Nomad List
The original digital nomad city database. Compare destinations by cost, weather, safety, WiFi, and community vibes.
What is Nomad List?
Nomad List is a database and community platform designed specifically for digital nomads. Created by Pieter Levels in 2014, it has become the go-to resource for researching destinations, comparing cities, and connecting with other location-independent workers.
The platform ranks over 1000 cities worldwide based on factors that matter to nomads: cost of living, internet speed, safety, weather, walkability, nightlife, and more. Think of it as a data-driven way to answer the question "Where should I go next?"
What You Get with Nomad List
City Rankings and Data
The core feature is the city database. Each destination includes:
- Cost of living: Monthly budget estimates for rent, food, transport
- Internet speed: Average WiFi speeds and reliability
- Safety: Crime rates and overall security scores
- Weather: Temperature, humidity, and air quality
- Quality of life: Healthcare, walkability, friendliness
- Nomad score: Overall ranking combining all factors
You can filter cities by what matters to you and sort by any metric. Looking for a cheap city with fast internet and warm weather? The filters make it easy.
Community Access
Paid members get access to the Nomad List Slack community with thousands of active digital nomads. Channels cover specific cities, topics like visas and taxes, job opportunities, and general chat.
The community is often the most valuable part. Get real-time advice on a city you are considering, find people to meet up with, or ask questions that only experienced nomads can answer.
Trip Planning Tools
Track your travels, see where other nomads are located, and plan future trips. The platform shows hotspots of nomad activity, which helps when deciding where you will find community.
Deals and Perks
Members get discounts on coworking spaces, travel gear, insurance, and other nomad-relevant services. The savings can offset part of the membership cost.
Free vs. Paid Membership
| Feature | Free | Paid ($99/year) |
|---|---|---|
| City browsing | Yes | Yes |
| Basic scores | Yes | Yes |
| Detailed breakdowns | No | Yes |
| Neighborhood guides | No | Yes |
| Slack community | No | Yes |
| See nomad locations | No | Yes |
| Trip tracking | No | Yes |
| Deals and discounts | No | Yes |
The free version is useful for quick comparisons, but the depth of information and community access requires the paid membership.
How to Use Nomad List Effectively
Research Before You Book
Before committing to a new destination:
- Check the city's overall Nomad Score
- Look at the cost breakdown for your budget
- Verify internet speeds meet your work needs
- Read recent forum posts about the city
- Ask in Slack for current, on-the-ground insights
Use Filters Strategically
The filter system is powerful. Common searches:
- "Under $2000/month, good WiFi, warm weather"
- "Safe for solo female travelers, active nightlife"
- "Visa-friendly, good healthcare, low pollution"
Save your favorite filters to quickly check for new options.
Engage with the Community
The Slack community is most valuable when you participate:
- Introduce yourself and your travel plans
- Ask specific questions (not just "Is X good?")
- Share your own experiences and recommendations
- Join city-specific channels before arriving somewhere new
Cross-Reference Data
Nomad List data is directionally useful but not perfect. For important decisions:
- Check Numbeo for additional cost data
- Read recent blog posts and Reddit threads
- Ask in the Slack for up-to-date info
- Verify visa requirements on official sources
Is Nomad List Worth $99?
Worth it if you:
- Are actively planning moves between multiple cities
- Value community and networking with other nomads
- Want the convenience of one platform for research
- Will use the Slack community regularly
Skip it if you:
- Are settled in one location for the foreseeable future
- Prefer free resources and do not need community
- Only travel occasionally to well-documented destinations
- Are on a tight budget and need to cut expenses
Many nomads buy a year of membership when actively planning and traveling, then let it lapse during settled periods.
Alternatives to Nomad List
| Resource | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Numbeo | Free, detailed cost data | No community, less nomad-focused |
| NomadTable | Free city comparisons | Smaller database, less active |
| Reddit (r/digitalnomad) | Free, active discussions | Unstructured, harder to search |
| Facebook Groups | Free, location-specific | Quality varies, can be spammy |
Most experienced nomads use Nomad List as their primary hub and supplement with these free resources.
The Bottom Line
Nomad List is the most comprehensive tool built specifically for digital nomads researching where to live and work. The city database saves hours of research, and the community provides insights you cannot get from Google searches.
Whether it is worth $99 depends on how much you travel and how you value community. For active nomads moving between cities, it pays for itself in time saved and connections made. For those with more stable situations, the free alternatives may suffice.
If you are new to the nomad lifestyle and trying to figure out where to go first, starting with Nomad List is a smart move.
Pros
- Most comprehensive nomad city database available
- Data on cost, safety, WiFi, weather, and more
- Active community with real nomad insights
- Constantly updated with new data
- Slack community access included with membership
Cons
- $99/year is pricey compared to free alternatives
- Data accuracy varies for smaller cities
- Some features feel underdeveloped
- Community can be hit or miss depending on location
Category
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nomad List worth $99 per year?
How accurate is Nomad List data?
What is included in the free version?
Is there a Nomad List alternative?
Pricing
Free browsing, $99/year for full access
Key Features
- Cost of living breakdowns by city
- WiFi speed data and coworking info
- Safety, weather, and quality of life scores
- Nomad community and Slack access
- Trip planning and tracking tools
- Real-time nomad location data
Available Regions
1000+ cities worldwide
