This City Is Surprisingly the Best Home Base for Remote Workers

Many companies have started to ask their employees to return to offices at least partially, but remote work still remains the preferred lifestyle for many. Remote work allows for work-life balance and the opportunity to explore new destinations, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of more affordable housing and live in a place that’s compatible with one’s lifestyle. And with TikTok searches for “digital nomad destination” increasing by 3,067% year-over-year, it’s clear that remote work has staying power. The best place to do it may surprise you, though. It’s not Lisbon or Mexico City. According to Away Holidays, it’s actually Los Angeles.

To help aspiring remote workers find the perfect place to set up their office, Away Holidays analysed key factors like internet speeds, cost of living, availability of weekend events, and ideal weather to reveal the most desirable destinations. The locations that came out on top of the ticket provide thriving freelancer communities, reliable connectivity, and vibrant cultural scenes, making them ideal for those looking to combine work with adventure. 

Thomas J. Story

Considering how expensive it is to live in California, it might comes as a surprise that Los Angeles took the top spot. But with perks like offering fast broadband speeds of 269 Mbps, a pleasant climate score, a thriving remote work community, reasonable monthly transport costs, and a vibrant social scene with hundreds of events annually, L.A. combines productivity with lifestyle appeal. There are countless great coffee shops and co-working spaces and social clubs like the Aster (pictured above) to create community too.

Coming in behind L.A. in the top five spots were Barcelona, Montevideo, Madrid, and Ho Chi Minh City.

“Asia’s appeal to digital nomads lies in its perfect balance of affordability, vibrant culture, and reliable connectivity. From bustling cities like Bangkok to serene coastal hubs like Bali, remote workers can enjoy a high quality of life without stretching their budget,” said Gianni Leone, Senior Product Director at Away Holidays. “The rich culinary scene, warm climate, and thriving expat communities make it easy to feel at home while exploring new horizons.” 

Leone highlighted that when it comes to affordability, cities in Asia like Bangkok, Chang Mai, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, and Hanoi are always going to be competitors. But still, L.A. remained at the top ranking, proving it’s hard to beat the Western U.S.