Málaga, Spain Ranked No. 2 City In The World For Digital Nomads

One good thing that the COVID-19 pandemic taught us is that it is possible to work from anywhere as digital nomads. Obviously, each location has varying benefits, with some being expensive, like the number one location, Dubai. According to the Executive Nomad Index, while Dubai is number one, a new addition is Málaga, Spain in second place. One of the best assets of the Costa del Sol city is its quality of life, while it is also more affordable than the UAE city.

Málaga ranked No. 2 for digital nomads by Executive Nomad Index

While Savills Executive Nomad Index lists the best cities for high-end digital nomads, the choice of Málaga in second position is worthy. Yes, it still has the attractions for higher-end folk, but it is also a great choice for the everyday digital nomad, who wants to sit at the beach and work away.

Meanwhile, according to Savills, beaches do play a big part in the choice, as many of the top locations are coastal. However, the cities are also ranked on the vibrancy, culture and networking opportunities available.

This year is the first time that Málaga has been ranked on the Executive Nomad Index and quality of life there is its main asset. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca also made the list.

Best 20 locations for digital nomads:

1. Dubai
2. Málaga
3. Miami
4. Abu Dhabi
5. Lisbon
6. Barbados
7. Barcelona
8. Palma de Mallorca
9. Algarve
10. Saint Lucia
11. Cayman Islands
12. Dubrovnik
13. Malta
14. Antigua
15. Côte d’Azur
16. Mauritius
17. Athens
18. Cyprus
19. Bahamas
20. Tuscany

As for Málaga, it has gained visibility due to the effect the city has on other multinational companies, such as Vodaphone, Globant and Citi. However, in the report, Savills has ranked Málaga due to the “wave of executives converted into digital nomads since the pandemic.”

Each city in the Executive Nomad Index has a score in five sections, including Internet speed, quality of life, climate, air connectivity and available high-end rental housing. In the scoring, Málaga achieved a total of 32.38 points, just two points less than the number one city, Dubai.

Meanwhile, the Costa del Sol city achieved the highest score (10.38) for quality of life. The score was also high (8.06) for Internet connectivity and prime rentals (5.26). Meanwhile, when it comes to climate, Málaga scored 4.45, above Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but below exotic destinations like Barbados, St. Lucia, Cayman Islands or Miami.

Digital nomad visa program or equivalent

According to Savills, all 20 locations in the ranking have “a digital nomad visa program or equivalent, or are already part of a large economic bloc that allows the free movement of people to live or work; they offer favorable climates all year round, a high quality of life and have established first class, residential markets.”

In the report, it was noted that Málaga has become a major cultural and tourist destination, “known for its superlative museums and beautiful old city.” José Félix Pérez-Peña, director of Savills Andalucía said:

The arrival of high-profile companies such as Google has given Málaga the seal of approval. All these companies say Málaga is the place to be and their reputation spreads by word of mouth.

Meanwhile, the report said that Spain’s launch of its digital nomad visa in 2022 helped to take Málaga into second place.

This, along with the city’s beaches, climate, gastronomy and culture, along with its comparatively affordable rental market helped the win. Moreover, the city’s international airport is within easy reach of the city center. Savills also mentioned that a direct flight from New York to Málaga was launched earlier this year.

Of course, the city is within easy driving distance of all the best Costa del Sol beach towns and inland cities like Ronda and Ojén for a delightful day off.

Read more about the Executive Nomad Index on Savill’s website.