introduced new taxes aimed at foreigners. Others are rolling out digital nomad visas, but with strict income requirements that don’t fit everyone.
It’s making the decision of where to settle even more complicated.
So, where are digital nomads going instead?
Luckily, there are still amazing spots around the world where you can live well, work efficiently, and avoid the chaos. Here are a few places seeing a lot more love lately:
1. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico has been quietly becoming a new favorite — especially for nomads from North America.
Mexico City offers an incredible lifestyle:
- Affordable rent (outside the fancy expat neighborhoods)
- Fast internet
- Amazing food
- A vibrant, creative energy that’s hard to match anywhere else
You get big-city conveniences without the big-city price tag (at least for now).
Bonus: Mexico offers a six-month tourist visa to most nationalities, so you have more breathing room to settle in without visa stress.
2. Tbilisi, Georgia
If you want somewhere totally different but still affordable, Georgia should be on your radar.
Tbilisi has a growing digital nomad scene thanks to:
- Low living costs
- Fast, cheap mobile data and internet
- A warm, welcoming culture
- One-year visa-free stays for many nationalities
The city is a fascinating blend of old and new, with medieval streets alongside modern co-working spaces. Plus, the food and wine are incredible.
3. Da Nang, Vietnam
Southeast Asia isn’t dead — it’s just moving to new places.
Da Nang, Vietnam, is picking up steam as a quieter, more livable alternative to Bali or Chiang Mai.
You get:
- Affordable beachside living
- A growing café and remote work culture
- Good internet
- A relaxed vibe without the Bali-style crowds
And Vietnam offers relatively easy long-term visa options compared to neighboring countries, although things change often, so it’s worth checking before you go.
4. Madeira, Portugal
Lisbon is getting crowded, but Portugal has a hidden gem: Madeira.
This island is now actively marketing itself to remote workers, even creating a dedicated “Digital Nomad Village” in Ponta do Sol.
Madeira offers:
- Mild weather year-round
- Gorgeous natural scenery
- Strong internet
- A calmer pace of life than mainland cities
If you want Europe without the chaos, Madeira is definitely worth a look.
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s economy has had its challenges, but for digital nomads earning in dollars or euros, Buenos Aires is incredibly affordable right now.
You can enjoy:
- World-class steak and wine
- Stylish apartments for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere
- A rich cultural scene (tango, theaters, live music)
- A very cosmopolitan vibe
The downside? Inflation and political instability. But if you’re adaptable, it’s a fantastic place to spend a few months.
Final thoughts
As someone who’s been a digital nomad for over 10 years, I can tell you: the dream isn’t dying — it’s just evolving.
It’s less about finding the next Bali or Chiang Mai, and more about finding a place that suits your lifestyle now.
Maybe you want a bit more authenticity. Maybe you want better value. Maybe you just want somewhere quieter to actually get some work done.
The best thing about being a digital nomad today? You have more options than ever.
And sometimes, the places you haven’t heard hyped up yet are the ones where you’ll find your best adventures.
Here’s to finding your next great base — and making it your own.
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