10 Underrated Cities That Are Better Than Bali for Remote Work
For over a decade, I’ve wandered the world as a digital nomad, back when remote work meant hunting for patchy hotel Wi-Fi and convincing my family that yes, this was a real lifestyle.
Bali stole my heart in 2012: misty Ubud rice terraces, sunlit Canggu villas, and a tribe of dreamers who made every day feel enchanted. But the Bali I once knew has changed.
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Now, gridlocked roads, soaring prices (a simple meal in Canggu rivals Sydney’s costs), and crowds everywhere make it tough to find focus. Influencers thrive here, but deep work is a challenge amid the noise.
If you venture off the beaten path, Bali’s magic lingers, but for remote work that’s truly sustainable—think lightning-fast internet, affordable living, authentic culture, and space to breathe—other cities are quietly shining.
These underrated spots offer digital nomads a richer work-life balance, vibrant coworking scenes, and the thrill of discovering somewhere special before the crowds arrive.
Here are my top 10 places that, in my experience, outshine Bali for long-term remote work today. I’ve spent months in most, made my share of mistakes (like picking apartments above nightclubs or forgetting about monsoon season), and learned what really counts: rock-solid fiber for marathon Zooms, walkable streets for midday resets, and communities that lift you up instead of wearing you out.
1. Medellín, Colombia
Medellín gets hyped sometimes, but it’s still underrated compared to Bali’s saturation. I lived here for six months in 2023, and the “eternal spring” weather—never too hot, never too cold—made daily routines effortless.
Fiber internet is blazing fast and cheap (around $20/month), coworking spaces like Selina or WeWork rivals are everywhere in Poblado or Laureles, and the cost of living lets you live like a king on $1,500-2,000/month.
Fresh fruit markets, hiking in the hills, and friendly locals who genuinely want to chat (without trying to sell you a scooter tour) beat Bali’s tourist hustle. Mistake I made early: staying in touristy El Poblado too long—move to quieter Laureles for better balance.
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has been a nomad staple forever, but it’s far less overcrowded than Bali and feels more authentic. I’ve returned multiple times since 2015; the old city temples provide that spiritual vibe without the commercial overload.
Nimman neighborhood has unlimited cafes with strong AC and 100 Mbps Wi-Fi—perfect for deep-focus sessions. Monthly costs hover around $1,000, including a nice condo, world-class street food, and easy weekend escapes to the mountains or hot springs.
The community is mature: real friendships over fleeting party scenes. Pro tip: Avoid the burning season (Feb-April) if air quality bothers you—I learned that the hard way once.
3. Tbilisi, Georgia
This one surprised me the most. Spent four months here in 2024, and it’s the ultimate underrated European-ish spot for remote workers.
Visa-free for a year for many nationalities, insane food (khinkali dumplings became my weakness), wine culture that’s ancient and affordable, and sulfur baths for unwinding after deadlines.
The Internet is reliable (fiber everywhere), costs are low ($800-1,200/month), and the old town architecture mixed with Soviet quirks gives it soul. Coworking like Impact Hub or Lokal are vibrant but not overwhelming.
Downside: Winters are cold—pack layers if you’re not a snow person.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon edges out Bali for European digital nomads craving mild weather and ocean views without island isolation. I’ve based here twice; the trams, pastel buildings, and proximity to beaches like Cascais make afternoons off rewarding.
Portugal’s D8 visa is straightforward, the internet is top-tier, and while costs have risen ($2,000-3,000/month), it’s still reasonable for Europe with amazing seafood and wine.
The community is diverse and professional—great for networking without the bro-culture vibe. Mistake: First time, I stayed in touristy Bairro Alto—too noisy; Alfama or Principe Real are better for focus.
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
HCMC (Saigon) is buzzing with energy, free of Bali’s overtourism fatigue. Lived here in 2022—street food scenes are legendary (pho for breakfast while working?), modern apartments with pools for under $600, and fiber internet that’s cheap and fast.
Districts 1 and 7 have coworking galore, expat communities that mix locals and internationals beautifully. Costs around $1,200/month, with an easy motorbike culture for exploration.
It’s chaotic in the best way—motivating for hustlers—but grab noise-canceling headphones for street-side cafes.
6. Budapest, Hungary
Thermal baths between calls? Yes please. Budapest feels grand yet affordable—I’ve spent winters here soaking in Szechenyi after work. Ruin bars for social nights, reliable public transport, and solid internet everywhere.
Living costs $1,500/month, gets you a central apartment. The nomad scene is growing but chill, with spaces like Kaptar. Better than Bali for history and seasons—fall colors are stunning.
7. Sofia, Bulgaria
Truly underrated—cheap ($1,000/month), fast internet, mountains for weekend skis or hikes. Community is emerging, food is hearty and inexpensive. Visa runs easily in the EU vicinity.
8. Da Nang, Vietnam
Beachside coworking with better infrastructure than Bali’s spots. Modern, clean, affordable—emerging as Asia’s next big thing without the crowds yet.
9. Bansko, Bulgaria
For mountain lovers: Ski in winter, hike in summer. Super low costs, strong nomad community in a small town—feels like a village retreat with great Wi-Fi.
10. Valencia, Spain
Spain’s quieter coastal gem: beaches, paella, mild weather, and access to the digital nomad visa. Less hyped than Barcelona, more space and affordability.
These cities prove you don’t need Bali’s beaches to thrive remotely—sometimes a change brings clearer focus, deeper connections, and real savings.
My biggest lesson after all these years: Chase the places that energize your work, not just your Instagram. Where are you heading next?
