- Last Updated: March 15, 2025
Imagine waking up to a beautiful sunrise over the ocean, sipping coffee while enjoying nature, and getting work done just with your laptop! It’s not a dream anymore. Remote work has become a reality more than ever!
After the pandemic hit, remote work has seen a huge rise. People were searching for more flexibility and alternative ways to do their work. This increased the chance of doing work from home, which benefited both employees and employers in several ways. It is also projected that remote jobs will gain more popularity in the near future.
With the growing popularity of remote work, the question arises how to actually choose the right remote work location. Well, that depends on several factors. After traveling the world as a digital nomad for almost 5 years, I am going to share some of the key factors I consider while choosing remote work locations.
9 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Remote Work Location
Although there are many factors you can consider while choosing the right remote work location, here are the most important 9 factors I’ve found to be considered:
1. Visa requirements & Tax obligations
First thing first, while choosing remote work locations, is to check out the visa rules for digital nomads or remote workers. It includes digital nomad visas, tourist visas, and residency options.
Before setting off, research visa duration, renewal policies, and work permit restrictions of a country. Some countries have different rules and restrictions for remoter workers.
Apart from visa requirements, check out the tax implications too. Just like traditional employees, remote workers also have to pay taxes according to local, state, and federal laws. So, understand the implications, like double taxation, tax-free zones, expat tax rules, while choosing a location.
2. Cost of living
One of the most important factors for choosing a remote work location is the cost of living. This thing has a direct impact on your quality of life. While selecting work remote locations, compare expensive vs. affordable remote work destinations. Besides, research the rent, utilities, groceries, healthcare, services, transportation, and entertainment.
You can also make a comparison list to shortlist the location among the selected destinations. Plus, consider currency exchange rates too as it can directly effect the overall affordability. That means, lower exchange rates can save you a lot of bucks!
If you are researching cost of livings, you can take advantage of some comparison tools. I use Numbeo (sometimes Expatistan) to compare the cost of living of different destinations. You may also give it some try.
Remember, higher cost of living can make your living really expensive. So, research thoroughly and give enough time for it.
3. Internet Speed & Communication infrastructure
The importance of stable internet for remote working is beyond description. You need fast and reliable internet to get your job done within time. Sloppy internet will spoil your mood and overall have a bad impact on your work-life balance.
Check internet reliability and speed, including fiber optics, mobile data plans, Wi-Fi download and upload speed. Also research blackout risks and network stability about the place you are wondering to stay.
Although coworking spaces have strong Wi-Fi, it is necessary to check out other options too. Apart from the internet, good and advanced infrastructure is important for communication.
If you are thinking of moving to a new city, keep a portable Wi-Fi hotspot with you. It is a friend in need that will save you at crucial internet moments.
4. Coworking Spaces & Cafes
Coworking spaces are the places where professionals from different background come and work from. Freelancers, remote employees, or even team members come up and do work in a more focused way.
Benefits of coworking spaces are so many. Remote workers often choose to work from here rather than home due to the advantages. So, find well-equipped coworking spaces with high-speed internet. Also, evaluate their membership fees and amenities.
Apart from coworking spaces, check for laptop-friendly cafes too. Look for cafes that has better Wi-Fi, enough power outlets, and work-friendly environments. Also, location of coworking spaces and cafes matter from your accommodation. So, research all these things beforehand.
Availability of work-friendly environments as a digital nomad is very important. So, take this factor seriously while choosing your ideal remote work location.
Related: 15 Best Digital Nomad Jobs in 2025
5. Time Zone
Another key factor while choosing remote work locations is the time zone alignment. Before sailing off, ensure time zone alignment with your employer or clients. This is vital for both freelancers and remote employees.
Check for remote work-friendly locations that fit your preferred working hours. Strange or unhealthy working hours will surely have a bad impact on your health. So, consider the impact on work-life balance and meeting schedules.
6. Digital Nomad Community
A welcoming community that is enriched with like-minded people is a blessing for digital nomads. Oftentimes, while traveling, remote workers get lonely and face a lack of human interaction. Besides, having a community also helps in networking and career growth.
So look for cities that have active digital nomad communities. Try to participate with them, whether it’s a career event or entertainment activity. Also, you can join digital nomad Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and Nomad List.
7. Climate
Climate plays an important factor here. Good weather, not too harsh, has a direct impact on productivity and well-being.
Good weather has great positive health benefits. It can cure many illnesses. Moderate exposure to sunlight increases vitamin D, lessens skin-related issues, and helps you stay active.
Your lifestyle also matters while determining this criteria. Whether you are a beach person, a mountain person, or a citylife person, climate has a huge impact in this case. So, choose a climate that suits your lifestyle that can be tropical, temperate, or even cold. Also, don’t forget to check air quality, humidity, and overall comfort.
8. Safety
How good a city is depends on how safe the city actually is. A city that has higher crime rates can leave a bad experience for you. Also without a sense of safety and security, it is hard to live freely in that place.
Also, political stability is important to check the safety index of a country. You can check out the crime rates and overall safety on this website called Numbeo.
Apart from crime rates and political stability, check out healthcare facilities and emergency services. However, being safety-conscious is a good thing to minimize the chances of bad experiences. All these things have a great impact on quality of life.
9. Leisure Activities
C’mon, you can’t miss the biggest perk of remote working, which is freedom! While traveling to a new location, you get great chances to explore the place. Digital nomadism is not just about remote work. It also allows you to explore local attractions, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences.
Depending on locations, go for leisure activities like hiking, surfing, scuba diving, or simply just walking. Besides, try to explore ancient landmarks or attractions. If you are into fitness, you can join gyms and yoga studios, and go to hiking trails.
Leisure activities have several benefits. It can reduce your stress of work and improve your both mental and physical health. Plus, it’s a great way to get out from monotonous work life. This helps maintaining a good work-life balance.
So check out what leisure activities you can do in the chosen remote work location. And, after reaching to that location, not just work, but also make time for these leisure activities..
How to Test a Remote Work Location Before Committing
To test a remote work location, you can do several things. First of all, if you can, try to stay in a short-term rental before moving long-term. It will give you a clear idea of actual living and check out whether the place is suitable for you or not. So, take it as a trial period.
There are several platforms for booking short-term rentals. Check out my blog on top short-term rental sites.
Another way to test a remote work location, or more specifically the infrastructure, is to work from different spots. It can include places like home, coworking spaces, and cafes. You can get the idea of internet speed, proximity of other locations, and overall communication infrastructure.
You can also join local expat or digital nomad groups for getting more insights and real-time updates. There you can connect with fellow digital nomads, have a conversation, and get actual information from them.
Wrap Up
Remote work is a reality now. And making the right destination as a base is crucial for it. So, considering these key factors wisely is a good way to go.
Research thoroughly about the work remote locations and test before committing. A well-chosen destination can reduce your sufferings, increase productivity, and improve your overall experience.
However, a small reminder. When you’re seeking a place for remote work, make sure to look at the local job market too. You know, the worst thing can happen. So why take risks!
Thank you for sticking with us! We’d greatly appreciate it if you could share this article with your friends and family. Don’t forget to share your favorite remote work location in the comments and subscribe to the newsletter for more remote work tips.
Read also: 13 Best Cities for Digital Nomads in 2025
FAQs
The best city depends on factors like visa policies, cost of living, internet speed, and lifestyle preferences. Popular choices include Lisbon, Cozumel (Mexico), San Jose (Costa Rica), Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), and Melbourne. All of these offer a digital nomad-friendly environment and strong remote work infrastructure.
Focus on key factors like visa requirements, cost of living, internet reliability, time zone compatibility, safety, climate, and the presence of a digital nomad community. Test the location with a short stay before committing long-term.
To stay connected, research local internet providers and coworking spaces before arriving. Carry a portable Wi-Fi hotspot and a universal travel adapter, and consider a local SIM card for backup mobile data.
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