What’s the best way to find housing as a digital nomad?

Estimated read time 3 min read

Finding suitable housing is a crucial aspect of the digital nomad lifestyle. As more people embrace the freedom of working remotely while exploring new destinations, the need for flexible and reliable accommodation options has grown. A digital nomad is someone who leverages technology to work remotely while travelling to different locations.

Short-term rentals and vacation homes

One of the most popular options for digital nomads is short-term rentals. From apartments to entire houses, Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com offer a wide range of accommodations. These options typically provide more space and amenities than hotels, including kitchens and workspaces. In addition to offering a more authentic local experience, they also cater to a wider audience. Look for listings with good reviews, reliable Wi-Fi, and workspaces. Consider reaching out to hosts about extended stay discounts for bookings of a month or longer.

Co-living spaces

Co-living  spaces offer private rooms or apartments within a community designed specifically for remote workers and travellers.

  • Advantages of co-living

Co-living spaces often provide built-in communities, networking opportunities, and shared workspaces. They can be an excellent way to combat the potential loneliness of the nomadic lifestyle.

  • Finding co-living options

Websites like Outsite, Selina, and Colive list co-living spaces in various destinations around the world. Many of these cater specifically to digital nomads, offering amenities tailored to remote work needs.

House-sitting and home exchanges

For budget-conscious digital nomads, house-sitting and home exchanges can be excellent options for free or low-cost accommodation. A house sitter takes care of someone’s home (and pets) while they’re away. Home exchanges allow you to swap homes with someone in another location. Websites like TrustedHousesitters, MindMyHouse, and HomeExchange connect homeowners with potential sitters or exchange partners.

Hotels and hostels

While not always ideal for long-term stays, hotels and hostels can be good options for shorter periods or when transitioning between locations.

  • Choosing work-friendly options

Look for accommodations that cater to business travellers or digital nomads. Many now offer co-working spaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and extended stay rates.

  • Loyalty programs

If you frequently stay in hotels, consider joining loyalty programs to earn points and receive perks that can make your stay more comfortable and cost-effective.

Local rentals and networking

Sometimes, the best housing options aren’t found online but through local connections and on-the-ground searching.

  • Leveraging social media and forums

Join digital nomad Facebook groups or forums like Nomad List to get insider tips on housing in specific locations. Other digital nomads often share valuable information about neighbourhoods, landlords, and available rentals.

  • Arriving and searching locally

In some destinations, particularly in Southeast Asia or Latin America, arriving and searching for accommodation in person can lead to better deals and more options than those available online.

As the concept of what is a digital nomad becomes more mainstream, the options for finding suitable housing continue to expand. The key to success lies in understanding your specific needs, budget, and work requirements. Consider factors such as internet reliability, workspace availability, and proximity to amenities that support your lifestyle. That flexibility is one of the greatest assets of the digital nomad lifestyle. Whether you prefer the community aspect of co-living spaces, the privacy of short-term rentals, or the authenticity of local accommodations, there’s a housing solution out there that can support your nomadic journey.

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