This guide will cover many of the best cities in the United States for digital nomads.
I’ve studied various cities to live in throughout the US during my digital nomad phase. I want to share my findings in hope you’ll find somewhere to move to.
Top States & Cities in the US for Digital Nomads
Here are all the cities I’ll cover:
| City | Walk Score | Average Rent | Average Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME | 62 | $1,600 | 46.6 °F (8.1 °C) |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | 56 | $2,000 | 60.9 °F (16.1 °C) |
| Asheville, NC | 28 | $1,300 | 56.5 °F (13.6 °C) |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 39 | $1,500 | 45.1 °F (7.3 °C) |
| Bend, OR | 32 | $1,800 | 46.4 °F (8 °C) |
| Boulder, CO | 56 | $2,000 | 50.1 °F (10.1 °C) |
| Columbus, OH | 41 | $1,000 | 52.4 °F (11.3 °C) |
| Savannah, GA | 44 | $1,200 | 66.4 °F (19.1 °C) |
| Oak Harbor, WA | 27 | $1,300 | 51.6°F (10.9°C) |
Higher walk scores are better.
I’ll talk about average rent costs and temperatures. Then I’ll cover whether they have state tax and are walkable. Afterward, I’ll briefly explain why I chose “X” city.
Use my suggestions as a stepping stone. Do further research before choosing a city to host your digital nomad base. It’s also helpful to do further research, because any of the information I mention could become outdated.
I want to cover sources before moving on. Links on the following listed items correlate with where I got information from throughout the post:
- Walkability rating
- State income tax
- Average rent costs: for a 1-bedroom apartment
Let’s go.
1. Portland, Maine
| Average rent cost | $1,684 per month |
| Average internet speeds * | 100 Mbps |
| Average temperatures | 46.6 °F (8.1 °C) |
| State income tax † | 5.8%–7.15% |
| Downtown walkability | Somewhat walkable |
Here’s a quick summary of Portland’s advantages for digital nomads:
- Affordable living costs
- Reasonable state taxes
- Fast internet speeds
- Somewhat walkable city
- Diverse arts and food scene
Portland, Maine, is a fantastic destination for digital nomads seeking an outstanding work-life balance. Known for its picturesque coastline, vibrant arts scene, and mouthwatering food. This charming New England city offers a lot to those who want to work remotely and enjoy life.
The walkability is decent if you don’t want to bother with a car or vehicle-related expenses.
And if you need an internet provider, opt for T-Mobile Home Internet or Verizon 4G LTE or 5G Home. Both options will give you over 100 Mbps speeds. Enough to handle most online tasks.
And they don’t cost much compared to most internet service providers (ISP).
2. San Luis Obispo, California
| Average rent cost | $2,679 per month |
| Average internet speeds * | 150 Mbps |
| Average temperatures | 50 °F–80 °F |
| State income tax † | 1%–12.3% |
| Downtown walkability | Somewhat walkable |
Here’s a quick rundown of San Luis Obispo’s perks for digital nomads:
- Reasonable rent costs for California
- Fast internet connectivity
- Mild climate year-round
- Outdoor recreational opportunities
- Moderately walkable city
San Luis Obispo, California, is ideal for digital nomads who appreciate a beautiful natural setting and mild climate. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, San Luis Obispo offers an incredible work-life balance for remote workers.
It’s expensive, but you won’t regret setting your wallet on fire when gazing at the scenery.
If you’re stumped on what ISP to choose, go for T-Mobile Home Internet. I’m going to recommend it a lot throughout this guide.
3. Asheville, North Carolina
| Average rent cost | $1,712 per month |
| Average internet speeds * | 125 Mbps |
| Average temperatures | 60.9 °F (16.1 °C) |
| State income tax † | 5.25% flat rate |
| Downtown walkability | Car-dependent |
Here’s a brief overview of Asheville’s advantages for digital nomads:
- Affordable living costs
- Competitive state tax rate
- Fast internet speeds
- Scenic surroundings and outdoor activities
- Vibrant arts and culture scene
Asheville, North Carolina, is a top choice for digital nomads who crave a vibrant, artsy, and outdoorsy city to call home. With its stunning Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop, thriving arts scene, and rich history, Asheville offers digital nomads a unique experience.
You’ll need a car to navigate this town, but the savings on rent sort of make up for the costs. And if you need an internet provider, go for Frontier or AT&T Fiber if you need fiber optic internet. Both providers work best for any digital nomad who requires reliable internet and fast speeds.
4. Flagstaff, Arizona
| Average rent cost | $1,996 per month |
| Average internet speeds * | 120 Mbps |
| Average temperatures | 56.5 °F (13.6 °C) |
| State income tax † | 2.59%–4.5% |
| Downtown walkability | Car-dependent |
Here’s a quick summary of Flagstaff’s benefits for digital nomads:
- Affordable living costs
- Competitive state tax rates
- Fast internet connectivity
- Proximity to outdoor attractions
- Pleasant climate and diverse ecosystem
Flagstaff, Arizona, is a fantastic city for digital nomads who love outdoor activities and appreciate a mix of urban and natural environments. Located in Northern Arizona, Flagstaff is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the iconic Grand Canyon and the Coconino National Forest.
Another car-dependent town, but the lower tax rates may help balance vehicle- and housing-related expenses.
As for internet providers, CenturyLink may be one of the better options.
5. Bend, Oregon
| Average rent cost | $1,781 per month |
| Average internet speeds * | 130 Mbps |
| Average temperatures | 25 °F–85 °F |
| State income tax † | Up to 9.9% |
| Downtown walkability | Car-dependent |
Here’s a quick overview of Bend’s perks for digital nomads:
- Reasonable rent costs
- Wide range of outdoor activities
- Fast internet connectivity
- Thriving arts and culture scene
- Supportive local community
Bend, Oregon, is an excellent choice for digital nomads passionate about outdoor adventures and who want to live in a city with a friendly, community-focused atmosphere. With its beautiful landscapes, abundant recreational opportunities, and thriving arts scene, Bend offers a well-rounded experience for remote workers.
A couple of places I remember from my trip there is the last Blockbuster video on Earth and the McMenamins Old St. Francis School. The latter is a Catholic schoolhouse built in 1936 converted into lodging, restaurants, and other fun things.
You don’t have the most internet options in Bend. In that case, I recommend T-Mobile Home.
6. Boulder, Colorado
| Average rent cost | $2,349 per month |
| Average internet speeds * | 140 Mbps |
| Average temperatures | 46.4 °F (8 °C) |
| State income tax † | 4.5% |
| Downtown walkability | Somewhat walkable |
Here’s a snapshot of Boulder’s advantages for digital nomads:
- Reasonable rent costs
- Competitive state tax rate
- Fast internet connectivity
- Abundant outdoor activities
- Progressive and innovative community
Boulder, Colorado, is a top choice for digital nomads seeking a city with a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community. Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and innovative tech scene.
Opt for T-Mobile Home internet. Unless you want to deal with the hell that awaits you when going with Xfinity.
7. Columbus, Ohio
| Average rent cost | $1,183 per month |
| Average internet speeds * | 120 Mbps |
| Average temperatures | 50.1 °F (10.1 °C) |
| State income tax † | 2.76%, 3.22%, 3.68% & 3.99% [1] |
| Downtown walkability | Very walkable |
Here are some key benefits of living in Columbus for digital nomads:
- Low cost of living
- Competitive state tax rates
- Reliable internet connectivity
- Rich cultural attractions
- Diverse dining and entertainment options
Columbus, Ohio, is an ideal city for digital nomads who want to experience a thriving metropolitan area with a low cost of living. As the state capital, Columbus boasts a diverse economy, rich cultural attractions, and a strong sense of community.
Choose AT&T Fiber if it’s available. If not, go with T-Mobile Home Internet.
8. Savannah, Georgia
| Average rent cost | $1,604 per month |
| Average internet speeds * | 100 Mbps |
| Average temperatures | 40 °F–92 °F |
| State income tax † | 1%–5.75% |
| Downtown walkability | Highly walkable |
Here’s a quick overview of Savannah’s perks for digital nomads:
- Affordable living costs
- Low state tax rates
- Reliable internet connectivity
- Rich history and culture
- Beautiful and walkable setting
Savannah, Georgia, is a charming and picturesque city perfect for digital nomads who want to immerse themselves in a unique, historic setting. Known for its cobblestone streets, lush public squares, and stunning architecture, Savannah offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modern amenities.
Regarding ISPs; AT&T Fiber or T-Mobile Home.
9. Oak Harbor, Washington
| Category | Oak Harbor, Washington |
| Average rent cost | $1,300 per month |
| Average internet speeds * | 100 Mbps |
| Average temperatures | 51.6°F (10.9°C) |
| State income tax † | No |
| Downtown walkability | Car-dependent |
Some key points for digital nomads living in Oak Harbor:
- Affordable rent costs
- No state income tax
- Sufficient internet connectivity
- Beautiful natural surroundings
- Close-knit community atmosphere
Oak Harbor, Washington, nestled on beautiful Whidbey Island, is a hidden gem for digital nomads seeking an idyllic, serene setting. With its stunning natural surroundings and small-town charm, Oak Harbor provides a tranquil environment to focus on work while offering modern amenities.
Washington state has no income tax, giving remote workers an added financial advantage. However, you must pay 9% in sales tax—2.5% Oak Harbor tax rate and 6.5% WA sales tax rate [2].
It is on an island. Meaning, you’ll have a bit of difficulty getting to mainland Washington state. But a ferry will take you from Clinton (on the same island) to Mukilteo.
From there, you could head to the freeway and visit all the popular hiking trails further north (e.g., Gothic Basin). Or head south toward Bellevue, Seattle, and wherever else.
As a former Washingtonian, I recommend staying far away from Seattle. It has some beautiful areas, but for the most part, it’s expensive and dangerous. Moving further north puts you closer to the Canadian border and is generally safer.
Years ago, I recommended Edmonds. But it has gotten pretty bad over the years (crime wise). But some sources have placed Oak Harbor in the top safest places in Washington [3]. Making it a town that won’t cost an arm and a leg, unlike—”cough” Sammamish.
Internet providers.
Get Ziply Fiber if possible. They’re great. If they’re not available, shoot for T-Mobile Home Internet.
FAQs
Keep reading to find frequently asked questions about finding a place to live in the US as a digital nomad.
Does the US Have Digital Nomad Visas?
The US does not have specific digital nomad visas. However, remote workers may explore other visa options depending on their circumstances.
Footnotes:
* A million factors could influence internet speed. Some include Wi-Fi vs. using Ethernet. Or the type of router or modem you use.
† This information may change based on laws in each state. Check with the government’s official tax rates before taking this information to heart.
