Choosing suitable accommodation as a digital nomad is non-negotiable, as it directly affects your productivity and travel experience. You must be patient while house hunting to find a place that fits your budget and meets your vital needs like internet connectivity, commuting, and safety.

In this article, we’ll guide you through finding the best accommodation as a digital nomad, exploring key factors to consider, housing options, and steps to take to choose the right place.

Factors to consider when choosing an accommodation as a digital nomad

While your next place should have essentials like reliable internet, affordability and safety, there are other crucial factors to look out for. These include:

1. Proximity to coworking spaces: Having easy access provides you with a dedicated space to work, helping you stay focused and away from the distractions of your home. Also, it gives you the chance to change your work environment, which can help keep you motivated and creative.
2. Access to amenities: Double-check that your accommodation includes essential amenities like air conditioning and heating, depending on the season, kitchen access and laundry facilities. You should also have nearby convenience stores, cafes, and public transportation to make your daily life more convenient.
3. Community: As a digital nomad who is always on the move, it can be quite easy to feel isolated. However, living in areas popular with other nomads makes meeting and connecting with people who understand your challenges easier. A community can significantly improve your travel experience, leading to collaborations and job opportunities.
4. Flexibility: Look for accommodations with flexible lease terms to avoid long-term commitments. Flexible options make responding to unexpected changes at work or personal needs easier.
5. Noise levels: Pay attention to the noise level in the area you want to get a place in, especially if you need a quiet workplace.

Now that we’ve covered the must-haves for digital nomad accommodation, here are some available housing options.

The most common types of digital nomad accommodation

Apartments for private digital nomads

Renting an apartment is often an excellent choice for digital nomads, especially those looking to stay in a location for a while. Apartments generally offer great value for money as they give more privacy and a sense of home, and many come equipped with kitchens, giving nomads the freedom to cook their meals and save money on dining out.

Several websites allow digital nomads to find apartments that suit their budgets anywhere in the world. These websites include Airbnb, Homelike, especially in European cities, Flatio for short-term rentals, and Vrbo.

Also read: Essential checklist for house hunting in Europe in 2024

Hotels for digital nomads who prioritise convenience

Although pricier, hotels are popular with digital nomads as they offer more convenience, including housekeeping, room service, on-site facilities like gyms and restaurants, reliable internet connections, and meeting rooms. In addition, hotels provide opportunities to meet and network with other digital nomads and professionals.

Hotels are an excellent choice if you’re looking for more comfortable, short-stay accommodations.

Couchsurfing for digital nomads who want a zero-cost housing alternative

Couchsurfing is the practice of travelling around and staying with people you do not know who advertise their homes online. It lets digital nomads stay with locals for free! Through Couchsurfing, friendly hosts offer their couches or sometimes a private room at no cost, i. It might not be as comfortable as an apartment or hotel. If you have absolutely no budget or you just want the full experience of connecting with, but it’s a great way to meet locals, it might be a way to gainand get a more authentic travel experience.

Hostels for digital nomads on shoestring budgets

Hostels are the best options for digital nomads on a tight budget. They typically have dormitory beds with shared kitchens and lounges. While there’s less privacy and might not be the most conducive place to work from, the communal environment allows nomads to interact and network easily with one another. Some of the best hostel service providers worldwide are Selina Hostels (wordwide),  and local hostels like Nomades Coliving (Cancun), and Tribal Bali Hostel (Bali).

Co-living spaces are gradually gaining popularity among digital nomads

Co-living spaces are gradually becoming another popular housing option for digital nomads. As the name suggests, co-living spaces provide environments for digital nomads to live and work together while sharing the rent. These accommodations typically come with dedicated coworking spaces, fully furnished spaces, Wi-Fi, cleaning services and even gyms.

Co-living spaces are more affordable, convenient, flexible for short and long-term stays and great for building relationships with other digital nomads. Some websites where you can find co-living spaces are Coliving.com,  20 Mission, and Remoters.

How to select the right accommodation as a digital nomad

Now that you know the options available, choosing a place depends on your preferences. Whether you want comfort, a low price or a chance to meet other nomads, there’s something for everyone. But here’s how to pick the best one:

Determine your work and personal needs

Before you start apartment hunting, be clear on what’s most important for you. If you want to travel on a budget, you might consider a hostel rather than a hotel, and if you need a private place to work, then an apartment might be your best bet.

Knowing what you need helps you narrow down your choices quickly and ensures you make the best decision.

Set your budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend when choosing an accommodation. This will prevent you from overspending and allow you to save money for necessities like food, transport, and healthcare.

Staying within your budget when house hunting also ensures that your money lasts throughout your trip, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free travel experience.

Also read: Smart budgeting tips for digital nomads in 2024

Research the area

Always research the area beforehand; this helps you make informed decisions before committing to an accommodation. Confirm that your location is close to coworking spaces, cafes and public transport. It would help if you also read online reviews from other digital nomads about the internet quality, safety and noise levels.

Doing your research saves you time and money and ensures that you choose the right place for your work and lifestyle.

Consider the cancellation policy

Before committing to a new place, you want to ensure the cancellation policy is flexible enough to accommodate any changes in your travel plans. A flexible cancellation policy lets you cancel or modify your stay without losing much of your booking fee. Always read the terms carefully to avoid being locked into a strict agreement.

Join digital nomad groups.

Being part of online digital nomad communities can provide you with trusted recommendations, insider tips and even exclusive offers and discounts on accommodations. These communities not only help you find the best neighbourhoods and most convenient places to stay, but they also protect you from shady listings by sharing real experiences with other digital nomads.

Finding the perfect place to stay as a digital nomad is easier than ever. You can discover your next home away from home by using online resources and tapping into digital nomad communities. The best part is that with Grey, managing your finances is a breeze, so you can focus on having a memorable travel experience.

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