When the COVID-19 pandemic kicked off in 2020, many businesses and companies sent their employees to work-from-home to help limit the spread of the virus and to encourage social distancing. Two years later, remote work is still very popular not only for companies but for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to still make a living while residing in the destination of their choice.

Whether you want to live abroad or in the states, there are a plethora of places around the world that can meet and exceed your needs as you search for a remote location to set up shop. Check out our list of some of the top living destinations for remote workers, both international and domestic, where the cost of living is low, the locals are friendly, and where you can live your best life while working from home.

1. Cleveland, OH

Remote Workers
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Pixabay.

Remote workers are loving the city of Cleveland. Workers are finding a variety of remote and work-from-home jobs options through companies like Sherwin-Williams and Progressive. The city also offers a ton of fun activities throughout the region including professional sports games from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Browns and visits to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. 

The cost of living in Cleveland is 16 percent lower than the national average so residents enjoy the luxuries of a big city without the luxury cost and the median gross cost of rent is only $719. If the Midwest is calling your name, you might want to consider adding Cleveland to your list of places to work remotely from.

2. Portugal

Remote Workers
Photo Courtesy of
Daniel Frese.

Portugal came in at number one on Kayak.com’s list of top 10 places for remote workers to live. The country’s amazing weather, a slew of English-speaking residents, and peaceful political climate combined to make it a hotspot for remote workers this year. Portugal also offers a digital nomad visa so you can get out and explore Europe while still maintaining a stable income. 

3. San Antonio, TX

Remote Workers
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Pixabay.

If you’re looking for affordable, remote living in the Lone Star State, San Antonio may be the perfect place for you. The city offers a slew of hybrid-style co-working spaces like Regus, Venture X, and Geekdom and the average cost of rent is $992. The cost of living in San Antonio is 12 percent lower than the national average and healthcare and bioscience companies thrive in Alamo City. 

San Antonio also is one of the best cities in the US for veterans so if you’ve served our country and are looking for an inexpensive place to settle in and work from home, consider checking out San Antonio.

4. Japan

Remote Workers
Photo Courtesy of Aleksandar Pasaric.

Japan plays a major role in the tech industry and remote workers from around the world are traveling there to enjoy the perks of working in a tech-centric environment. The country has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world and also has a thriving nightlife scene that’s perfect for young people seeking fun after work hours. Although the country does not offer work visas, Japan is still in Kayak.com’s top 10 places for remote workers to reside. 

5. Grand Rapids, MI

Remote Workers
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Anon.

Michigan recently invested in a state-wide teleworking initiative, which makes Grand Rapids one of the best places in the country for remote work. The initiative expands broadband internet access, provides relocation incentives, and infrastructure for remote work, ensuring remote workers are aware the state is ready to accommodate their work-from-home needs. The cost of living in Grand Rapids is 11 percent lower than the national average and the healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and education industries are all eager to hire remote workers. 

When work is done for the day, remote workers in Grand Rapids can tap in with some of the city’s beautiful nature scenes, lush state parks, lakeside beaches, and hiking trails.

6. Costa Rica

Remote Workers
Photo Courtesy of Jose Acevedo.

For those looking to be surrounded by the beauty of nature while working remotely, Costa Rica may be the best choice for you. The country is known for its rainforests and exotic wildlife and is extremely close to the United States, so it’s never a hassle for workers commuting between the two countries. Costa Rica is a great destination for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature content creators looking to work in a tropical environment and capture its beauty.

7. St. Louis, MO

Remote Workers
Photo Courtesy of Nick Haynes.

St. Louis is the perfect place to live for remote workers seeking a low cost of living with access to a bunch of remote job opportunities and low-cost, big-city experiences. Even though it is one of the largest cities in the Midwest, the cost of living in St. Louis is 13 percent lower than the national average. The city is home to top-notch employers like Block Inc formerly known as Square, BJC Healthcare, and Emerson Electric, and has a variety of co-working spaces like T-Rex, TechArtista, and the city’s first black-owned co-working space The Kazi Society. St. Louis is also great for remote workers looking for a place that is family-friendly and workers with kids can enjoy free access to the city’s zoo, the Science Center, and a plethora of other family activities that typically cost in other metropolitan cities. 

The Gateway to the Midwest also leads the nation in emerging female entrepreneurs and is an excellent place for startups and business owners looking for a place to grow.

8. Germany

Remote Workers
Photo Courtesy of Shvets Anna.

Although it does not rank as high as other international destinations for remote work, Germany makes our list because workers from around the globe love their social life scene. The country is overflowing with bars, museums, clubs and theaters that make living in the European country an exciting experience once remote workers clock out for the day. You can also find a ton of cultural activities to experience in Germany and spend weeks exploring the country’s rich history. Germany has a large English-speaking population so a lot of Americans do well in the country even if they are not fluent in their native language. 

9. Tucson, AZ

Remote Workers
Photo Courtesy of
Patrick Boyer.

Calling all dog-lovers! Not only is Tucson one of the best places for remote workers but it was also ranked one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. The city provides incredible weather with nearly 350 days of sunshine, so if you’re looking to escape the frigid winter months, Tucson should be at the top of your list. Tucson is home to major industries like aerospace, renewable energy, and defense that remote workers can find employment through. 

The city also offers a few coworking spaces for entrepreneurs looking for offices and workspaces. The average rent in Tucson is $846 and the cost of living is 6 percent lower than the national average so remote workers can enjoy western leisures at a low cost.

10. Panama

Remote Workers
Photp Courtesy of
Luis Quintero.

An urban, tropical playground, Panama made it into Kayak.com’s top 10 for the best places for remote workers for 2022. The Central American country is a great destination for those looking to escape cold weather and enjoy year-round sunshine. Panama offers a visa for remote workers and has a ton of flights in and out of the country so you’ll always be able to make it back to the mainland for business or for a quick visit home.