South Africa ranks among top digital nomad destinations

1 Views

South Africa a digital nomad favourite

As digital nomads seek destinations that balance affordability with infrastructure, South Africa has emerged as one of the most financially advantageous locations for remote workers, according to a recent study by Nebeus.

The research highlighted South Africa as a prime destination where digital nomads can maximize their savings while benefiting from a high quality of life.

The study revealed that SA ranked as the 4th most popular destination for digital nomads and is among the most affordable places to live, with an average cost of living of approximately $1 000 (+/- R18 000) per month. The country also provides an appealing combination of low expenses, modern amenities, and scenic landscapes, making it an increasingly attractive choice for location-independent professionals.

The top 10 most popular digital nomad destinations. Image: supplied

The new rich: Key insights from the study

Some key insights from the study revealed that:

Most popular professions: The study identified technology, creative, and marketing fields as the dominant industries among digital nomads.
Origins: The majority of workers come from Western countries, with the United States leading as the most common country of origin (43%). Other top sources include the United Kingdom, Russia, Canada, and Germany.
Affordability rankings: SA ranked as one of the most cost-effective destinations for, with total monthly expenses averaging $1 000. Other highly affordable locations include Argentina ($709) and Malaysia ($769).
Home country cost of living: Digital nomads often relocate from high-cost countries in search of more affordable lifestyles. The U.S. has the highest total cost of living at $2 935 per month, followed by the UK ($2 387), Canada ($2 497), and Australia ($2 656). In contrast, Russia ($912) and Brazil ($920) offer significantly lower living costs for remote professionals.