Freelancing gives you control over your work, but your city affects your success. The right place offers fast internet, low expenses, and strong networks.
Some locations encourage independent workers through business-friendly policies. Others create an inspiring environment. If you want progress, don’t wait for success to find you. Instead, grow your freelance business by relocating to a city that supports your goals.
This list explores freelancer-friendly cities with thriving coworking spaces, affordable housing, and strong professional networks.
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What Are The Best Freelancer-Friendly Cities Worth Relocating To in 2025?
As freelancing becomes more popular, more people are seeing the benefits that it brings. As professionals who can move whenever and wherever they want to, they are looking for affordability, community, and beautiful views, which are offered by:
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Austin, USA
- Dubai, UAE: A Global Business Hub
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Berlin, Germany
- Medellín, Colombia
- Barcelona, Spain
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Melbourne, Australia
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon ranks among Europe’s most affordable capitals, with living costs 32% lower than Paris and 45% cheaper than London. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages €1,200 per month, while it drops to €800 outside the center. Utilities, transport, and food remain budget-friendly, allowing freelancers to spend less while growing their businesses.
The city enjoys over 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, creating a bright and energizing environment. Freelancers benefit from 200+ coworking spaces, including Second Home and Impact Hub, both offering high-speed fiber-optic internet and daily networking events. Lisbon also provides the Tech Visa Program, which fast-tracks residency for highly skilled professionals. With 8,000+ startups, the city fosters innovation, making it an ideal base for remote work.
Austin, USA
Austin offers no state income tax, saving freelancers thousands annually. In 2023, the city’s cost of living was 3% lower than the national average, making it an affordable choice for remote workers. The Silicon Hills nickname reflects its over 8,000 tech firms, including Apple, Tesla, and Dell, which create demand for independent professionals.
Coworking spaces thrive, with Capital Factory housing over 150 startups and Industrious providing 24/7 access in multiple locations. The city ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for job growth, ensuring steady freelance opportunities. Tech and creative professionals gather at SXSW, one of the largest global networking events. Austin’s $1.5 trillion economy offers limitless potential for those aiming to expand their client base.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai supports freelancers with concrete benefits. The Freelancer Visa allows self-employed professionals to work legally without a corporate sponsor. The Dubai Internet City Free Zone alone houses over 1,600 tech and media companies, making it a prime location for independent workers. With zero personal income tax, high earners keep 100% of their earnings, a major advantage over cities with high tax rates.
Internet speeds in Dubai rank among the best globally, with an average fixed broadband speed of 210 Mbps, ensuring smooth video calls and seamless remote work. Coworking spaces like Astrolabs, Nest Dubai, and Our Space provide flexible office setups. Entrepreneurs connect at GITEX Technology Week and Step Conference, major networking events. The top areas for young adults include Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Al Barsha, where freelancers access modern apartments, trendy cafes, and shared office spaces that encourage collaboration.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a global leader in digital services, with 99% of government services available online. The e-Residency program, launched in 2014, has attracted over 100,000 digital entrepreneurs from more than 175 countries, allowing freelancers to establish EU-based businesses without residing in Estonia.
The city’s internet speeds rank among the top 20 globally, ensuring smooth remote work. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €700 per month, significantly lower than in cities like Berlin or Amsterdam. Coworking hubs like Lift99 and Spring Hub cater to tech professionals, offering high-speed internet and networking events. Tallinn’s low corporate tax structure (0% on retained profits) makes it an attractive base for freelancers seeking an affordable, business-friendly environment.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Freelancers seeking a low-cost yet well-equipped work environment often relocate to Chiang Mai. The city’s cost of living averages $800 to $1,200 per month, covering rent, food, and transportation. Apartments in Nimmanhaemin, a hotspot for digital workers, range from $300 to $600 monthly, significantly lower than in Western countries.
Internet speeds in Chiang Mai reach up to 1 Gbps, making it easy for remote professionals to manage video calls and large file transfers. The city supports freelancers with over 20 coworking spaces, including Punspace, Hub 53, and CAMP. These spaces provide high-speed Wi-Fi, office essentials, and networking events that connect freelancers to potential clients and collaborators.
Chiang Mai’s Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2022, allows remote workers to stay long-term with a one-year permit, extendable up to four years. The city also hosts annual entrepreneur meetups, such as the Nomad Summit, where professionals refine freelance marketing strategies and gain insights from industry leaders.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin attracts independent professionals with business tax rates as low as 15% and a Freiberufler (freelancer) visa, which allows non-EU citizens to work legally. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Berlin sits at €1,200, significantly lower than in cities like Paris or London. Affordable office spaces also help freelancers manage expenses while building their careers.
Coworking hubs such as Betahaus, which offers memberships starting at €99 per month, and Factory Berlin, a major innovation campus, provide ideal spots for networking. Berlin’s tech industry grew by 28% in the last five years, attracting startups that hire freelancers. Events like Tech Open Air Berlin and Coworking Festival Berlin create direct pathways for freelancers to meet potential clients.
Medellín, Colombia
Medellín ranks among the most affordable cities for freelancers, with monthly living expenses averaging $1,200 for a comfortable lifestyle, including rent. The city boasts internet speeds of 100 Mbps and higher, making remote work seamless. Public transport, anchored by the Metro de Medellín, costs just $0.70 per ride, providing efficient and budget-friendly commuting.
Coworking hubs such as Selina ($120/month) and La Casa Red ($90/month) offer high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and networking events tailored for freelancers. Medellín stands out as one of the best freelancer-friendly cities thanks to Colombia’s visa options, such as the Migrant (M) Visa, which allows remote workers to live in the country legally for up to three years.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona offers 240+ coworking spaces, including MOB Barcelona and Aticco, making it one of Europe’s top destinations for independent professionals. The city provides fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 1Gbps, ensuring seamless remote work.
Spain supports freelancers through the “Autónomo” system, allowing self-employed professionals to register for €80 per month during the first year before progressive increases. In 2023, over 3.2 million freelancers operated in Spain, with Barcelona as a major digital professional hub.
The city’s 22@ Innovation District houses 1,500+ tech companies, drawing startups that hire contract workers frequently. With 300+ sunny days per year and affordable co-living spaces like Urban Campus, Barcelona blends career growth with a high quality of life.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City attracts freelancers with an average cost of living of $1,000–$1,500 per month, significantly lower than most Western cities. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $500–$700, freeing up income for business investments. The city ranks among Southeast Asia’s top five fastest-growing digital economies, with a 28% annual increase in tech startups.
Freelancers benefit from high-speed internet, averaging 85 Mbps for just $12 per month. Coworking spaces like Dreamplex and The Hive offer desks starting at $100 monthly, providing fast Wi-Fi, networking events, and business support.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne ranks among Australia’s top cities for freelancers, with over 2,000 startups and a tech industry worth over AUD 34 billion. The Victorian government supports independent professionals through the LaunchVic initiative, which provides funding for co-working spaces and accelerator programs. Freelancers benefit from a 25% tax deduction on work-related expenses, making self-employment more sustainable.
Public transport covers 250+ bus routes, 16 train lines, and 24 tram routes, ensuring reliable city-wide access. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center sits at around AUD 2,200 per month. On the other hand, suburban areas offer lower-cost options. Melbourne’s two-million-strong workforce connects freelancers to a diverse client base, and industry hubs like Carlton and Southbank host networking events regularly.
Which One Of These Freelancer-Friendly Cities Will You Choose?
Freelancers succeed in cities that offer opportunities, resources, and communities. The best freelancer-friendly cities give professionals access to coworking spaces, reliable internet, and networking events. If you want to get freelance clients, pick a place where businesses hire independent professionals often. Freelancing thrives in locations where support systems exist. Choose wisely, and make your next city work for you.
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