10 Best (Global) Work-From-Home Friendly Cities
Did you know that 62% of the global workforce is remote?
That’s a lot! And it’s quite the increase from the pre-pandemic 19%.
It goes to show that remote work, whether hybrid or fully remote, has displayed its value to employers and employees alike. In fact, 91% of U.S. workers are hoping that remote work, or at least hybrid work, is here to stay.
Remote work may not be for everyone, but it provides unique benefits for many. And perhaps one of the most exciting things is that it offers the opportunity to choose where “home” is.
We've curated a list of cities around the world that offer some of the best environments for remote work. When selecting these cities, we focused on entertainment, nature and parks, language spoken, cost of living and safety, and, of course, internet speed.
So here are the 10 best work from home friendly cities to inspire you for your next adventure!
Madrid, Spain
Madrid was listed the top global capital city for remote work by the ETIAS blog this year.
Filled with beautiful architecture and rich in history, Madrid has just about everything a city lover could ask for. From museums and art galleries to hopping nightlife and bars, it’s no surprise that this romantic and bustling metropolis is a favorite for remote workers.
Average Internet Speed: 120 Mbps
Safety: High
Cost of Living (one person): $1,870/mo
Language(s) spoken: Spanish, some English
Tbilisi, Georgia
Although Tbilisi isn’t the most popular tourist destination, it is culturally rich and bursting with gorgeous architecture. This eye-catching city is perfect for remote workers who want to travel and explore new areas. This affordable location has a lot to offer between its many parks, delicious food, excellent shopping centers, hopping bars, and lovely views. For hiking and outdoor enthusiasts, the mountains are a short drive from the city, offering a moment of reprieve from this bustling metropolis.
Average Internet Speed: 27 Mbps
Safety: High
Cost of Living (one person): $1,002/mo
Language(s) spoken: Georgian, some English
Willemstad, Curaçao
Located on the Caribbean Sea, Willemstad is rich in history, diverse in culture, and filled with beautiful, historic architecture. It features an excellent art museum with works by Picasso, one of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, gorgeous beaches, great nightlife, and plenty else to entertain.
Average Internet Speed: 10 Mbps
Safety: Moderate
Cost of Living (one person): $1,412/mo
Language(s) spoken: Papiamentu, Dutch, and English
Washington D.C., United States
Bursting with history and art, the sprawling city of Washington D.C. has it all in the form of entertainment, shopping, and culture. With a diverse population, multiple historical sites, museums, river rides, local shops, and breweries, there is always something to do in this hopping city.
Average Internet Speed: 121 Mbps
Safety: Moderate
Cost of Living (one person): $3,350/mo
Language(s) spoken: English
Prague, Czech Republic
From cafes and taverns to castles and cathedrals, this magical city drips with fairytale charm. And it’s this atmosphere that makes Prague a favorite destination for remote workers. Whether it’s the architecture, breweries, museums, art, music, or food, it’s hard not to feel enchanted with Prague.
Average Internet Speed: 104 Mbps
Safety: Very high
Cost of Living (one person): $1,521/mo
Language(s) spoken: Czech, German, Russian, and English
Bangkok, Thailand
A city of life, opportunity, adventure, and culture, Bangkok is a popular destination for remote workers from all around the globe. Constantly buzzing with energy, every turn in this city provides delicious street food, exciting nightlife, friendly locals, business opportunities, and shopping centers. In 2021, Bangkok ranked number one on the Nomad’s List top remote cities, and still remains a popular city for professionals with flexible work.
Average Internet Speed: 188 Mbps
Safety: ModerateCost of Living (one person): $1,194/mo
Language(s) spoken: Thai, some English
Lisbon, Portugal
The charming city of Lisbon has a little bit of something for everyone. This artistic, culturally rich city brimming with life, color, and beauty is the perfect destination for someone looking for a welcoming and vibrant work from home atmosphere. With friendly locals, lively markets, hopping nightlife, gorgeous beaches, and excellent museums, it’s no surprise that Lisbon made our list of best work from home cities.
Average Internet Speed: 109 Mbps
Safety: Very high
Cost of Living (one person): $1,498/mo
Language(s) spoken: Portuguese, some English
Budapest, Hungary
There is no finer city to enjoy a day off than the “Queen of the Danube” itself. Known for its springs, there are spas and baths located all over the city. From the Gellert Baths to Szechenyi Spa, there are countless means for relaxation once you’ve closed your laptop. Budapest has excellent nightlife, an international environment, a wide variety of cuisine, and plenty to see and do, making it an excellent environment for remote workers.
Average Internet Speed: 78 Mbps
Safety: High
Cost of Living (one person): $1,036/mo
Language(s) spoken: Hungarian, English
Gdansk, Poland
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gdansk is a city filled with history as old as the Middle Ages and as recent as World War II. It has magnificent and varied architecture from Gothic to Art Deco, gorgeous parks, excellent breweries, river tours, and exciting nightlife. This culturally rich and exciting city is the perfect work from home atmosphere.
Average Internet Speed: 90 Mbps
Safety: Moderate
Cost of Living (one person): $1,111/mo
Language(s) spoken: Polish, German, and English
Groningen, Netherlands
Groningen is a city of unique energy. Its modern, youthful nightlife, international crowds, cafes, stores, and abstract architecture blend seamlessly with its historical architecture and monuments, museums, and parks. For the outdoor enthusiast, it’s also located 15 minutes from the silence of nature and farmland. Groningen has a little bit to offer everyone, making it a wonderful city to work from home from.
Average Internet Speed: 103 Mbps
Safety: Very high
Cost of Living (one person): $1,885/mo
Language(s) spoken: Dutch, Nedersaksisch, and English
Best Work-From-Home Companies 2022
Every year, PowerToFly creates a list of the best work-from-home companies. Now that over half of the U.S. workforce is remote, compiling that list was a bit more challenging.
This year, we prioritized selecting companies that are remote-friendly—meaning they have both remote and in-person roles—but they have made long-term commitments to hiring and supporting employees who choose to work from home; and we think they have the perks, values, and organizational framework to allow all employees to flourish in their careers, regardless of location.
Keep reading to see our top 15 work-from-home companies for 2022, along with a description of what they do, why we like them, and who they’re looking for.
PowerToFly's Best Work-From-Home Companies 2022:
Bumble—Create a world where all relationships are healthy and equitable
What they do:
Bumble is the parent company that operates Badoo and Bumble, two of the world’s largest dating and connection apps with millions of users globally.
Why we like them:
“We’re a diverse and international bunch, with over 600 employees working across four key offices in Austin, London, Moscow and Barcelona. We also have employees working in other parts of the world too, including Germany, Australia, Mexico and India.”
They believe the best way to create a more equitable and healthy world is by starting within. Uber offers a highly competitive benefits package with benefits that are designed to support you in your health and wellbeing, financial wellbeing, happiness, community, and learning and development.
Who they’re looking for:
Product Designers, Developers, Partnership Directors, and more!
Audible—Listen more
What they do:
Audible is an online audiobook and podcast service that allows users to purchase and stream audiobooks and other forms of spoken word content.
Why we like them:
“Audible's People Principles celebrate who we are and where we've been, and guide the way we work shoulder to shoulder to enhance the lives of our millions of customers.” This company offers exciting benefits include wellness reimbursement, fertility coverage, and childcare benefits.
Some of their other benefits include:
- Health: Dental and vision plans, life insurance, and the medical plan options that suit individual needs.
- Savings: Plan for your future with employer-matched savings accounts.
- Stock: We grant our employees Amazon restricted stock units, because we want them to think and act like owners.
- Time off: We love what we do but everyone needs the opportunity to hit the refresh button. Take advantage of vacation days, sick days, and personal days to rejuvenate.
- Social: From tickets to local events and exciting company-sponsored events, regular outings and team-building events foster our spirit of collaboration.
- Amazon discount: As part of the Amazon family, Audible employees are entitled to a discount on products on Amazon.
- Fitness: Discounted sports clubs or fitness reimbursements.
Who they’re looking for:
Software Engineers, Director of People Analytics, Strategic Advisors, and more!
ServiceNow—Making the world of work, work better for people
What they do:
ServiceNow is a cloud computing platform that delivers digital workflows that create great experiences and unlock productivity.
Why we like them:
“We strive for a fair system of opportunity and treatment for all. Competitive health, wellness benefits, zero-tolerance for any kind of discrimination, and protection from social stigmas such as mental health are core to our values and beliefs.”
Who they’re looking for:
Accounting Managers, Sales Representatives, Product Managers, and more!
OfferUp—Buy. Sell. Simple.
What they do:
OfferUp the largest mobile marketplace for local buyers and sellers in the U.S., that offers iOS and Android apps that make selling an item as easy as snapping a picture from your mobile device.
Why we like them:
“We’re a diverse team with diverse passions and skills, but we’re united by a shared commitment to helping people accomplish their goals through the power of peer-to-peer commerce.
Our company culture makes us unique. At the best companies in the world, work and life aren’t just balanced, they’re blended. Team outings, virtual celebrations and lunch-n-learns, informal gatherings, and family events keep our neighborly culture strong. We’re a diverse team with diverse passions and skills, but we’re united by a shared commitment to helping people accomplish their goals through the power of peer-to-peer commerce.”
Who they’re looking for:
Chief Technology Officer, Content Writers, Business Operations Analyst, and more!
Work & Co—Digital product design and development
What they do:
Work & Co is a digital product agency that defines and launches digital experiences people love using every day.
Why we like them:
Some of their benefits include:
- Zero Timesheets or expense reports
- 18 weeks paid parental leave
- 100% health, dental, vision coverage (they also pay your entire monthly premium and cover 70% for spouses, partners, and dependents)
- Nonelective 3% match (they contribute to every person’s retirement account regardless of their own contribution)
Who they’re looking for:
Designers, Technology Directors, Marketing and Communication Leads, and more!
Relativity—Organize data, discover the truth, and act on it
What they do:
“We create intuitive software that helps law firms, government agencies, financial institutions and other major corporations quickly find the truth in data.”
Why we like them:
Relativity's software helps users organize data and quickly identify key issues during litigation, internal investigations, and compliance projects. They offer their employees great benefits like:
- Competitive healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability plans
- Hybrid work model: In-office once we re-open, fully remote, or a mixture of both
- Unlimited Time off
- 401k matching
- 12 weeks of 100% paid leave for the primary caregiver and 6 weeks of 100% paid leave for the secondary caregiver
- 2 week-long company breaks in the winter and summer
- Wellness perks such as virtual yoga classes, financial wellness sessions, access to meditation apps, etc.
Who they’re looking for:
Software Engineers, Marketing Managers, Customer Success Managers, and more!
GoTo—We live the work-from-anywhere life, too
What they do:
GoTo provides the most-comprehensive, secure, and flexible suite of products to help businesses embrace remote work, learning and customer engagement.
Why we like them:
“For bold and creative individuals, LogMeIn provides limitless growth opportunities. We hire extraordinary talent who continually seek opportunities to tackle challenges. We pride ourselves on an inclusive culture and collaborative spirit. Speaking up and listening to others is not just encouraged here, but expected.
We thrive together and champion each other’s successes, providing our employees with rich experiences to help them develop resiliency and skills; positioning them to grow into future roles either inside or outside GoTo.”
Who they’re looking for:
Technical Writers, Global Markets, Compliance Leads, and more!
Autodesk—We make software for people who make things
What they do:
Autodesk is a global leader in design and technology.
Why we like them:
“At Autodesk, we believe flexibility in where and how work gets done will better enable our people to thrive and realize their potential. While most roles may be required to be in the office, we also have roles that are home-based, and hybrid. From implementing virtual learning platforms to promote personal/professional development, to virtual marathons, DIY craft kits, scavenger hunts to virtual wine tasting and everything in between – we’re doing our best to champion for a workplace culture that spanning boundaries and borders. That’s #Autodesklife.”
Who they’re looking for:
Engineers, UX Designers, Business Analysts, and more!
Veracode—Keeping your business confidently secure
What they do:
Veracode delivers the application security solutions and services today’s software-driven world requires.
Why we like them:
“Veracoders are dedicated to creating a world where the software fueling our economic growth and solving some of society's greatest challenges is developed secure from the start.”
Here are some great reasons to join Veracode:
- PEOPLE & TEAM: Veracoders help their peers grow, achieve, and see the best in themselves.
- CHALLENGING & INTERESTING WORK: Veracoders are passionate about solving one of the most important challenges facing our digital world, securing the software changing our world.
- INDUSTRY-LEADING TECHNOLOGIES: We are the pioneer in the AppSec market and a continued leader in secure development innovations
Who they’re looking for:
Sales Leads, Talent Acquisition Partners, Product Managers, and more!
Unstoppable Domains—Building decentralized digital identities for the world
What they do:
Unstoppable Domains brings user-controlled identity to 3 billion+ internet users by issuing domain names on the blockchain.
Why we like them:
“Unstoppable Domains’ remote, international team is made up of a wide range of diverse experiences, languages, cultures, nationalities and backgrounds. We are proud to be an inclusive employer with team members in over 18 countries.”
They’ve also offer benefits:
- Equity in the company
- Annual work from home stipend
- Crypto education program
- Full medical, dental and vision coverage
Who they’re looking for:
Art Directors, Community Managers, Growth Marketers, and more!
Helm—A team of scientists, designers, engineers, and campaigners
What they do:
Helm is building a data and technology platform for organizers and issue advocates.
Why we like them:
“We are assembling a team who understands, shares values with, learns alongside, and stands with the people who are doing the work to change the nation. We are seeking team members who want to see a more equitable future in their lifetime, and who have the passion and skills to help us get there.”
They’ve also got incredible benefits like:
- Comprehensive health plans
- Unlimited PTO
- Paid parental leave
- Paid volunteer time
- 401K
- Stipend to enhance your home office
Who they’re looking for:
DevOps Engineers, Account Managers, Customer Support Analysts, and more!
Lattice—Making work meaningful
What they do:
Lattice is the people management platform that empowers people leaders to build engaged, high-performing teams that love coming to work.
Why we like them:
“We’re growing extremely quickly, hitting all of our financial targets for the last 2 years. We also have a negative net retention rate, meaning customers are staying and growing with us.”
They’ve also got incredible benefits like:
- 401(k) package
- Maternity & Paternity leave
- Medical / Dental / Vision insurance
- Flexible equity terms
- Commuter benefits
- Learning & Development reimbursement
- Flexible time off
Who they’re looking for:
UX Writers, Account Executives, Program Managers, and more!
MongoDB—Build faster. Build smarter.
What they do:
MongoDB transforms industries and empowers developers to build amazing apps that people use every day.
Why we like them:
At MongoDB, you can grow your career in the direction that you want it to, gain new skills, experiences, and relationships that will stay with you forever.
Some of their stand-out benefits include:
- Mental health counseling and resources, and complimentary Headspace (meditation app) access
- Rich health insurance coverage, including Transgender-inclusive coverage
- Fertility and adoption financial assistance
- 20 weeks of fully paid gender-neutral parental leave, parental counseling for new parents, and flexible work arrangements
- 4 weeks of emergency care leave
- Global and internal mobility opportunities
- Equity and Employee Stock Purchase Program
Who they’re looking for:
Sales and Technical Recruiters, Product Designers, Engineers, and more!
Uber—Move the way you want
What they do:
Uber is a mobility service provider that constantly reimagines how we can move better.
Why we like them:
“We welcome people from all backgrounds who seek the opportunity to help build a future where everyone and everything can move independently. We publicly support policies that drive diversity and inclusion in the countries where we operate so that people everywhere have the right to live, work, and be their authentic selves.”
They’ve also got incredible benefits like:
- Unlimited PTO policy
- Maternity and parental leave
- Monthly Uber credits
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
Who they’re looking for:
Marketing Leads, Account Representatives, Operations Specialists, and more!
Guru—Organize company information and access it anywhere
What they do:
Guru reinvents the way people connect with meaningful information at work by providing customer-facing teams access to expert-verified information where they work and when they need it most.
Why we like them:
“At Guru, our core values bind us together, influence how we work.”
They’ve got incredible benefits like:
- Competitive salary
- Employee Stock Option Plan
- Generous health and commuter benefits
- Dog Friendly Office
- 401k Program
- The chance to contribute to an upbeat, fully engaged culture
Who they’re looking for:
Marketing Leads, Sales Development Representatives, Web Designers, and more!
Don't see what you're looking for? Check out a fill list of 5,000+ open remote roles here!
Plex’s Camelia Roman on Perfectionism and Remote Work
Camelia Roman knows that perfect is overrated—and she’s keeping that in mind as she works on several DIY home-improvement projects.
“I have big plans for microcement. We’ll see how it goes!” says Camelia, smiling.
The Android developer at global media streaming company Plex believes in the power of experimentation in more than just her home improvement projects. It’s something she’s kept front of mind throughout her career.
“Don't demand perfection from others, or yourself. That’s very common nowadays. We’ve all looked for perfection for so long. And we’ve finally learned that it’s not the way to go,” says Camelia, referencing lessons learned during the pandemic.
We sat down with the Romania-born and -based developer to hear more about what she’s learned over the years, including what advice she has for other developers building their careers remotely.
Finding Her Space
Camelia liked math in high school, and when she entered college, she set out on a dual path: psychology and computer science.
Two years in, her program required her to get some on-the-job experience, so she found a role as an Android developer. The job helped her make a decision on her future path, and while she’s still interested in psychology, she satiates that interest via books and Ted Talks.
Camelia came to her current role by way of a startup that Plex acquired in 2017.
It meant going from being a team of one to one of many, but Camelia enjoyed that. “It was a bit intimidating, because at the previous startup, I was the only Android developer, and I was working alone. Here, I have very experienced colleagues, and I was wondering if I would be able to keep up,” she says.
She did, though, and has been thriving at Plex for over five years now.
“I was happy for the change,” she says. “When I met with one of the founders and the CEO, it sounded like an awesome place. And after all these years, I still think it’s true.”
5 Tips on Thriving While Remote
Plex has a headquarters in California, but it’s always been a fully remote company. Here are the guiding principles that help Camelia find success at work, even while working with colleagues in different countries:
- Practically, always have a video backup. “Most people have had those problems: internet stops working, your dog starts barking, computer crashes, et cetera. I’ve learned the hard way to have a video prepared that I can share in case my presentation doesn’t work as I would have wanted it to,” says Camelia, sharing that she once had this problem and accidentally autoplayed a video of her cat to her entire company. “Even though everyone was very understanding, it’s still better to have a video or PowerPoint of what you want to share instead of dealing with whatever the remote demo gods will throw your way!”
- Have the right attitude. “It’s common sense, but accept that we are all humans. We make mistakes, we should own our mistakes, we should fix them and learn something from them if we can, and then move on,” she says.
- If you’re having trouble focusing, let your workflow change as needed. It’s normal for personal to-dos to creep into the workday, says Camelia. But the nice thing about working remotely is being able to control your own schedule, and it’s good to take advantage of that. She gives an example: “Maybe my mom’s coming over and I haven’t done the dishes. Instead of looking at my watch and saying, ‘Okay, in one hour, my mom will come; in 50 minutes, my mom will come,’ it’s better to just wash the dishes and be done with it.”
- Approach imposter syndrome with gratitude. “My colleagues are very experienced and very smart, and instead of being overwhelmed by that, which sometimes happens, it’s better to be grateful that you have something to learn from them, and to take advantage of that,” says Camelia.
- Ask for the help you need—and give it, too. Even now, years into her career, Camelia regularly finds herself confronted with things she doesn’t know. When that happens, she first goes online and looks for help. Her second port of call is her colleagues. “I still have a lot to learn, and that’s what makes me happy, in a way. I’m not stagnating,” she says. “And it’s good to remind ourselves that there’s always something you can learn, or something that you can teach. Teaching is very rewarding, too.”
If learning and teaching at Plex sounds appealing, check out their open roles!
Remote Job Interview Tips From a Recruiter at Splunk
💎 Prepare for a remote job interview with these tips from a Splunk recruiter. Watch the video to the end to learn about the company’s application process and how you should toot your own horn to stand out!
📼 Yes, that’s right- a remote job interview is the place to toot your own horn! Get super-valuable tips from Sophia Hall, a Senior Recruiter for Sales at Splunk, who’ll take you through the company values and culture and help you with some insights into the interview process.
📼 How should you prepare for a remote job interview? The first recruiter tip is to be well prepared: If you can show how you researched the company, the role, and the interviewer themselves, that means you'll want to learn as much as possible about Splunk's products, their go-to-market strategy, competitors, and challenges. And this is what recruiters like Sophia want to see! You can find a lot of great info on Splunk's website, on their YouTube channels (there’s a bunch of them!), and by researching what customers and analysts have to say about the company. Make sure that you review the job description and familiarize yourself with the skills and experiences the particular role demands. And don’t forget to look up your interviewer on LinkedIn, and learn as much as you can about them. Finding something in common is always a great way to break the ice at the beginning of an interview!
📼 Prepare the setting for your remote job interview with these tips: First and most importantly, make sure that you're in a quiet space. Do show up on time! Ensure that you have a clear connection and the most recent version of whatever software you'll need to avoid any technical snags. What about the dress code? Casual is completely fine. Splunk’s a tech company, so there's absolutely no need to wear a suit. Do treat the interview like a regular one. Don't get distracted by notifications on your computer or your phone! Keep in mind that they can be just as distracting to your interviewer as they are to you.
Remote Job Interview Tips - Showcase Your Skills
Splunk is a remote-first company. When Sophia’s interviewing people for remote roles, she’s looking to assess their passion and efficiency in working from home. She might ask about the different tools for collaboration that they've used in the past, such as Slack, Salesforce, email, Asana, JIRA, and more. Most importantly, what Splunk is looking for is your passion for working remotely.
🧑💼 Are you interested in joining Splunk? They have open positions! To learn more, click here.
More About Splunk
Splunk Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLK) brings data to every question, decision, and action to help #TurnDataIntoDoing. The Splunk platform is designed to remove barriers between data and action so that everyone thrives in the Data Age. Splunk is empowering IT, DevOps, and security teams to transform their organizations with data from any source and on any timescale. With more than 7,500+ employees in 27 offices worldwide, they’re building a future where data provides clarity, elevates discussion, and accelerates progress for innovators in IT, security, DevOps, and more.