The National Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which is one of the cities Wise recommends for … [+]
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It’s no secret that the number of digital nomads is on the rise. A recent study found that 16.9 million American workers identify themselves as digital nomads. That’s a 9% increase from 2021, and whopping 131% uptick from 2019. While stats vary, some estimates say there are as many as 35 million digital nomads around the globe today.
But for Americans looking to relocate abroad, it can be overwhelming to find the ideal location. After all, the priorities one has for a place to call home are different than the list they might have for a weeklong vacation destination.
That’s why Wise — a personal finance company that helps digital nomads streamline the logistics of living abroad with services like universal accounts that make it easy and affordable to move money internationally — just released their list of the best warm weather cities for digital nomads to work and play abroad this winter.
To compile this list, Wise looked exclusively at cities that operate within an hour of continental U.S. time zones. Then, they scored cities based on third-party data sources ranking weather, safety, cost of living, and digital nomad visa availability. To help digital nomads make the most of their budgets, Wise also noted the cities’ latest U.S. currency exchange rates.
The issue of weather is especially important now, when most Americans are looking ahead to long, cold winter months. According to Wise: “For digital nomads, the possibilities of where to work are virtually limitless. When frigid winter weather rolls around, it’s natural for those who can work remotely to start thinking about snowbirding out to a more temperate locale far from snow, ice, and frozen flurries. After all, when the temperatures drop, it’s hard to do your best work when all you want to do is curl up in front of the fire.” Here are Wise’s top ten picks of warm and sunsoaked destinations around the globe that are ideal for digital nomads looking to escape the winter chill stateside.
Medellin, Colombia
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Medellin, Colombia
There’s no such thing as winter in the “City of Eternal Spring.” Medellin’s average high temperature is in the 70s and 80s year-round. The city also has a relatively low cost of living, plenty of co-working spaces, and lots of museums, festivals, and parks to explore.
The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso and the exchange rate is 1000 USD; 4.87M pesos.
An aerial view of Quito, Ecuador
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Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador’s capital city boasts incredible views of the Andes Mountains, affordable living costs, fast internet speeds, and vibrant cultural and nightlife scenes. Plus, its mild climate makes it a pleasant place to work and spend time outside all throughout the winter.
The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar.
An aerial view of Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s dynamic capital city offers a rich history, stunning European architecture, a top-notch restaurant and bar scene, and lots of options for co-working spaces. Wise notes that while prices in Buenos Aires have been rising in recent years, it’s still relatively affordable compared to other major cities: “And for many, the chance to be surrounded by the city’s beautiful 19th-century architecture is well worth a slight cost increase.”
The official currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso and the exchange rate is 1000 USD; 4.87M pesos.
Bogota, Colombia
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Bogota, Colombia
Another sprawling city nestled in the Andean mountain range, Bogota offers a subtropical highland climate, an affordable cost of living, and no shortage of coworking spaces. And as the capital city of Colombia and one of the largest cities in South America, the city is brimming with cultural, dining, and outdoor offerings.
The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso and the exchange rate is 1000 USD; 4.87M pesos.
Plaza Independencia in Montevideo, Uruguay
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Montevideo, Uruguay
Just a quick ferry ride from Buenos Aires sits the dreamy seaside capital of Uruguay. Montevideo has quickly been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It’s not only super affordable, but it has warm, sunny weather during the winter months, gorgeous Art Deco and colonial architecture, and loads of wonderful beaches.
The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso and the exchange rate is 1000 USD; 4.87M pesos.
The historic National Theater in San Jose, Costa Rica
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San Jose, Costa Rica
With lovely winter weather, beautiful greenspaces, an abundance of co-working options, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica has everything that digital nomads are looking for. “The cost of living is also very reasonable, and you can find apartments for rent at a fraction of the cost of what you might pay in major cities like New York or London, while still being able to get out and enjoy world-class museums, parks, and historic buildings,” advises Wise.
The official currency of Costa Rica is the colon and the exchange rate is 1000 USD; 603.20K colon — however, US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas.
Cali, Colombia
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Cali, Colombia
Boasting warm, sun-drenched days, friendly locals, and lots of apartments and hotels offering monthly rates, Cali offers digital nomads good living for less. “This makes it a budget-friendly option for digital nomads who want to enjoy all that the city has to offer, including its spectacular neoclassical architecture and historic museums, without breaking the bank.”
The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso and the exchange rate is 1000 USD; 4.87M pesos.
Mexico City, Mexico
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Mexico City, Mexico
With a population of roughly 9 million, Ciudad de Mexico (also known as CDMX) has something for every kind of digital nomad, including the thriving expat and nomad communities to make them feel at home. “The weather is also perfect for spending time outdoors, and there are plenty of historic buildings, museums, and nature parks to explore, advises Wise. “If you’re looking for a vibrant, culturally rich spot for both work and adventure this winter, Mexico City could be a great choice.
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican nuevo peso and the exchange rate is 1000 USD; 4.87M pesos — however, US dollars are accepted in many tourist areas.
Sao Paulo, Brazil’s at sunset
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São Paulo, Brazil
South America’s largest city never sleeps, with a multicultural population of about 20 million people. According to Wise: “It’s a bustling, highly populous city with a significant community of digital nomads who occupy the many co-working spaces available. As Brazil’s richest city, São Paulo isn’t always the cheapest, but for those seeking to explore its beautiful buildings, memorable museums, and peaceful parks, it may be worth a little splurge.”
The official currency of Brazil is the real and the exchange rate is 1000 USD; 5.11K real
Panama City, Panama
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Panama City, Panama
Warm weather, lots of cafés and scenic plazas to work from, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful colonial-era architecture: what’s not to love about Panama’s capital city? “There are also a variety of beaches to visit, and plenty of opportunities to explore the rest of Panama — or simply relax and watch the ships sailing through the city’s iconic canal. It’s the safest city on this list, although the weather isn’t always as pretty as in some other locales.”
The official currency of Panama is the Panamanian balboa, which is at parity with the US dollar — also, the US dollar is accepted throughout Panama.
For more tips on saving money while living abroad, visit Wise.
