10 Best US Cities for Digital Nomads 

Want to maximize your career while being location independent in America? You’ll need to know which are the best US cities for digital nomads 

But be warned, choosing a city is easier said than done. 

You’ll need to consider the following factors: 

• Affordable accommodation 
• Potential to attract clients
• Outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking, or camping 
• City perks such as cost of living, coworking spaces, nightlife, climate, etc.

Apps that offer affordable accommodation

Before we dive into the ten best US cities for digital nomads, you should know what apps are available to help with your housing needs:

Airbnb

Airbnb has always been a trusted app not only for people visiting a city on vacation, but for digital nomads as well. Airbnb’s are a much cheaper option than hotels and give you a chance to connect with a local in the city. 

Agoda

Agoda is another online travel booking platform that provides travelers with easy accommodation in hotels, apartments, or homes. This booking platform also offers long-term accommodation and easy cancellation of reservations.

Booking.com

Booking.com can be your best option for short-term accommodation as you explore the city to find a more affordable alternative. This travel booking app provides users with detailed information about their rooms and reviews of past guests. 

Now that you’re familiar with some of the online booking platforms to help you at least secure short-term lodging, it’s time to know the cities you should consider. 

In this article, we’ve compiled ten of the best US cities for digital nomads.

 *Note: Average rental rates may fluctuate depending on the neighborhood and size of the property. 

1. Salt Lake City, Utah

Starting off our list is the capital of the state of Utah. 

Salt Lake City is popular for digital nomads who are avid skiers and outdoor adventure seekers. Apart from the outdoor adventures, it is also in proximity to multiple other states. 

It even ranked as the second happiest state in the country trailing only Hawaii and is considered by multiple reports as the fourth safest state in the country. 

If your job is mostly working freelance, Salt Lake City can be the perfect place for you to expand your network and meet new clients as well.  

Average rental rate:  $1,051 per month.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is infused with a rich culture, great climate, and unique southern charm that, when put all together, can be an exciting place for any remote worker to visit. 

Charleston’s always been one of the top destinations for not only digital nomads but holidaymakers as well. It’s even earned ‘hall of fame’ status from Travel + Leisure as one of the best US cities in the country for ten consecutive years. 

Not yet convinced of the idea of packing your bags to visit ‘The Holy City’? Charleston is also filled with an immense number of rental properties, world-class restaurants, and famous beaches (Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Hilton Head…)

Average rental rate:  $1,600 per month. 

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

At first glance, you may be surprised to see ‘Sin City’ on this list. But beyond the city’s famous strip, casinos, and extravagant nightlife, there is a rich history, warm weather,  employee-friendly tax laws, and a multitude of outdoor activities you can do outside the city.  

It’s also one of the more affordable cities on this list when it comes to housing. 

Average rental rate:  $1,200 per month. 

4. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is another high-income city in the US that is perfect for every digital nomad. 

For starters, it’s home to the second-largest public transportation system in the country. Moreover,  it also has one of the busiest airports in the country, giving you easy access for domestic and international travel. 

Chicago is also a city with a multitude of entertainment options. 

If you want to know more about the country’s history, you can visit the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center, or the Chicago History Museum. But if you’re more of an avid beach-goer, you can take a dip in the famous Lake Michigan.

If those activities still don't peak your interest, Chicago is also the perfect place for people living and working long-term, the city has a vibrant business center with plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals.

It’s also home to some of the best restaurants, shopping centers, and world famous sports teams. 

Average rental rate:  $2,080 per month. 

5. Manhattan, New York

Looking to stay in an exciting high-end city? Manhattan, New York is certainly a great spot in one of the best US cities for digital nomads. 

One of its neighborhoods, Soho, is in Lower Manhattan that features amazing perks that include historic museums, art galleries, and cast-iron architecture. 

When it comes to getting work done, Soho is also home to some of the best coworking spaces in the country. In fact, one of the first coworking spaces in NYC is located in Soho! The Farm SoHo, now with four locations, boasts rustic interiors, secure 24/7 access, and excellent service to ensure you get great value for money. 

Forbes ranked it highly in the 7 New York City Co-Working Spaces For Digital Nomads; it was also recently recognized by The Balance as the most comfortable coworking space to work in New York for 2022.

Average rental rate: $2,372 per month.

6. Boise, Idaho

Boise is the cultural center and the largest city in the state of Idaho. It’s known for its family-friendly environment, stable economy, and affordable cost of living. 

Blessed with mountains and lakes, Boise is the perfect city for any outdoor enthusiast thanks to its sunny climate. Skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing are just some of the outdoor activities anyone can enjoy while in Boise.   

Average rental rate:  $1,500 per month. 

7. San Jose, California

Known as the hub for technological companies, San Jose offers a unique opportunity to digital nomads. The beach, a bustling city life, authentic international cuisine, and multiple remote opportunities are all within striking distance of each other.

While San Jose may top this list in terms of rental costs, you do have the benefit of choosing from a myriad of options as Yelp ranks them third in the highest inventory levels.

Average rental rate:  $2,754 per month. 

8. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati has a lot to offer to entice any digital nomad. The Queen City has a relatively low cost of living in comparison to other large metro areas in the country and offers some of the best indoor attractions from museums to libraries and art galleries. 

There is one con you should be aware of before moving to Cincinnati, the unpredictable weather. Some locals have even said it’s not uncommon to experience different types of weather on the same day. 

Average rental rate:  $983 per month. 

9. Austin, Texas

Austin is renowned for its cultural, music, and art scene. It’s one of the best US cities for digital nomads looking for different entertainment options and housing while on a budget. What’s more, Austin has also become one of the top alternatives for remote workers in the tech industry due to its booming tech market. 

If you’re considering taking your work to Austin, Texas, you’ll need to act quickly. It has been listed as one of the hottest housing markets in the country.  

Average rental rate:  $1,690 per month. 

10. Jacksonville, Florida

Rounding out our list of the best US cities for digital nomads is Jacksonville, Florida. 

Blessed with a year-round sunny climate, Jacksonville offers an abundance of opportunities for digital nomads to work AND play.

For starters, it’s home to multiple Fortune 500 companies, shared office spaces, and small businesses offering remote opportunities. 

Now that your income stream is secured, it’s time to know what wonders await you in Jacksonville. 

Aside from the famous white beaches and nature trails, it’s also perfect for anyone living on a tight budget as the city has a relatively low cost of living. 

Average rental rate:  $1,411 per month. 

Final thoughts

Narrowing down the best possible cities to reside in as a digital nomad will ultimately come down to your needs.

If you’re interested in a city and cultural vibe, Soho NYC would be our top choice. This is considering the cost of living, housing, and amenities. But, if you’re more into outdoor activities and warm climate, you can’t go wrong with Jacksonville, Florida.  

Nomad living in the US is possible thanks to the accessibility of different states. When you work as a digital nomad, you’ll likely be without a permanent address. 

One secret experienced digital nomads have when they travel to different states is to sign up for virtual mailbox services. 

This lets you always have access to manage your physical mail by simply browsing your mobile device. Moreover, it allows you to establish a legitimate business address and safeguard your home address.