If you’re a digital nomad looking to work remotely and travel within the U.S. this summer, it’s worth considering options away from the coasts. According to a May 2023 report by Zumper, the worst cities for digital nomads are primarily located in California and Florida. On the other hand, the best cities for remote workers who enjoy travel are clustered in the Midwest and the South.
Columbus, Ohio takes the top spot as the best city for digital nomads in the United States, while Fort Lauderdale ranks last. Zumper evaluated the 100 most popular cities in the U.S., considering factors such as public transportation availability, average cost of short-term rentals, and air quality to determine the rankings.
Analysts recommend considering the Midwest as cities like Kansas City, Cincinnati and St. Louis offer key factors important to digital nomads, including the affordable cost of living, reliable WiFi, and abundant entertainment options. Portland, Houston, and Chicago have also received recognition for being among the best cities for digital nomads due to low housing costs and a high percentage of remote jobs with salaries of $100,000 or more.
Surprisingly, major cities like New York and Los Angeles did not make it into the top 20 best cities for digital nomads due to their high cost of living. Los Angeles ranks 24th, while New York City comes in at 31st place. Additionally, the remote job market varies across cities, with Washington, D.C. topping the list as the best city to find a remote job in the U.S., followed by San Francisco and Chicago, according to a recent paper from the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).
By considering factors like affordability, internet access, and job opportunities, digital nomads can make informed choices about the best U.S. cities to explore while working remotely.
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