Nomad List is a comprehensive digital nomad platform designed to simplify the process of finding the perfect location to live and work remotely. In a world where traditional travel and relocation apps focus on tourism or general living, Nomad List cuts through the noise by prioritizing the unique needs of remote workers: reliable coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, internet speed, visa accessibility, and a thriving expat community. It solves the core problem of overwhelming choice—helping nomads avoid decision fatigue by providing data-driven, up-to-date insights tailored to remote work lifestyles.
At its core, Nomad List leverages two key assets: a detailed TSV dataset of city-specific metrics (from cost of living to internet infrastructure) and real user reviews from the platform’s global nomad community. This combination ensures recommendations are both factual and authentic, avoiding generic advice. Unlike travel blogs or vague "best places" lists, Nomad List offers actionable, nomad-centric data—like which cities have the highest-rated coworking spaces for quiet focus or the cheapest monthly internet plans for video calls.
Nomad List caters to anyone who values freedom and productivity on the go. Whether you’re a new nomad testing your first location, a seasoned remote worker seeking a change of scenery, or a digital entrepreneur building a global team, the platform transforms the chaos of relocation into a streamlined, stress-free process. Users gain access to personalized city rankings, trusted community reviews, and tools to calculate costs, ensuring they can work effectively while enjoying a high quality of life.
A digital nomad is someone who works remotely using technology, allowing them to live and travel worldwide without being tied to a single office. They balance work flexibility with exploration, often prioritizing location independence and new experiences.
Prioritize factors like cost of living, reliable internet, visa options, safety, and community. Nomad List helps by ranking cities on these metrics, letting you filter by budget, climate, or amenities to find your ideal spot.
Visa requirements vary by country. Many offer digital nomad visas (e.g., Thailand, Portugal) or tourist visas with short-term work allowances. Always check local regulations to avoid overstaying or legal issues.
Essentials include a reliable laptop, high-speed internet (portable Wi-Fi helps), communication tools (Slack, Zoom), project management software (Trello, Asana), and cloud storage (Google Drive) for easy access to files globally.
Nomad List aggregates data on cost of living, internet speed, safety, visa options, and community. It lets you filter cities by criteria like budget, weather, or coworking space density, plus user reviews to guide your decision.
Start by inputting your priorities: budget (e.g., $1,500/month), coworking needs (quiet, 24/7), visa type (3-month tourist vs. 1-year residency), and lifestyle (family-friendly, party scene). Be specific—e.g., "English-speaking, >100Mbps internet, 5+ coworking spaces within 1km."
Use the "Digital Nomad Score" (a weighted metric of cost, internet, safety, and community) to rank cities. Filter by region (Asia, Europe, Latin America) or keywords (e.g., "beach nomad"). Compare top 3 cities side-by-side to spot tradeoffs (e.g., Bali has better beaches but slower internet than Chiang Mai).
Narrow down to 2-3 cities, then filter coworking spaces by "amenities" (power outlets, AC, meeting rooms), "pricing" (daily vs. monthly), and "reviews" (focus on 4+ star ratings from the past 3 months). Read "pro tips" from nomads, like "Book desks 2 weeks ahead in peak season."
Input your monthly budget and adjust for personal habits (e.g., "cooking 3x/week" vs. "eating out daily"). The calculator factors in rent, groceries, utilities, and transport. Use the "Cost of Living vs. Income" chart to ensure your income covers expenses (e.g., $2,000/month income in Vilnius vs. $3,000 in Lisbon).
Join relevant groups (e.g., "Nomads in Mexico," "Remote Teams") and post questions like "Best coworking in Playa del Carmen?" Engage in 1-2 threads weekly to build trust; experienced nomads often share hidden gems (e.g., "Free Wi-Fi at Café XYZ in Tulum").
Use the "Visa & Residency" section to check processing times, required docs (e.g., bank statements, employment letters), and local tips (e.g., "Thailand’s 90-day reporting rule"). Avoid scams by cross-referencing with official embassy links (e.g., US Embassy in Bangkok).
Reserve a 1-2 month trial period in your top city to test fit. Use the "Social Spots" map to find local cafes, parks, or events. Track expenses with the built-in budget tracker, adjusting based on community feedback (e.g., "Cut $200/month by switching from a private room to a shared apartment").
Nomad List uses a proprietary TSV dataset to rank cities based on 12+ metrics critical for remote workers: internet speed (Mbps), cost of living (USD), coworking space density, and visa approval rates. Unlike generic apps, it avoids tourist bias, focusing solely on "nomad-friendly" factors. For example, Sofia (Bulgaria) scores 8.7/10 for internet (150Mbps average) but 5.2/10 for English support—helping users decide if language barriers matter.
Instead of relying on algorithms, Nomad List aggregates real-time reviews from active nomads, ensuring recommendations are actionable. A review like "Wi-Fi drops at 3pm" or "24/7 security" is far more useful than generic "great coffee." For example, a nomad in Tokyo avoids "WeWork Shibuya" (5-star but "noisy during peak hours") by trusting a 3-month-old review from a fellow remote worker.
Nomad List goes beyond "best cities" by highlighting "remote work overlap"—how well a city aligns with your home time zone (e.g., 80% of nomads in Madrid have 6-hour overlap with New York). It also tracks "wellness metrics" like pollution levels, green spaces, and mental health resources (e.g., yoga studios per 10,000 nomads). This ensures you work efficiently and live well.
Unlike fragmented tools (Google Maps + Reddit + visa websites), Nomad List combines cities, coworking, visa guides, and community in one platform. No more switching between tabs—book a desk, check visa docs, and join a meetup in 5 clicks. For example, a nomad in Bali can research a city, book a coworking space, and RSVP to a networking event in under 10 minutes.
Nomad List updates its metrics weekly, reflecting real-time changes (e.g., new coworking spaces, internet outages, visa policy shifts). A city like Hanoi (Vietnam) recently added 3 new 1Gbps coworking spaces, which Nomad List prioritizes in its rankings. This avoids the frustration of arriving to a "recommended" city with outdated infrastructure.
A software engineer in the US wants to move to Europe. They use Nomad List to filter by "US-friendly visa," "English support," and "remote-friendly tech hubs." Results: Vilnius (Lithuania) tops the list with 100Mbps internet, 30% English speakers, and a 1-year visa process under 2 months. They save $500/month vs. Berlin and secure a job via the platform’s "Remote Tech Jobs" feature.
A content creator wants to travel through SE Asia for 6 months. They use Nomad List to compare Chiang Mai (Thailand: $1,200/month, 12 coworking spaces), Hoi An (Vietnam: $900/month, 8 spaces), and Ubud (Bali: $1,500/month, 15 spaces). They rotate: 2 months in Hoi An (low cost), 2 in Chiang Mai (networking), and 2 in Ubud (creativity). Result: Stays within budget while growing their audience.
A remote designer in Tokyo needs a quiet space for 2 weeks. They filter coworking spaces by "noise level" (low), "pricing" (daily pass), and "review keywords" (no "noisy weekends"). They choose "CoWork Akasaka," a 10-minute walk from Shibuya, with 24/7 access, 1Gbps Wi-Fi, and 4.9/5 stars from 100+ reviews. They complete a design project ahead of schedule.
A freelancer in Mexico needs a 1-year visa. Nomad List’s step-by-step guide outlines: 1) Proof of $10,000 savings, 2) Notarized employment letter, 3) 30-day tourist visa extension before applying. They avoid a $300 broker fee by self-applying, receiving their visa in 14 days. Result: Legal, stress-free relocation.
A digital marketer on a $1,500/month budget. Nomad List’s cost calculator compares Medellín (Colombia: $1,200 total), Quito (Ecuador: $1,100), and Antigua (Guatemala: $1,300). They pick Medellín for its $400/month rent, $100/month groceries, and free yoga classes at local parks. They save $300 monthly, increasing their emergency fund.
A solo nomad in Berlin wants to network. They use Nomad List’s "Social Spots" map to find "Freibad Mitte," a pool with free Wi-Fi, 20% off drinks for nomads, and a weekly "Remote Workers Meetup." They attend, meet 5 collaborators, and secure 2 new projects. Result: Turns isolation into collaboration.