Nomad List is the best-known research tool for digital nomads: a database of cities around the world scored on cost of living, internet speed, safety, weather, fun and more, plus a paid community with chat, meetups and member reviews. Browsing city data is free; the community requires a paid membership. It is excellent for shortlisting places to live, but its data is crowd-sourced, so double-check visas, prices and safety with official sources before you move.
In this guide
What is Nomad List?
Nomad List started in 2014 as a simple spreadsheet of cities for remote workers, built by indie maker Pieter Levels. It has grown into a full platform — member profiles now live at nomads.com — that ranks destinations using a mix of public data and reports from its members. Its goal is to answer one question quickly: where should I live next?
Key features
| Feature | What it does | Free or paid |
|---|---|---|
| City rankings and filters | Filter by cost, climate, internet, safety, continent and more | Free |
| City pages | Scores, pros and cons, cost of living, air quality, tap water, mobile carriers | Free (some details for members) |
| Map view | See scored destinations on a world map | Free |
| Community chat and forums | Ask members who live in a city | Paid |
| Meetups | Find and plan meetups with other nomads | Paid |
| Trip planner and member directory | Log trips, see who is where | Paid |
Membership is sold as a one-time fee, and the price has changed over time and is often discounted — check the current price on the site.
How to use Nomad List to choose your next city
- Set your budget first. Filter by monthly cost using the number from our guide on how much money you need as a digital nomad.
- Filter by internet speed. If you take video calls, look for cities with fast, reliable connections — see how much internet speed you really need.
- Add climate and season. A city that is perfect in March can be unbearable in July.
- Check safety for your situation, including filters for solo women and LGBTQ+ travellers.
- Read the pros and cons written by members, not just the overall score.
- Verify the visa rules on the official government or consulate website. Nomad List is a starting point, not legal advice — for example, see our Portugal D8 visa guide.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast way to compare hundreds of cities
- Data tailored to remote workers (internet, coworking, nomad scene)
- Active community for questions and meetups
- Free city research
Cons
- Crowd-sourced data can be outdated or biased
- Cost figures skew towards nomad lifestyles, not local living
- Membership is a significant one-time cost
- Visa and tax details need checking elsewhere
Nomad List review: is the membership worth it?
If you only need city data, the free version is enough. A membership is worth it if you are new to nomad life and want to ask questions, meet people and avoid loneliness in a new city — the community is the main thing you pay for. Long-term nomads who already have networks often get less value from it.
Nomad List alternatives
- Numbeo — crowd-sourced cost-of-living and crime data for cities worldwide.
- Official government sites — the only reliable source for visa rules and tax residency.
- Facebook groups and Reddit communities — free, city-specific advice from expats and nomads.
- Coworking directories — check workspace options and prices before you book a stay.
Once you arrive, our tips for public transport abroad and guide to overcoming travel fatigue make settling in easier.
Get the rest of your setup ready
Once you have a shortlist, sort out money and work tools: open accounts from our best banks for digital nomads list and find work through the best websites to find remote work.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nomad List?
Nomad List is a website that ranks cities around the world for digital nomads using data on cost of living, internet speed, safety, weather and more, with a paid community for chat and meetups.
Is Nomad List free?
You can browse city rankings and much of the city data for free. Community features such as chat, forums, meetups and the member directory require a paid membership.
Is Nomad List accurate?
It is a useful starting point, but much of its data is crowd-sourced and can be outdated or skewed toward nomad lifestyles. Check visas, prices and safety with official and local sources.
Is Nomad List membership worth it?
It is most useful for new nomads who want to ask questions, meet people and plan meetups. If you only need city data, the free version is usually enough.
What are good alternatives to Nomad List?
Numbeo for cost of living and crime data, official government sites for visas and taxes, and city-specific Facebook groups or Reddit communities for local advice.
Sources
Last updated . Fees, rules and prices change often — confirm current details with the official source before you act. This article is for information only and is not financial advice. See our disclaimer.
