Since the pandemic, smart working has become an integral part of everyday professional life. A recent ranking highlights which European cities are best suited for digital nomads – and which fall short.
Working with views of historic old towns, cafés, and coastlines has become a reality for many. But which cities in Europe truly work as a base for a lifestyle that blends productivity and freedom? A new analysis offers insights into where remote work thrives.
According to the study’s authors, around 40 million digital nomads are currently on the move worldwide. Many work as freelancers in creative industries, as consultants, or in IT. Yet with the freedom to work from anywhere comes a key question: where to go? The best destinations for remote workers strike a careful balance between affordability, safety, and quality of life. To answer this, PlayersTime analyzed 35 of Europe’s most visited cities, evaluating rental and living costs, safety, digital infrastructure, and mobility.
That popular cities come at a price is no surprise—but just how high those costs can be is striking. Dublin and Reykjavík top the list of the most expensive locations, with monthly accommodation costs exceeding 4.000 Euro. Reykjavík in particular stands out, with average nightly rates of around 138 Euro—driven by its small size, high cost of living, and limited housing supply in central areas.
In contrast, cities like Prague and Warsaw remain standout options for digital nomads. With average accommodation costs of around 35 Euro per night, they combine historic charm with modern infrastructure—at comparatively moderate prices.
Southern Europe presents a slightly different picture: cities such as Lisbon and Seville strike an appealing balance between affordability and quality of life. With average monthly accommodation costs of around 1.500 Euro, they offer not only reasonable prices but also a relaxed lifestyle.
1. Dublin (4.400 Euro)
2. Reykjavik (4.100 Euro)
3. Amsterdam (3.700 Euro)
4. Paris (3500 Euro)
5. Copenhagen (2.900 Euro)
6. Heraklion (2.800 Euro)
7.-9. Rome, Bruges, Milan (ca. 2.500 Euro)
10. Florence (2.400 Euro)
Safety levels vary significantly across the destinations studied. Dubrovnik stands out in particular, achieving the highest score in the dataset with a safety index of 82.23 (out of 100), making it the safest city in the ranking. The Croatian coastal city benefits from low crime rates, a compact and walkable historic center, well-lit streets, and a strong sense of community.
1. Dubrovnik (82 Prozent)
2. Tallinn (80 Prozent)
3. Munich (78 Prozent)
4.-6. Reykjavik , Prague, Kraków (approx. 75 Prozent)
7.-10. Bruges, Warsaw, Copenhagen (approx. 74 Prozent)
Alongside safety and housing costs, the ranking also factors in public transport costs, connectivity, and overall cost of living. The result is a list of the most attractive cities for remote workers:
1. Kraków
2. Warsaw
3. Budapest
4. Prague
5. Tallinn
6. Madrid
7. Seville
8. Lisbon
9. Dubrovnik
10. Porto
