17 Underrated Digital Nomad Destinations You Might Not Have Heard About Yet

Over the last decade, we’ve lived out of vans, sailboats, and backpacks, traveling everywhere from the mountains of South America to the islands of Greece. Along the way, we’ve worked from cafés, coworking spaces, marinas, and sometimes our car dashboard — slowly building a life on the move.

One thing we’ve learned? The “best” digital nomad destinations aren’t always the ones you read about in every other blog or see trending on TikTok. Mexico City, Chiang Mai, and Bali will always have their place, but they’re no longer the only options. Costs are rising, crowds are growing, and with the internet getting faster and more widely available across the globe, nomads are looking for fresh places. Underrated digital nomad destinations that still feel inspiring and affordable.

But here’s the truth: your favorite nomad destination won’t just come down to cost, internet speeds, or cafés. It will depend on your own experience — the people you meet, the moments you have, and the mindset you bring with you. In that sense, anywhere you go could be the best nomad destination in the world.

This list isn’t definitive. Instead, it’s personal — the underrated places we’ve discovered traveling over the last decade. They’re not all perfect, and each comes with its own quirks and drawbacks, but they have given us something memorable, whether it was community, inspiration, a slower pace, or something else that made them stand out.

These are the destinations we think nomads should have on their radar today.

San Pancho, Mexico

It might not have the best internet or biggest digital nomad community, but for sentimental reasons, this one is high on our list.

We first came across San Pancho while driving through Mexico in 2019, and we immediately fell in love with this tiny beach town. Two years later, we returned to spend a month working by the coast.

It was during that trip, sitting on the beach one evening, that we started talking about where we should get married. As an American–Australian couple, we were searching for neutral ground. A Tuscan villa? A Greek island? They all sounded beautiful, but none of them felt quite us. We sat watching the sun sink into the Pacific, disheartened we couldn’t find the perfect place. Until it hit us. The perfect place was right there, under our toes.

We were married in San Pancho in 2022, and it’s been etched into our story ever since.

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San Pancho — officially San Francisco — is the quieter, more local-flavoured neighbour of Sayulita on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit. It still has a surf beach, yoga classes, and cafes but with fewer boutiques, less Instagram chaos, and a stronger small-town community feel. It’s the kind of place where you’ll wander the main street and actually recognise folks at cafés, and one where you can still find plenty of empty beach when you want solitude.

Cost of Living
San Pancho is more affordable than the bigger Pacific resorts. A one-bedroom rental or long-term Airbnb generally runs $400–$700/month depending on proximity to the beach and season. Eating local (tacos, mercado meals) keeps daily costs low — $3–$5 a meal — and a comfortable monthly budget looks like $1,000–$1,400.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet in town is not stellar, but it’s good enough for most remote work — expect 20–60 Mbps in cafés and many rentals. A handful of cafés welcome laptops and there are a couple of small rustic coworking spaces. Mobile data is cheap and makes a reliable backup.

Best For

• Nomads who want surf + chill community without the crowds.
• Creatives and slow travellers who value local connection and a relaxed routine.
• Families or couples wanting a safer, calmer beach base with a real neighbourhood feel.

Challenges

• Limited formal coworking infrastructure — heavy reliance on cafés and intermittent community spaces.
• Wi-Fi can slow during peak season or in stormy weather.
• Seasonal tourists in winter can push prices up briefly; off-season is much quieter.

Bansko, Bulgaria

For Snowmads, it’s hard to beat Bansko.

Bansko was our first long term winter nomad destination. We stayed a month in this Bulgarian ski town. Our only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. Aside from being a lively ski town, right at the base of the impressive Pirin mountains, Bansko has been carving out a name for itself as a digital nomad hub, with co-living and coworking spaces and communities thriving.

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At first glance, Bansko looks like many other European ski resorts. But over the last few years, it’s also reinvented itself as one of Europe’s most unexpected digital nomad hubs. In winter, nomads ski by day and work by night. In summer, they hike, mountain bike, and join outdoor festivals. What really makes Bansko stand out is the community: thanks to Coworking Bansko and the annual Bansko Nomad Fest, there’s a tight-knit group of remote workers here almost year-round.

Cost of Living
Bansko is cheap by European standards. A one-bedroom apartment costs €250-€500/month, meals at restaurants are €5–€10, and a comfortable lifestyle is possible on €900–€1,200/month.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet is surprisingly strong, with 50–100 Mbps speeds common. Coworking spaces are excellent — Coworking Bansko has multiple locations and a built-in community, while cafés in town are laptop-friendly.

Best For

• Nomads who want community more than just location.
• Skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Budget-conscious nomads looking for a European base.

Challenges

• Small-town vibe: nightlife and cultural variety are limited.
• Winters are long and cold — great if you ski, not if you hate snow.
• Outside of the nomad bubble, it can feel quiet and isolated.

Valparaíso, Chile

Valparaíso was the first stop on our very first van life experience out of Santiago de Chile, and it still holds a special place in our hearts. Beyond the nostalgia, it’s also an objectively underrated city for digital nomads — a colorful, creative and historic hillside port that rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path.

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Valparaíso is a colorful port city built across steep hillsides overlooking the Pacific. Once a bustling shipping hub, today it’s known for its street art, bohemian energy, and quirky charm. The city attracts artists, students, and travelers, making it a vibrant but still underrated base for digital nomads compared to Santiago or Buenos Aires.

Cost of Living
Chile isn’t the cheapest country in South America, but Valpo offers a middle ground. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs $400–$700/month, meals at local markets are $5–$8, and a comfortable monthly budget lands around $1,200–$1,600. Nearby Viña del Mar is slightly pricier but offers more modern amenities if you prefer a balance of comfort and creativity.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet is reliable, with 50–100 Mbps connections in most rentals and cafés. Coworking spaces like Paralelo Cowork which support a small but growing community of remote workers.

Best For

• Creatives and entrepreneurs looking for inspiration in a bohemian, artistic city.
• Nomads who enjoy hilly, walkable neighborhoods with sweeping ocean views.
• Those wanting to base in South America without going too remote.

Challenges

• The city has a gritty side, with higher petty crime than many other destinations — common-sense precautions are essential.
• The steep hills and countless staircases make it less ideal for families with strollers or anyone wanting flat terrain.
• Winter months can feel damp and chilly.

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Another city we didn’t expect to be so drawn to, Sarajevo feels gritty, real, and heavy with history. Despite that, it’s a warm, welcoming city with great cafés, fast Wi-Fi, and everything digital nomads need to stay productive while pausing their Schengen clock. Plus it offers fantastic access to the rest of the Balkans.

We are planning to return to Sarajevo this winter to exoerience some skiing in Bosnia.

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Sarajevo is a city where East meets West — Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian buildings, and reminders of its more recent past all blend together in a way that feels both layered and authentic. Life moves at an unhurried pace, with coffee culture at its heart (Bosnian coffee is a ritual in itself). For nomads, Sarajevo offers affordability, culture, and an off-the-beaten-path European base.

Cost of Living
Sarajevo is among the most affordable capitals in Europe. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs €300–€500/month, meals out run €5–€10, and a comfortable budget sits around €1,000–€1,400/month.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet is reliable, usually 30–70 Mbps, and there are stacks of coworking spaces along with plenty of coffeehouses where you can easily spend the day working.

Best For

• Nomads who want a European base without EU prices or Schengen time limits.
• History lovers drawn to Sarajevo’s complex, fascinating past.
• Foodies who want to sample Balkan, Ottoman, and Central European flavors in one place.

Challenges

• Winters are cold and gray, which may not appeal to sun-chasers.
• Air quality can be poor at times due to the valley setting.
• English isn’t as widely spoken as in Western Europe, though young people often do.

Santa Marta, Colombia

Colombia is one of our favorite countries we’ve traveled through. From its vibrant cities to its breathtaking coffee region and stunning coastline, we loved it all. While Medellín often gets most of the digital nomad attention, it was the slow, easy rhythm of Santa Marta that drew us in — mornings by the beach, afternoons under palm trees, and a sense that no one was ever really in a hurry.

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Santa Marta sits on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, framed by turquoise waters on one side and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains on the other. It’s less polished than Cartagena but far more affordable, with a more authentic Colombian feel. For nomads, it offers the best of both worlds: a coastal lifestyle with easy escapes to beaches, Tayrona National Park, and mountain villages like Minca.

Cost of Living
Santa Marta is one of the more budget-friendly Colombian cities. A one-bedroom apartment costs $300–$500/month, meals at local eateries run $3–$6, and a comfortable lifestyle can be had for $900–$1,200/month.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet is decent in town, with 30–60 Mbps in most rentals and coworking options like Flamingo Coworking. Many nomads prefer working from cafés near the historic center or along the Rodadero beach area. Mobile data is cheap and works well as a backup.

Best For

• Nomads who want beaches + culture + nearby adventure.
• Budget-conscious travelers looking for an affordable Caribbean base.
• Those who like to balance city living with easy weekend escapes to nature.

Challenges

• The heat and humidity can be intense — expect year-round tropical weather.
• Not as developed a nomad community as Medellín (yet), so it can feel quieter.
• Infrastructure outside town (power, internet) can be patchy, especially in beach or jungle areas.

Fukuoka, Japan

Flying into Fukuoka to launch our van trip around Kyushu, once again, we had very little idea what the city was about. While it may not get as much attention as other cities in Japan, it has a lot to offer the discerning digital nomad.

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Fukuoka, on the northern tip of Kyushu, is one of Japan’s most livable cities. It has all the infrastructure Japan is famous for — efficient transport, clean streets, amazing food — but without the overwhelming scale or cost of Tokyo or Osaka. Known for its friendly locals and famous Hakata ramen, Fukuoka blends big-city convenience with a slower, coastal lifestyle.

Cost of Living
Japan isn’t cheap, but Fukuoka is far more affordable than Tokyo. A one-bedroom apartment rents for ¥60,000–¥90,000 ($400–$600)/month, meals in ramen shops run ¥800–¥1,200 ($5–$8), and a comfortable monthly budget sits around $1,800–$2,200.

Internet & Work Setup
Japan has some of the best internet in the world, and Fukuoka is no exception — 100–300 Mbps is common. The city has excellent coworking spaces like Mill Space, plus countless cafés where laptops are welcome.

Best For

• Nomads who want a Japanese base that isn’t Tokyo or Kyoto.
• Foodies (Fukuoka is considered the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen).
• Those looking for a mix of modern city life with easy escapes to Kyushu’s mountains, beaches, and hot springs.

Challenges

• Costs are still higher than much of Asia.
• Language and cultural barriers can be steep, especially outside the expat/nomad circles.
• Summers are hot and humid, and typhoon season brings unpredictable weather.

Kotor, Montenegro

The Bay of Kotor is a great example of a place we didn’t know existed until we sailed past, and discovered one of the most jaw-dropping parts of the world we’ve seen. We have since spent months exploring every corner of the fjord-like bay. It might not have the same level of services and facilities as some of the hubs on this list, but for a place to hide out (especially off season) and get inspiration we can think of no better.

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Kotor looks like it was lifted straight from a fairytale — a medieval walled old town set against steep mountains that plunge into the bay. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, but unlike Croatia just up the coast, Montenegro still flies under the radar for most nomads. Life in Kotor is slower, more affordable, and more grounded in local rhythms, especially outside the summer tourist rush.

Cost of Living
Kotor is cheaper than Dubrovnik but more expensive than Sarajevo. Expect to pay €500–€800/month for a one-bedroom apartment (cheaper in nearby villages), meals at local restaurants for €8–€15, and a comfortable monthly budget of around €1,300–€1,700.

Internet & Work Setup
Wi-Fi is reliable in most rentals, with speeds around 30–70 Mbps, and mobile data coverage is solid. Coworking spaces are limited, but Kotor is close to Tivat and Podgorica, where more infrastructure exists. Many nomads simply work from scenic cafés along the waterfront.

Best For

• Nomads who want a Mediterranean lifestyle without Croatian prices.
• Nature lovers who want hiking and beaches within minutes.
• Creative workers who thrive in beautiful, inspiring settings.

Challenges

• Kotor gets crowded in summer when cruise ships arrive, driving up prices and traffic.
• The bay can feel quiet and even a little isolated in the off-season.
• Limited coworking/community scene compared to bigger hubs.

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico

We visited San Cristóbal de las Casas planning to use it simply as a jumping-off point to explore the wild and rugged Chiapas, it ended up being one of our favourite destinations in its own right. A place where we were able to slow down, chill out, and dig into some work.

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Tucked high in the Chiapas mountains, San Cristóbal is a colonial town full of cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and strong Indigenous culture. Unlike Mexico’s beach hotspots, life here feels slower, cooler (literally), and more rooted. For digital nomads, it’s an inspiring setting that feels a world away from the coastal crowds.

Cost of Living
San Cristóbal remains one of Mexico’s most affordable bases. A one-bedroom apartment or Airbnb can run $300–$600/month, meals at local markets are just a few dollars, and a solid budget for living comfortably comes in around $1,000–$1,200/month.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet has improved a lot but can still be hit-or-miss depending on your building. Speeds of 30–100 Mbps are common in cafés and co-working spaces like Brücken Centro or Co.404. Many nomads also rely on mobile data backups.

Best For

• Slow travelers who want to immerse themselves in local culture
• Creative workers looking for inspiration from a colorful, mountain town
• Budget-conscious nomads who still want quality of life

Challenges

• High altitude (2,200 m / 7,200 ft) takes a little time to adjust
• Cooler climate — pack layers, especially in winter nights
• Infrastructure isn’t as slick as Mexico City or Playa del Carmen

Cairns, Australia

Cairns might be in my own backyard — Queensland, Australia — but I didn’t discover it until years after we’d gone nomad and were circumnavigating Australia. For digital nomads, Australia can feel isolated once you leave the major cities, but Cairns is the sweet spot: solid infrastructure, easy access, and some of the country’s most incredible natural wonders right on its doorstep.

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Cairns is best known as the jumping-off point to the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland’s far north adventures like Cape York. However, for digital nomads it’s much more than a tourist hub. It’s a laid-back tropical city where reef meets rainforest, with access to the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree, and Atherton Tablelands. Life here feels adventurous yet relaxed — shorts, flip-flops, and after-work swims are the norm.

Cost of Living
Australia isn’t cheap, but Cairns is more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne. A one-bedroom apartment rents for AUD $1,500–$2,000/month, meals at pubs and casual restaurants are $15–$25, and a comfortable monthly budget lands around AUD $2,500–$3,500 ($1,600–$2,300 USD).

Internet & Work Setup
Cairns has reliable internet (30–100 Mbps) and a growing coworking scene (The Space Cairns is the best known). Many nomads also set up shop in air-conditioned cafés along the Esplanade. Mobile coverage is good in town, but patchy once you head out to the Tablelands or Cape Tribulation.

Best For

• Adventurous nomads who want reef, rainforest, and waterfalls at their doorstep.
• Those craving a tropical lifestyle but with Australian comforts.
• Couples or families who want a safe, outdoorsy base.

Challenges

• Summer is hot, humid, and cyclone-prone (best time is April–October).
• Smaller than other Aussie cities — nightlife and cultural scene is limited.
• Costs are still high compared to Southeast Asia or Latin America.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a city we stumbled upon a decade ago and have since returned to multiple times, most recently to begin and end our van trip through Slovenia. It’s a city that, for us, felt easy to stay.

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Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most charming capitals — small, green, and easygoing. The cobblestone old town, leafy riverside cafés, and colorful bridges give it a storybook feel, but it never feels overwhelming or crowded. For nomads, it’s a refreshing alternative to Europe’s bigger, busier hubs, with quick access to mountains, lakes, and even the coast.

Cost of Living
Ljubljana isn’t as cheap as Sarajevo or Tbilisi, but it’s more affordable than Western European capitals. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs €700–€1,000/month, meals are €8–€15, and a comfortable monthly budget sits around €1,600–€2,000.

Internet & Work Setup
Slovenia has excellent internet — 50–200 Mbps connections are standard. Ljubljana has coworking spaces like Impact Hub, plus plenty of cafés where working with a laptop is the norm.

Best For

• Nomads who want a safe, walkable, eco-friendly city.
• Outdoor lovers — Slovenia is compact, so you can go from city to lakes or mountains in under an hour.
• Couples or families looking for a balanced, livable European base.

Challenges

• Costs are higher than neighboring Balkan countries.
• The city is small — nightlife and cultural events aren’t as big as in larger capitals.
• Winters can be gray and damp, so summer is the more vibrant season.

La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz was oanother memorable stop on our van tour through South America — a city that hit us immediately with its energy. Chaotic, loud, and colorful, La Paz embodies the essence of travel: raw, vibrant, and utterly unlike anywhere else. It’s not always pretty, but it’s always exciting — a place that reminds you why you set out to explore in the first place.

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Perched at over 3,600 meters (11,800 ft), La Paz is the world’s highest capital and one of its most dramatic. The city spills down steep canyons with snow-capped peaks in the distance, and cable cars (the Mi Teleférico system) link neighborhoods like a futuristic spiderweb. For nomads, it’s not the easiest destination, but it’s unforgettable — raw, vibrant, and full of character.

Cost of Living
La Paz is cheap even by South American standards. A one-bedroom apartment costs $250–$400/month, local meals are $2–$4, and you can live well on $800–$1,100/month.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet has improved but can still be hit-or-miss depending on where you stay. Expect 10–40 Mbps in most apartments. Coworking spaces like CoWork Café exist, though many nomads stick to central cafés with decent Wi-Fi. Having a mobile data backup is wise.

Best For

• Adventurous nomads who want to experience altitude, culture, and Andean life.
• Those who want a budget-friendly base close to epic side trips (Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon basin).
• Travelers who thrive in non-touristy, authentic settings.

Challenges

• The altitude is real — expect headaches, fatigue, and slower acclimation at first.
• Infrastructure can be patchy compared to other nomad hubs.
• Safety is improving, but petty theft remains a concern.

Challenges

• Remote — Perth is a 3-hour drive away.
• Higher living costs compared to Southeast Asia or Latin America.
• Limited nomad community — better for those who enjoy solitude.

Sarandë, Albania

Our first experience of Albania was, honestly, a tough one. Sailing from north to south, we found the lack of infrastructure and services challenging, and by the time we reached the south, we were ready to get to Greece as soon as possible. Thankfully, we decided to give Albania one last chance — in Sarandë — and we’re so glad we did.

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Sarandë is a small seaside city on Albania’s southern coast, just a short ferry ride from Corfu, Greece. Once a sleepy fishing town, it’s fast becoming known as the “budget Mediterranean,” with turquoise waters, long summer days, and a surprisingly lively café scene. It still feels less polished (and less expensive) than Greece or Croatia, which is exactly what makes it so appealing for digital nomads.

Cost of Living
Sarandë is still very affordable by European coastal standards. A one-bedroom apartment costs €300–€600/month (even with sea views), meals in local tavernas are €5–€10, and you can live comfortably on €1,000–€1,400/month.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet is improving quickly, with most apartments offering 30–80 Mbps and cafés more than adequate for working. Mobile data is cheap and reliable. Coworking spaces are limited, but informal nomad hubs are growing thanks to long-stay expats and remote workers.

Best For

• Nomads who want Mediterranean living on a backpacker budget.
• Those who want easy access to both Albania’s coast and Greece’s Ionian islands.
• Beach lovers who prefer a more low-key base than crowded Croatia.

Challenges

• Rapid growth means more construction and seasonal crowds in summer.
• Outside of peak season, Sarandë can feel quiet — even sleepy.
• English is less widely spoken, though locals are welcoming and helpful.

Tbilisi, Georgia

While many others have already discovered this gem for themselves, it wasn’t really on our radar until we passed through Tbilisi on our way to the ski slopes of Gudauri.

We didn’t know much about Georgia’s ancient capital at all. What we found was a fascinating collision of old and new — a city where crumbling churches and Soviet relics sit alongside trendy cafés and modern coworking spaces. It’s a place where digital nomads can feel on the edge of something emerging while still connected to the past.

There’s a creative current running through Tbilisi right now, from the underground music scene and contemporary art galleries to progressive startups and sustainable fashion labels. You can feel a sense of optimism and cultural reinvention in the air — a collective push to redefine what it means to be Georgian in a global, connected world.

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Tbilisi has a character all its own, it feels both old-world and modern, with ancient wine cellars beneath street art splashed across historic facades. For digital nomads, Tbilisi is an underrated gem because it combines affordability, a lively expat/nomad community, and a fascinating cultural blend where East meets West.

Cost of Living
Living here is still relatively inexpensive compared to Western Europe. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in a central neighborhood for $400–$700/month, a meal in a local restaurant for $5–$8, and a solid monthly budget comes in around $1,200–$1,500 for a comfortable lifestyle.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet in Tbilisi is reliable and fast, often 50–100 Mbps, with a strong DN culture you’ll find plenty of cafés and coworking spaces to get productive and gather with like minded nomads. SIM cards are cheap and offer strong mobile data as a backup.

Best For

• Nomads who want long-term stability — Georgia offers a 1-year visa-free stay for many nationalities.
• History buffs and foodies (khachapuri, khinkali, and Georgian wine are the real deal and some of our favourites).
• Those who want to combine city life with easy weekend trips to the mountains or wine country.

Challenges

• Air quality can be poor in summer due to traffic and heat.
• English is less widely spoken outside younger circles, though that’s changing fast.
• Winters are gray and cold — better for nomads who like seasons, not year-round sun.

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Our first day in Almaty, the temperature dipped below -20°C (–4°F) a cold that froze the breath in our lungs. And when we couldnt find our Airbnb to check in, I thought we might freeze on the street. Thankfully we didn’t and our time in Almaty turned out to be a revelation.

We came for the skiing at nearby Shymbulak but found a city with much more to offer. Incredibly liveable even in the dead of winter Almaty was affordable, clean, modern, with fantastic food, and nightlife, wild nature right on its doorstep.

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Almaty feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Nestled at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, it’s a modern, leafy city with café culture, wide boulevards, and Soviet-meets-Central-Asian architecture. What makes it special for nomads is the balance: you can be working in a chic café one minute and skiing or hiking in the mountains 30 minutes later. It’s cosmopolitan, adventurous, and still refreshingly under the radar.

Cost of Living
Almaty is affordable. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $300–$500/month, a meal out costs $3–$7, and you can live comfortably on $900–$1,200/month. Imported goods can raise expenses, but local food and transport are cheap.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet is good and improving fast, with speeds of 50–100 Mbps common in the city center. Coworking spaces like SmArt.Point and Most Business Incubator provide modern setups, and cafés are laptop-friendly. Mobile data is inexpensive and reliable.

Best For

• Nomads who want to mix city living with mountain adventures.
• Skiers, hikers, and outdoor lovers who want an alternative to Europe.
• Budget-conscious travelers looking for a safe, modern base in Central Asia.

Challenges

• Winters are long and cold, though great if you’re into skiing.
• English isn’t widely spoken, so learning some Russian (or Kazakh) helps.
• Distance: Almaty is far from Europe and the Americas, so flights can be long and pricey.

Montañita, Ecuador

Montañita was one of those places that pulled us in with its carefree energy. What was meant to be a quick stop on Ecuador’s coast turned into days that blurred together — mornings surfing, afternoons lazing in hammocks, and nights carried away by the sound of music and waves. It’s loud, a little chaotic, and not without its rough edges, but that’s all part of its charm. Beneath the party-town reputation lies a laid-back surf culture and a warm community that make it easy to stay longer than you planned — and the only real danger is you might forget to work altogether.

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Montañita is Ecuador’s bohemian surf town, known for its laid-back lifestyle, nightly parties, and strong backpacker-meets-expat community. It’s the kind of place where days revolve around surf sessions and smoothie bowls, and nights spill into live music or beach bonfires. For digital nomads, it offers a mix of budget-friendly living, an eclectic social scene, and a dose of chaos — but that’s part of the charm.

Cost of Living
Montañita is inexpensive by coastal standards. A one-bedroom apartment costs $300–$500/month, meals at local eateries run $2–$5, and a comfortable budget comes in around $900–$1,200/month.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet can be hit-or-miss. In town, many rentals and cafés offer 20–50 Mbps, which is fine for most work, but speeds can drop during storms or high usage times. Coworking spaces are limited, though some hostels and cafés (like Selina Montañita) double as work hubs. Mobile data works as a solid backup.

Best For

• Nomads who thrive in social, party-friendly surf towns.
• Budget travelers looking for an affordable Pacific coast base.
• Creatives and entrepreneurs who enjoy mixing with a young, eclectic crowd.

Challenges

• Noise: nightlife can be non-stop, so it’s not ideal for light sleepers.
• Infrastructure is basic — water, power, and internet can be unreliable.
• It’s not the easiest place to stay focused if you’re on a demanding work schedule.

Other Options in Ecuador

• Baños: a mountain town famous for hot springs and adventure sports — great for nature lovers.
• Mompiche: a sleepy surf village, even more low-key than Montañita.
• Cuenca: a charming Andean city with colonial architecture and a slower, more cultural vibe.

Otaru, Japan

Another destination we chose for its proximity to the snow, Otaru turned out to be so much more than just a base for skiing Hokkaido. The few weeks we spent there revealed a charming port town rich in culture, with fantastic and affordable dining at every turn. Fresh seafood, cozy izakayas, and low-key bars made evenings just as memorable as the powder days. Smaller and quieter than nearby Sapporo, Otaru offered the perfect blend of winter adventure and laid-back local life.

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Once a bustling herring port and trading hub, Otaru today is a charming canal city that feels frozen in time — quite literally in winter. Just 40 minutes from Sapporo, this coastal gem on Hokkaido’s western shore combines old-world character with mountain-and-sea scenery. Gas lamps line the historic canal, snow blankets the preserved Meiji-era warehouses, and steaming seafood markets beckon just steps away. In winter, it transforms into a cozy base for skiers, snowboarders, and snow lovers, offering access to Hokkaido’s famed powder without the crowds of Niseko.

Cost of Living
Otaru is more affordable than neighboring Sapporo or major Japanese cities. Expect to pay around ¥60,000–¥90,000 ($400–$600) per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Local meals — from sushi to steaming bowls of ramen — range ¥800–¥1,200 ($5–$8). A comfortable monthly budget for nomads runs between ¥150,000–¥220,000 ($1,000–$1,500).

Internet & Work Setup
Japan’s internet infrastructure is excellent. Most apartments and hotels offer fast, stable Wi-Fi (100–300 Mbps). Otaru doesn’t have a large coworking scene, but several cafés like offer reliable spots for working with a view of snow-dusted streets. Sapporo, a short train ride away, offers full coworking options and a growing nomad network.

Best For

• Digital nomads seeking a quiet, cultural winter base.
• Skiers and snowboarders — There are a handful of small resorts close to the town while Kiroro Resort (30 minutes away) delivers some of Japan’s lightest, driest powder. Niseko and Sapporo Teine are also easy day trips.
• Travelers who love atmospheric towns, seafood markets, and snowy coastal scenery.

Challenges

• Winters are long and cold — prepare for heavy snow from November to April.
• Limited nightlife and English signage; knowing some Japanese helps.
• Smaller expat and nomad community than in Sapporo or Tokyo.

Oaxaca City, Mexico

The state of Oaxaca was one of favourite places in the whole of Mexico, from its stunning coastline, its impressive mountain towns and of course its historic capital and cultural epicentre.

Oaxaca City quickly became one of our favorite digital nomad bases. It’s a place that strikes a perfect balance — vibrant yet relaxed, steeped in tradition yet full of creative, culinary, and artistic energy, with incredible food, colorful festivals, and inspiration around every corner. It’s the kind of city where work and inspiration seem to flow naturally, with mezcal and mole never too far away.

Vibe
Oaxaca is Mexico’s cultural heartbeat — a city of colorful streets, bustling markets, mezcal bars, and festivals. It’s a creative hub that draws artists, food lovers, and slow travelers alike. For digital nomads, Oaxaca offers something richer than beaches and nightlife: a chance to immerse yourself in Indigenous traditions, world-class cuisine, and a vibrant, welcoming community.

Cost of Living
Oaxaca remains affordable compared to Mexico City or the Riviera Maya. A one-bedroom apartment costs $400–$700/month, meals at markets or street stalls run $2–$4, and a comfortable lifestyle fits in around $1,200–$1,500/month.

Internet & Work Setup
Internet is improving, with 30–80 Mbps common in rentals and coworking spaces. There are solid options like Centrico, along with countless cafés and leafy courtyards where you can work for hours.

Best For

• Creatives and culture seekers drawn to art, music, and food.
• Nomads who want to live in a mid-sized, walkable city with community vibes.
• Foodies (Oaxaca is considered Mexico’s culinary capital).

Challenges

• Air quality can dip during the dry season with dust and smoke.
• It’s not a beach town — closest surf breaks are several hours away.
• Smaller nomad scene compared to Playa del Carmen or CDMX.

Final Thoughts on the Best Underrated Digital Nomad Destinations

The truth is, being a digital nomad today is easier than ever. With affordable flights, reliable coworking setups, and broadband speeds reaching even the most unexpected corners of the globe, you’re no longer tied to the ‘big’ nomad hubs. You can choose a destination that actually matches your lifestyle — whether that’s surf, mountains, culture, or just somewhere quieter and more affordable.

For us, best spots we’ve stayed and worked in have been the places we couldn’t have found on a map before we arrived. They may not have the biggest communities or the slickest coworking spaces, but they’ve given us something just as valuable: the freedom to live, work, and explore on our own terms.

So if you’re planning your next chapter, don’t just follow the crowd. Try one of these underrated destinations. You might just find your new favorite home base.