Key Takeaways:
- Dubai tops Savills’ Executive Nomad Index for the second consecutive year as the best city for digital nomads.
- Palermo, Italy, ranks 22nd, noted for its affordability and cultural appeal.
- Abu Dhabi (2nd), Malaga (3rd), Miami (4th), and Lisbon (5th) also feature prominently in the ranking.
- The Index evaluates factors such as climate, infrastructure, and rental markets.
- Emerging digital nomad hubs include Cape Town, Grenada, Bali, and San José.
Dubai has been ranked the top destination for digital nomads for the second consecutive year, according to Savills’ Executive Nomad Index. The index ranks 25 cities that offer strong infrastructure, good living conditions, and appealing rental markets for remote workers.
Palermo, Italy, ranks 22nd, notable for its affordable living costs and cultural richness, positioning it as a rising destination for remote workers.
Dubai’s dominance is attributed to its top-notch infrastructure and connectivity. Dubai International Airport is the busiest in the world for international passengers, while the city continues to expand with the development of Al Maktoum Airport.
Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency Middle East at Savills, emphasized that Dubai offers everything needed for both professional and personal comfort, making it ideal for digital nomads.
Abu Dhabi, ranked 2nd, has climbed from 4th place, but Dubai remains ahead due to its superior global connectivity.
Cities like Malaga (3rd), Miami (4th), and Lisbon (5th) rank highly for their attractive climates and solid rental markets, making them popular among digital nomads. Barcelona (6th) and Palma (7th) also perform well due to their combination of modern infrastructure and historical charm.
Palermo stands out for its affordable prime rents, which are up to 70% lower than those in Florence. Danilo Orlando, Head of Residential at Savills Italy, noted that Palermo’s ongoing cultural and economic regeneration makes it attractive to startups and remote professionals, offering lower rental costs compared to other Italian cities.
While Tuscany remains popular, it ranks lower due to its higher costs and less developed digital infrastructure.
Kelcie Sellers, Associate Director of Savills World Research, pointed out that executive nomads—more mature professionals often traveling with families—place greater emphasis on safety, healthcare, and educational facilities.
Rental prices in top cities have risen by an average of 5%, with some markets seeing increases of up to 15%.
Cape Town, which introduced a Digital Nomad Visa in 2024, ranks 9th. Grenada (11th), Bali (12th), and San José (13th) also emerge as attractive destinations for remote workers.
As the digital nomad trend grows, more cities are adapting to meet the needs of remote professionals, with Palermo and Dubai leading the way.
