Asian Cities Shine in New Ranking for Digital Nomads
By Editor • August 28, 2026 • 2 min read
As remote work transforms the travel landscape, cities in Asia are emerging as top destinations for digital nomads. A recent study by VPN JPN evaluated 104 cities globally, ranking them based on essential criteria for remote workers, including internet speeds, cultural attractions, affordability, and the availability of work-friendly spaces.
Leading the pack is Seoul, South Korea, which boasts a score of 73.60. The city excels with its plethora of workspaces and vibrant entertainment options. Notably, Seoul offers the fastest internet among the top 10, clocking in at 69.27 Mbps, and its cost of living is approximately 36% lower than the U.S. benchmark.
Tokyo, Japan, follows closely with a score of 72.61. While it has slightly fewer work venues than Seoul, Tokyo compensates with an impressive nightlife and a wealth of cultural attractions, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a lively urban experience.
Hanoi, Vietnam, secures the third spot with a score of 71.86, thanks to its remarkable concentration of workspaces and affordability. Although internet speeds lag behind those in Seoul and Tokyo, Hanoi offers a comfortable working environment for 180 days a year.
Taipei, Taiwan, is fourth with a score of 70.98, blending ample workspaces with a rich selection of restaurants and nightlife. Following closely is Osaka, Japan, which rounds out the top five with a score of 70.15, benefiting from Japan’s robust internet infrastructure and extensive entertainment venues.
Spain represents Europe in this ranking, with Barcelona and Madrid coming in sixth and seventh places, scoring 68.11 and 66.67, respectively. Both cities offer a blend of cultural experiences, although Barcelona leads slightly in workspace density.
Completing the top 10 are São Paulo, Brazil, at eighth, with its warm climate and affordable living, Nagoya, Japan, at ninth with a score of 64.97, and Ho Chi Minh City in tenth place, showcasing low living costs and ample workspaces.
Source: www.getaway.co.za
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