Remote work can transform a vacation into a longer stay, by choosing destinations where the internet works well, rents are affordable, and daily life doesn’t weigh too heavily on the budget. But not always are the most famous places also the best for digital nomads. A new study conducted by the BC Game platform analyzed 20 small European towns, identifying the ten most suitable for people who work while traveling. Between fast connections, safety, coworking spaces, and affordable costs, here are the hidden gems to consider.
Palencia, the best European city for digital nomads
At the top of the rankings is Palencia, in Spain, which earns a total score of 100 out of 100. The city offers an excellent balance between quality of life and costs, starting with a safety index of 94.12/100. The internet connection is also a strength, with an average speed of 267 Mbps, ideal for video calls, file transfers, and online professional tasks.
What makes Palencia even more attractive are the daily expenses: a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $698 per month, while a coffee costs just $1.75. Eating out remains affordable as well, with a meal at a budget restaurant around $12. A combination that makes this Spanish destination particularly appealing for mid-term stays.
Matera, the Italian surprise in the ranking
The only Italian destination in the top 10 is Matera, in Basilicata, a city famed for its Sassi and historic and landscape heritage. In the ranking dedicated to the best small European cities for remote work, it reaches a safety index of 80/100.
The average broadband speed, at 87 Mbps, is lower than the other top-ranked destinations, but Matera benefits from affordable coffee costs, around $2.10, and a central monthly rent of about $737. For those who want to mix workdays with exploring one of Italy’s most evocative cities, it presents a unique and offbeat option for digital nomads.
The top 10
The study considered several factors: the average internet connection speed, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center, safety, the number of cafés and coworking spaces, coffee prices, and the cost of a cheap meal. The result rewards especially destinations able to offer a good balance between infrastructure and expenses.
Here is the top 10:
- Palencia, Spain – safety 94/100, internet 267 Mbps, rent $698;
- Soria, Spain – safety 87/100, internet 277 Mbps, rent $582;
- Vaduz, Liechtenstein – safety 92/100, internet 286 Mbps, rent $1,427;
- Le Havre, France – internet 312 Mbps, rent $524.
- Angers, France – internet 257 Mbps, rent $664;
- Akureyri, Iceland – safety 80/100, internet 279 Mbps, rent $1,783;
- Reims, France – internet 288 Mbps, rent $705;
- Dijon, France – internet 271 Mbps, rent $646;
- Tartu, Estonia – safety 77/100, internet 136 Mbps, rent $659;
- Matera, Italy – safety 80/100, internet 87 Mbps, rent $737.
Among the destinations, Le Havre stands out for having the fastest connection, at 312 Mbps, and one of the lower rents. Akureyri brings digital nomads to Iceland’s Arctic landscapes, while Soria stands out for its balance of tranquility, safety, and reasonable costs.
