With over 17 million digital nomads, the United States is one of the most popular places to work remotely. In this article, we’ll discuss how to be a digital nomad in the US, including visa options, the best places to live, the cost of living, and other helpful tips.
As one of the largest countries, the United States has many locations and opportunities for digital nomads. Whether you’re a digital nomad from the US or travelling internationally, this guide will help you plan and enjoy a memorable experience.
Read more: How to Become a Digital Nomad (in 10 Steps)
Can I be a digital nomad in the USA?
The United States is one of the best places to be a digital nomad because there are many incredible destinations and countless opportunities for earning money, meeting others, and exploring.
If you’re not a citizen and want to travel to the US, you can apply for the 90-day ESTA visa. If you want to stay longer and work remotely in the US, you can apply for a B2 visa and stay for up to six months.
Read More: How to Move to Europe as an American: A Practical Guide
Where do digital nomads live in the USA?
Digital nomads in the United States live in many different places, with some of the best cities being Pensacola, FL; Charleston, SC; Brooklyn, NY; and San Francisco, CA. These locations have a lot to explore, digital nomad communities, and coworking spaces.
Below, we’ll share some of our favourite places to be a digital nomad in the US. We’ll also include the average rent for one person in each city, but these costs vary depending on your accommodation and location.
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is one of the best places to work remotely in the US to enjoy beautiful beaches, warm weather, and unique history. It’s a charming city with kind locals and diverse food, and it has been named one of the most affordable beach towns.
Average rent in Pensacola: $1,246 per month
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is easily one of my favourite cities and has diverse beaches, delicious food, and a vibrant nightlife. The weather is warm most of the year and cools down during winter.
There are a few spots throughout Charleston to live and work, including Folly Beach for a laid-back beach atmosphere, Mount Pleasant for a more upscale area, and Downtown for the most action.
Average rent in Charleston: $1,326 per month
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is an eclectic city surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a perfect place for digital nomads who enjoy nature, with many parks and hiking trails. It’s also one of the most popular craft beer cities on the East Coast.
While the winter is cold and summer is warm, fall in Asheville is gorgeous with amazing weather.
Average rent in Asheville: $1,407 per month
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is a fun city for creative digital nomads who enjoy music and art. With a strong community, there are often local events, making it easy to meet other travellers.
With four distinct seasons, you can work remotely in Nashville any time of the year and enjoy different climates.
Average rent in Nashville: $1,455
Brooklyn, New York
New York is easily one of the most popular places in the US, and digital nomads love Brooklyn. It’s an excellent place for getting off the beaten path but is conveniently located near many attractions. With a delicious food scene, fun entertainment, networking events, bookshops, and cafes, there’s something for everyone in Brooklyn.
Although Brooklyn is cold for most of the year, the warmest weather is June through September, which is also the peak season.
Average rent in Brooklyn: $2,755
Salt Lake City, Utah
As Utah’s capital and most populous city, Salt Lake City has many unique opportunities. It’s one of the best places to be a digital nomad in the US if you enjoy adventure, with skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. There’s also a fun nightlife scene.
Salt Lake City gets very cold during winter, so it’s great if you enjoy snow. Otherwise, wait until summer, as it does warm up from June to August.
Average rent in Salt Lake City: $1,678
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the best places to work remotely for convenient travelling, outdoor activities, and cultural diversity. Although it’s one of the more costly locations in the US, there are many opportunities, especially if you work in tech.
Although San Francisco is in sunny California, cold ocean currents make it one of the coldest cities. That said, late summer and fall have beautiful weather.
Average rent in San Francisco: $4,214
Los Angeles, California
If you’re interested in working remotely in a warmer place in California, Los Angeles is ideal, with incredible weather year-round. The food and art scene are amazing. There are also trendy bars and cafes, beautiful beaches, and fun entertainment.
Average rent in Los Angeles: $3,296
Read more: 12 Best US Cities for Digital Nomads (& Remote Workers) 2024
Best Places in the US for LGBTQ+ People
While some places in the United States have a long way to go, many have made positive shifts over the years in accepting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
According to the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), the following US states have policies that offer a positive experience and equality for LGBTQ+ people:
- Washington
- Oregon
- California
- Nevada
- Colorado
- Minnesota
- Illinois
- Maine
- Vermont
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- Maryland
- District of Columbia (DC)
Cost of Living in the USA
The cost of living varies greatly in the US, depending on the city and state.
The states with the highest cost of living are Hawaii, New York, and California. The states with the lowest cost of living are Mississippi, Kansas, and Alabama.
The average individual income is $38,805, which isn’t a comfortable salary for many people living in the US. That said, most digital nomads earning between $50,000 and $100,000 per year can comfortably live in the US.
Read more: Unlock Higher Earnings: How to Set and Boost Your Freelancer Rates
How to Find Accommodations in the USA
There are many accommodation options for digital nomads in the United States. We recommend finding a short-term rental for up to a week to familiarise yourself with the city and see longer-term stays in person.
Here are some resources for finding rentals in the US:
- Airbnb: Short and long-term vacation rentals
- Booking.com: Various options, including hotels, hostels, and bed & breakfasts
- Coliving.com: Communities for digital nomads
- Apartments.com: Traditional rentals for long-term stays
Tips for Becoming a Digital Nomad in the US
Make the most of your experience working remotely in the United States with these helpful tips:
- Find a remote job you enjoy: If you haven’t gotten a job yet, there are many great opportunities and platforms for finding jobs, including job boards, self-promotion, and newsletters.
- Choose the best location: There are many wonderful places to work remotely in the US. Start by choosing a part of the country or a state you’d like to visit, then narrow that down to select a city.
- Earn a comfortable income: Once you know where you want to work remotely, use Numbeo to determine the cost of living and how much you need to earn.
- Learn how to budget and save: Before becoming a digital nomad in the US, learn how to properly budget and save so you can have an enjoyable experience.
- Get a travel, local, or online bank account: If you’re not from the US, you’ll want to make sure you have a bank account or credit card you can easily access.
- Consider getting travel insurance: Avoid financial stress with travel insurance that can cover unexpected expenses related to travel issues and healthcare.
- Understand taxes: If you’re a US citizen, you must pay taxes as a digital nomad. If you aren’t from the US, you may have to pay taxes in your home country.
- Find a community: Having a community can help you plan your adventure and enjoy it once you arrive. There are many communities for freelancers and digital nomads, including online memberships, social media, and local meetups.
We hope you found this guide to being a digital nomad in the United States helpful. If you’re interested in learning about other places to work remotely, check out these articles: