
Best 3 Cities for Digital Nomads
Best 3 Cities for Digital Nomads
1. Bangkok
Monthly Living Cost in Bangkok (~US$1,584):
- Housing (around $670/month)
A one-bedroom studio or apartment in the city center. - Coworking / Workspace (about $210/month)
Hot desk or coworking space membership for reliable WiFi and a productive environment. - Food & Dining
Street food and local meals cost around $1–3, while mid-range restaurants are $5–10 per meal. - Utilities & Internet (about $50–100/month)
Covers WiFi, electricity, and water depending on usage and apartment type. - Transport
Public transit, Grab rides, and occasional taxis are affordable and easy to access. - Miscellaneous & Leisure
Includes cafés, gym membership, nightlife, and weekend activities. - Mobile / Data Plan
Local SIM or eSIM (like Eskimo eSIM) for staying connected everywhere.
2. Bali
Monthly Living Cost in Bali (~US$1,906)
- Housing (around $900–1,000/month)
Comfortable villa or apartment in popular areas like Canggu, Ubud, or Seminyak. - Coworking / Workspace (about $250/month)
Membership at Bali’s well-known coworking hubs such as Dojo, Outpost, or BWork. - Food & Dining
Local warungs ($2–3/meal) and Western cafés/restaurants ($7–15/meal). - Utilities & Internet (about $70–120/month)
Includes WiFi, electricity, and water (higher for villas with A/C). - Transport
Mostly scooter rental ($60–80/month) or Grab/Gojek rides. - Miscellaneous & Leisure
Yoga, gym, surfing, nightlife, wellness retreats, and weekend island trips. - Mobile / Data Plan
Local SIM or eSIM (like Eskimo eSIM) for backup internet on the go.
3. Chiang Mai
Monthly Living Cost in Chiang Mai (~US$1,158)
- Housing (around $400–500/month)
Modern studio or 1-bedroom apartment in Nimmanhaemin or Old City. - Coworking / Workspace (about $150/month)
Hot desk or café-based coworking spots popular with digital nomads. - Food & Dining
Street food and local meals ($1–2/meal) with plenty of cafés and international restaurants ($5–8/meal). - Utilities & Internet (about $50–80/month)
Covers high-speed WiFi, electricity, and water. - Transport
Affordable scooter rental ($60–80/month) or Grab rides. - Miscellaneous & Leisure
Cafés, fitness centers, weekend trips to mountains or temples, and social activities. - Mobile / Data Plan
Cheap local SIM or eSIM (like Eskimo eSIM) with generous data packages.
Source : Nomads.com
eSIM Recommendations for Digital Nomads
Eskimo eSIM works in top digital nomad destinations like Thailand and Indonesia. With Eskimo eSIM, you’ll enjoy benefits that other eSIMs don’t offer, such as:
- 2-year data validity
- Data rollover
- Frequent discounts
- Bonus data through the referral program
- Activation via app in just 30 seconds
FAQs
Do these cities have visa options for digital nomads?
Yes, all three offer tourist visas, and Thailand has long-stay options, while Indonesia has a digital nomad visa plan.
Is the nomad community active in these places?
Very! You’ll find meetups, networking events, and coworking community activities in all three.
How is the weather for living long-term?
Bangkok and Chiang Mai are hot year-round with a rainy season, while Bali is tropical with wet and dry seasons.
Are these cities safe for solo travelers and digital nomads?
Yes, they are generally safe, with common precautions for traffic, scams, or petty theft.
What kind of lifestyle can nomads expect outside of work?
Bangkok offers vibrant nightlife, Bali is great for beaches and wellness, and Chiang Mai is known for its cultural, laid-back vibe.
How long can digital nomads stay in these cities?
Usually 30–60 days on a tourist visa, extendable up to several months, and longer with special visas or renewals.