World's 'best city' for remote workers has £1.10 beer, epic nightlife and cheap rent
Brits who can work remotely can take advantage of low cost of living, cheap booze, sunshine and low rent and food prices in these cities – from Bulgaria to Guatemala and Portugal
More and more Brits are working from home and even working remotely from countries all over the world – and it seems one destination stands out above the rest. Sofia, Bulgaria, offers not only a cheap cost of living with monthly rent costing just £380 but also £1.10 beers, a cracking nightlife and gorgeous historical sites.
Now that many of us are able to work flexibly from around the world – known as being a “digital nomad” – many Brits don’t have to stay chained to their home town for their job. So, those who are able to can take advantage of the cheaper cost of rent, bills, food and fun while staying abroad for months at a time.
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Freaking Nomads, a community and a publication for digital nomads and remote workers has put together a guide to the best destinations for remote workers which blend culture and affordability. Their number one choice was the capital of Bulgaria – Sofia – for a number of great reasons. Plus PintPrice claims that a pint costs just £1.10 in the city.
Well, if you'd prefer somewhere a little further, hotter or with a different culture check out Freaking Nomad's other top cities for remote workers below... you can even get a restaurant meal out for £1 in some!
Sofia, Bulgaria
A spokesperson from Freaking Nomads said: "A perfect combination of historical grandeur and contemporary attractions, Sofia offers a plethora of things to do and see as well as an affordable lifestyle. Its history dates back to more than 2000 years ago and today when you’re not working the city’s landmarks make for an ideal day out. This includes the Vitosha Mountains, St George Rotunda Church and the National Opera and Ballet Centre.
"What’s more, as well as affordable housing, cheap internet and transport amenities make Sofia a fantastic choice for those digital nomads in search of something different. Monthly expenses for a single person average at around £430, excluding rent. For an apartment in the city centre, the cost equals around £380. With affordable transport and grocery bills, as well as socialising costs all relatively cheap too, there’s an obvious economic advantage for calling this place home."
Plus, Sofia is known for having a fun nightlife full of clubs and bars where you can have a drink and a dance for a cheap price. In winter, the Christmas market comes to the city lighting it up with food stalls, trees and gifts. What's not to love?
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)1 of 7Penang, Malaysia
A modern digital nomad's dream - with a variety of architecture, beautiful beaches and tantalizing food, Penang offers a laid-back way of life that is much-needed after a day working from wherever you like. Penang Hill is a popular attraction boasting plenty of walking trails, gardens and incredible views, or you can head to local landmarks like Fort Cornwallis or the Kapitan Keling Mosque, all of which highlight the area's foreign heritage and influence.
The area’s robust internet infrastructure and affordable way of living also make it easy to work from wherever you have a connection. A single person’s monthly expenses equal around £400 without rent. Monthly rent for an apartment just outside the city centre comes in at around £250. What’s more, utilities average at around £30 per month and eating out at a casual restaurant averages at just over £1.
(Image: Getty Images)2 of 7Tbilisi, Georgia
A trailblazer in digital nomad destinations, the government here even introduced specific visas to encourage foreign workers to move. Once here, you’ll be glad you made the move with plenty of attractions and cultural experiences including the cobbled old town, diverse architecture, art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist buildings.
There’s also the reconstructed 4th-century fortress known as the Mother of Georgia. Thanks to such a cultural vibrancy and affordable way of living, it’s no surprise Tbilisi has become a favourite destination of many. Plus, a single person’s monthly expenses average at around £500 and monthly rent for a place just outside the centre comes in at around £400. The internet also averages around £15 a month.
(Image: Getty Images)3 of 7Skopje, North Macedonia
![Alexander Statue on Place Macedonia at dusk, Skopje, North Macedonia]()
As the largest city of North Macedonia, and also the capital, Skopje is the country’s cultural, political, academic and economic centre. It’s very much an attractive tourist hotspot with historical and fortress monuments, sports halls, caves, archaeological sites, and even a health spa.
Plus, with cost-effective housing and socialising opportunities, it continues to be popular with digital nomads too. For a single person, average monthly expenses equal around £460 and rents are around 75% less than in Manchester. What’s more, a casual meal costs around £5 and milk is just £1. An apartment for one, just outside of the centre, costs the equivalent of £174.
(Image: Getty Images)4 of 7
