How to Choose the Right Accommodation as a Digital Nomad (A Practical Guide)

When we think of the digital nomad life, the first thing that comes to mind is probably working on a tropical beach or discovering new cultures while traveling around the world. But for this life to be sustainable and comfortable, there is a very important detail in the kitchen: accommodation.

We set up a new “home” in every city we visit. Sometimes we stay for a few weeks, sometimes a few months. And where we stay directly affects our productivity, mood and daily routine. That's why the choice of accommodation doesn't just end with the question “is it clean and nice?”. Working conditions, internet speed, location, surroundings, noise level, even sunlight become important factors.

In this article, I share my experiences as someone who has stayed in dozens of different houses from day one until today, and share tips on how to choose the right accommodation in the digital nomad life. We will touch on all options, not only hotels or Airbnb, but also co-living spaces and shared houses.

Because a good accommodation is not just a place to sleep, it is a space where you will spend most of your day, work and maybe find yourself again.

Let's start if you are ready. 

What should digital nomads consider when choosing accommodation?

Digital nomads should consider internet speed, location, safety, comfort, price-performance balance, and access to local communities when choosing accommodation. These factors affect productivity, well-being, and long-term sustainability.

1. Location, Location, Location

Probably this is the most important criterion in choosing accommodation. Because where you live directly affects your transportation to work, socialization, safety and even motivation.

So what kind of location should you choose?

• Nearness to public transportation: Especially if you are not going to stay for a long time, if you do not have your own transportation, it is very critical to be within walking distance to transportation vehicles such as metro / minibus / train.

• Distance to co-working spaces: If you like to work outside, if there is a 45-minute drive between your accommodation and the coworking space, that enthusiasm for working can gradually disappear.

• Surroundings of cafes and markets: It's not just about working, you also need to think about basic needs. You don't want to walk 20 minutes to get water in the middle of the night.

• Silence and safety: Being in the middle of entertainment centers or in a dark, secluded area can create discomfort in a short time. It's important to choose a balanced area.

Vibe Note: If you're staying in a new city for the first time, it's a good strategy to stay in a central location for the first week, explore the city, and then choose your long-term accommodation.

2. Price - Performance Balance

In the same city, there are houses for $300 and houses for $3,000. So which one is right for you?

How can you decide?

• What is included in the price: Are services such as electricity, water, cleaning, Wi-Fi included? Sometimes what seems expensive can actually be more affordable. In the 2nd villa I stayed in Bali, the electricity bill was not included in the price of the accommodation. I'm not kidding, I was shocked at how much I paid for electricity!

• Is it possible to negotiate: It is possible to get discounts from Airbnb or directly from the hosts, especially for longer stays. If you are staying for more than 1 month, be sure to negotiate the price. This is a really useful method. 

• Timing is important: Prices double during high season. It is better to experience the city you are going to “off-season”. 

• Is the house new or old: Newly furnished homes are both more expensive and less customizable, while older homes can sometimes feel much more spacious and cozy.

Vibe Note: Neighborhoods 15-20 minutes from the city center are usually the most efficient in terms of price/performance.

3. Comfort and Equipment

The country you are going to may be paradise, but if there is no air conditioning in your accommodation or the internet goes down every night, all your motivation can be destroyed. In the life of a digital nomad, comfort is not a luxury; it is sustainability.

What are the must-haves?

• Desk and comfortable chair: Sometimes this detail may appear in the photo in the ad, but it may not be there in reality. Don't make a reservation without asking.

• Fast and uninterrupted Wi-Fi: It's one thing to write “Wi-Fi is available”, it's another thing not to fall at a Zoom meeting with a 10 Mbps connection. You can ask the host for a speed test.

• Air conditioning & ventilation: Especially in hot geographies like Asia and South America, air conditioning is a real necessity. If there is only a fan, it can be difficult to sleep at night.

• Blackout curtains: A lifesaver for jetlag, night owls or those who work during the day and go to bed in the morning. A must if you don't want to wake up at 6 am because of the sun. I have been sleeping in pitch black for a very long time and my sleep quality has improved a lot.

• Silence: The house is in the city center, but does the window directly face the bus stop? Does the next door neighbor play the guitar 6 hours a day? These things affect your quality of life.

Is it a house, a studio, a room?

Having your own space is very important for mental health. Shared spaces may be economical, but can create noise, cleanliness or privacy problems. If productivity is important to you, you should at least have a private room and, if possible, a workspace where you can close the door.

Noise and sleep quality:

Sleep quality is often overlooked in the life of a digital nomad, but it is one of the biggest productivity factors. Always consider night noise when choosing a location. Thin walls, late-night shops or houses facing the main street can seriously affect your sleep quality.

Vibe Note: Staying in a hotel instead of an Airbnb for a few days and exploring different neighborhoods makes it easier for you to discover quiet and comfortable places. This way, you can choose the house where you will stay for a long time in a healthier way.

4. Internet Speed and Reliability

The first condition for being a digital nomad: Good internet. It may sound cliche, but it is still possible to come across places that say “Wi-Fi is available” and offer 3 Mbps speeds. Freezing on a Zoom call or not being able to work on Google Docs is not annoying, it's demotivating.

How can digital nomads ensure stable internet in rentals?

To ensure stable internet, digital nomads should request a real-time speed test, use local SIMs with data packages, and have a co-working space or hotspot as backup.

Wi-Fi is the center of our lives

Whether you produce content, attend meetings or respond to e-mails... If you work remotely, your internet speed is your work power. It is important to remember that they are traveling for work, not for vacation.

A speed test is a must before settling in

It's not enough to ask the landlord or hotelier, “Is the Wi-Fi fast?” 

Best practice: Ask for a real-time speed test. You can request a screenshot from sites like Speedtest.net. The minimum expectation is 20 Mbps+ download and 5 Mbps+ upload. This should be even more if you make video calls.

Have a backup internet plan

The digital nomad without a plan B will suffer in the long run. So:

• Local SIM card: Buy it in the early days, choose a package with plenty of GB.

• Mobile hotspot: Check line compatibility to use your phone as a modem.

• Co-working spaces: Sometimes the best internet is here. Find a reliable place nearby.

Vibe Note: In addition to the speed test, ask about the modem location. If it's in the far corner of the house, behind thick walls, the connection may be poor.

5. Long Term Liveability

It's easy to pose for Instagram stories for the first few days. The real issue is to work, rest and live in that house for a few weeks or even a few months. Because accommodation becomes the “home” of a digital nomad. And the house needs to be livable, not just stylish.

Not just a place to sleep, but a place to live.

A place that looks beautiful at first glance may not be peaceful in the long run. The color of the walls, the window that lets in light, the feeling when you walk in... These may seem like very small details, but after a few weeks they can create a feeling of “something is missing”. It is important to like the energy of the house and enjoy spending time in the room.

Airbnb convenience vs. long term advantage

• Airbnb: Very practical in the short term. No cleaning, no bills, no furniture. But the prices are often inflated.

• Local rental: If you stay longer than 1 month, it is much more economical to find a house through local real estate sites or Facebook groups. Prices can drop by 30-50%.

• Negotiation: If you say “I will stay on Airbnb for a long time”, there is a chance to negotiate the price. Many homeowners are open to this flexibility.

Space size means comfort

Everything from daily life to work revolves under the same roof. A 15 m² studio may be enough for short-term stays, but it can be overwhelming in the long run. Especially houses without a desk + chair and without a working environment can cause serious performance loss.

Vibe Note: If you're staying for a month, do an extra hour of research. Because a bad choice affects you for 720 hours.

6. Local Experiences and Community

Being a digital nomad is not just about finding a nice desk to work at and good Wi-Fi. When living in new cities, it's also important to feel the spirit of the place, meet new people and create a little “home away from home” feeling. The accommodation you choose can play a bigger role than you think.

Co-living spaces: Shared life, shared stories

Co-living places make social life easier, especially for digital nomads traveling alone. You can move to a coworking space the next day with someone you met in a shared kitchen, or attend an event on the beach in the evening. There are often regular yoga sessions, movie nights or networking events in these spaces.

But is everything rosy? It isn't. Crowded spaces can be overwhelming when you need quiet. Hygiene and privacy issues that come with communal living spaces should also be taken into consideration.

Should I be social or in my own space?

This depends entirely on your personality and your mood at the time. Sometimes meeting new people and chatting with people from different cultures inspires you. But sometimes you just want to relax and focus on your own routine. That's why it's important to clarify your expectations of a “social environment” when choosing accommodation.

If living in the same house with people you don't know stresses you out, it is better to choose a small place where you can stay on your own rather than co-living.

Community spirit around the location

Not just inside the house, the neighborhood has an energy too. In some areas, a freelancer might be working at the next table in the cafe where you have your morning coffee, while in other neighborhoods, you might be the only stranger. If you want to be part of an active community, choose neighborhoods with a high density of digital nomads. Resources such as Facebook groups and Nomad List can give you an idea about the “community vibe” of your location.

7. Safety & Cleaning

While digital nomadism requires some spontaneity, it's hard to work efficiently or have a pleasant time in a place where you don't feel safe and comfortable. That's why it's important to take security and cleanliness seriously when choosing accommodation.

Security is not just about door locks

The door to your accommodation may be locked, but what is the neighborhood like? Is the neighborhood suitable for walking in the evening? Are there security guards or cameras at the entrance to the building? These are serious issues, especially if you plan to stay for a long time. If your feelings tell you something is wrong, listen. The residents are as important as the neighborhood atmosphere; having someone you say hello to every morning can make you feel at home.

You may find it easier to look for phrases like “quiet neighborhood” or “felt safe” in Airbnb reviews.

Cleaning Seems like a detail, but it's not

No matter how nice a place looks, after a while a dirty toilet or a dusty table can demotivate you. For short-term stays, cleaning is usually the responsibility of the host, but for long-term rentals it becomes your responsibility.

Be sure to clarify the following:

• How often is cleaning done? A weekly cleaning service is a big advantage.

• Are there cleaning supplies? Simple but necessary things like brooms and detergents are often forgotten.

• If there are communal areas, how does the cleaning work? If you are staying in a co-living place, is it clear who cleans what and when?

Vibe Note: A spotless life may not be waiting for you everywhere you go. So consider adding a small microfiber cloth and a mini laundry soap from the grocery store. 

8. What are the best places to find digital nomad accommodation?

Top places to find digital nomad accommodation include Airbnb, Booking, Facebook groups, local real estate agents, and nomad communities like Nomad List or Telegram groups.

Finding suitable accommodation can sometimes turn into a full-time job. Opening dozens of tabs, making comparisons, reading reviews one by one... But if you go through the right sources, you can make this process both faster and less stressful.

Which platform works where?

The dynamics of each country or city are different. So sometimes global platforms are not enough. Here are the methods that I use the most and work the best:

• Airbnb: Ideal for short term but prices can be high. For the long term, you can negotiate with the host before you stay to lower the price.

• Booking: A quick starter tool for options such as hotels, apart-hotels or guesthouses.

• Facebook groups: Especially city-based “Digital Nomads in X” or “Expats in X” groups are a gold mine for accommodation. It's more local and you get in touch with the host directly. But be careful not to get ripped off while doing this! 

• Local real estate agents: In cities like Bali, Tbilisi, Da Nang, there are usually local real estate agents who work via WhatsApp. If you find an honest one, you can get much better deals.

• Nomad communities & Telegram groups: Communities like Nomad List Telegram sometimes share reliable house recommendations, especially for last minute exits.

Vibe Note: If you plan to stay longer than a few months, it might make more sense to stay with Airbnb for 1-2 weeks first to get to know the area and then rent a local house.

What are red flags to avoid when booking remote work accommodation?

Avoid listings with vague or missing reviews, outdated photos, inconsistent internet claims, or overly intrusive hosts. Always verify Wi-Fi speed and communication responsiveness.

Reviews don't always tell the truth, but there are some clues that you should be careful when you see them:

• “The internet is good but sometimes it cuts out”: This usually means don't trust the internet.

• “The host was a bit too attentive”: This could be a violation of space or a privacy issue.

• Comments such as “It wasn't like the pictures” or “The photos are old” may disappoint you.

• Lack of reviews or only new reviews: The house or the owner may be new, but sometimes this is a way to delete multiple negative reviews. It is useful to sift through.

Final Thought: A Place to Stay, Not Just Four Walls

As a digital nomad, accommodation is not just where you sleep; it can be how you work, how you feel, how much you socialize, and sometimes even a bridge between productivity and motivation.

It's easy to choose a house based on price or photos. But what will make you happy in the long run is a place that you can call “home” when you enter it, a place that relaxes you, makes your work easier, and offers you spaces to socialize or, conversely, to be alone.

Remember, this is your journey. The more comfortable and conscious you are, the more enjoyable your life will be.

If this article has given you some ideas or clarified your questions, I am happy. And if you want to continue this journey together, we are sharing accommodation experiences, budget recommendations, streets, coffee and stories from different countries in real time on our Instagram and YouTube channels.

Follow us, explore, comment... And maybe one day, we'll meet in the same city :)

And as I always say, until the next post arrivederci folks :)