Top 10 Underrated Cities for Remote Work in 2025
Here's a list of cities that offer a great balance of affordability, good infrastructure, quality of life, and a growing remote work community, but might not be as saturated as traditional digital nomad hotspots like Lisbon or Bali.
Here are 10 underrated cities for remote work in 2025:
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Tbilisi, Georgia:
- Why it's underrated: Often overlooked for Western European cities, Tbilisi offers a unique blend of European and Asian cultures, incredibly low cost of living, and a very favorable digital nomad visa policy.
- What it offers: Affordable rent, delicious food, vibrant nightlife, historical charm, and a welcoming expat community.
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
- Why it's underrated: While a major city, KL is still often less discussed in remote work circles compared to destinations like Bangkok or Bali. It offers a fantastic modern infrastructure at a lower cost than many Western cities.
- What it offers: Excellent internet, diverse cuisine, efficient public transport, a cosmopolitan environment, and access to beautiful natural landscapes nearby.
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Belgrade, Serbia:
- Why it's underrated: This Eastern European gem provides a rich history, lively culture, and surprisingly affordable living, often overshadowed by popular European destinations.
- What it offers: Low cost of living, a vibrant arts scene, numerous cafes and coworking spaces, and a strategic location for exploring other parts of Europe.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Why it's underrated: While a well-known tourist destination, its potential as a remote work hub is still emerging. The recent digital nomad visa makes it even more attractive.
- What it offers: Rich culture, delicious food and wine, a thriving arts scene, affordable cost of living (especially with favorable exchange rates), and a passionate local community.
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Medellín, Colombia:
- Why it's underrated: While gaining popularity, Medellín still offers excellent value compared to North American or European cities. It's often referred to as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant climate.
- What it offers: Beautiful weather, friendly locals, a growing startup scene, affordable living, and stunning mountain views.
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Warsaw, Poland:
- Why it's underrated: Often overshadowed by Prague or Budapest, Warsaw is a modern, dynamic city with a strong economy and a relatively low cost of living for Western Europe.
- What it offers: Good internet infrastructure, a growing tech scene, affordable rent, a rich history, and excellent connectivity to the rest of Europe.
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Portimão, Portugal (or other cities in the Algarve region):
- Why it's underrated: While Lisbon and Porto are popular, the Algarve region offers a more relaxed pace of life with stunning beaches and a lower cost of living.
- What it offers: Beautiful coastal scenery, a relaxed lifestyle, good weather, and a growing community of remote workers seeking a quieter alternative to the major cities.
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Taipei, Taiwan:
- Why it's underrated: Taipei offers a highly efficient and safe urban environment with excellent infrastructure, but it's not as commonly discussed as other Asian remote work hubs.
- What it offers: High-speed internet, efficient public transport, delicious and affordable food, a low crime rate, and a unique blend of traditional and modern culture.
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Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand:
- Why it's underrated: Beyond the major hubs like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, secondary cities in Thailand like Nakhon Ratchasima (also known as Korat) offer an even lower cost of living and a more authentic Thai experience.
- What it offers: Extremely affordable living, local charm, delicious food, and a slower pace of life, while still having essential amenities.
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Rijeka, Croatia:
- Why it's underrated: While Split and Dubrovnik get a lot of attention, Rijeka, a port city on the Adriatic, offers a vibrant cultural scene, stunning coastline, and a more authentic local experience at a lower cost.
- What it offers: Beautiful coastal location, rich history, good access to other Croatian islands, and a more affordable alternative to Croatia's more famous tourist destinations.