Digital nomads are now seeking new destinations in Europe that offer the necessary infrastructure but at a lower cost of living. According to a recent Fortune study, Kalamata was ranked as the second most popular destination in Europe among 25 cities.
The list also includes four other Greek cities: Patras in sixth place, Athens and Larissa sharing the 10th spot with Catania in Italy, and Thessaloniki in 25th place.
Notably, Albania impresses in the top ten with three cities. Among them, the coastal city of Vlora takes first place. Vlora offers a unique combination of sea and mountains, but most importantly, it provides a significantly lower cost of living compared to traditional European cities.
Fortune’s analysis examines the following criteria: visa requirements, cost of living, crime rates, healthcare quality, broadband access, and climate.
The Top25 destinations for digital nomads
- Vlora, Albania
- Kalamata, Greece
- Izmir, Turkey
- Valletta, Malta
- Malaga, Spain
- Patras, Greece
- Tirana, Albania
- Durres, Albania
- Valencia, Spain
- Catania, Italy / Athens & Larissa, Greece
- Nicosia, Cyprus
- Rome, Italy
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Naples, Italy
- Bologna, Italy
- Split, Croatia
- Podgorica, Montenegro
- Zadar, Croatia
- Pula, Croatia
- Faro, Portugal
- Madrid, Spain
- Timisoara, Romania
The digital nomad market in 2024
According to data from the website Pumble.com, the statistics reveal:
- 40 million people worldwide currently identify as digital nomads.
- 37% of digital nomads are Millennials.
- 62% are male.
- 46% are American.
- 91% report having higher education.
- 62% hold traditional full-time positions.
- 70% work 40 hours or fewer per week.
- 60% work from a home office.
- 77% report early adoption of technology.
- 82% are very satisfied with their income.
The anatomy of a typical digital nomad
Based on the latest statistics for 2024, a typical digital nomad:
- Is around 35 years old
- Male
- White
- Non-religious
- Progressive
- Environmentally conscious
- Holds a degree
- Works as a software developer
- Operates from a home office
- Earns an average of $122,859 per year
- Works 40 hours or fewer per week
- Loves coffee
- Eats meat
- Chooses hiking as their favorite exercise
- Prefers Portimão, Portugal as their favorite city
- Stays in one destination for an average of 7 months
