Have you ever dreamed of working from a beach in Bali or a café in Paris? How about working to the relaxing sounds of ocean waves in the background?
Turns out, you’re not alone. In fact, most people (77%) have thought about living a nomadic lifestyle at some point.
A digital nomad is someone who works remotely and travels full time. But just what motivates people to take the leap to full-time traveler and what does the future of remote work look like? We surveyed 2,060 Americans to get to the bottom of these questions.
Let’s uncover the most popular destinations for digital nomads, the challenges they face and the surprising benefits they enjoy. Whether you’re a full-time traveler or just curious about the lifestyle, these digital nomad statistics will give you a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle.
Key digital nomad statistics
The allure of the digital nomad lifestyle is undeniable. Picture swapping your daily commute for a scenic hike or trading your office desk for a beachfront workspace. It’s a dream many have, and the statistics show just how widespread this aspiration is.
Key statistics reveal that while the majority of people are interested in becoming digital nomads, most haven’t taken the leap just yet.
- 77% of Americans have thought about becoming a digital nomad at some point in their lives. (Skyscanner)
- Most aspiring digital nomads (51%) would prefer to work a full-time remote job compared to just 19% who would prefer freelance or contract work. (Skyscanner)
- There are 134.4 million full-time employees in the United States, of which 17.3 million are digital nomads. This means digital nomads represent nearly 13% of the U.S. workforce. (Statista, Statista)
- Roughly 2 in 5 digital nomads worldwide are either freelancers or self-employed. (Statista)
- 14% of global trips taken by digital nomads were to the United States. (Statista)
- The United States is the most visited country by the digital nomad population, with Thailand and Spain close behind. (Statista)
Digital nomad demographic statistics
So, who are digital nomads exactly? Are they young adventurers or seasoned professionals seeking a change of pace? The data suggests that most digital nomads are from the United States and are between 30 and 39 years old. Additionally, the majority of digital nomads are not in a relationship, which aligns with the flexibility and independence that often come with a travel-focused lifestyle.
- 37% of digital nomads are Millennials, while Gen X makes up 27% and Gen Z follows at 21%. (Statista)
- Most digital nomads earn between $50,000 and $250,000 U.S. dollars per year. (Statista)
- The average digital nomad salary is $123,956, while the median is $85,000. (Nomad List)
- Nearly half of all digital nomads are from the United States. (Statista)
- Men account for roughly six in ten digital nomads worldwide. (Statista)
- 59% of digital nomads identify as white, while 14% identify as Asian, 12% as Latin and 7% as Black. (Statista, Nomad List)
- Over half (53%) of all digital nomads worldwide are between 30 to 39, compared to 22% who are under 30. (Statista)
- 9 in 10 surveyed digital nomads worldwide had a higher education, with around 54% holding a bachelor’s degree. (Statista)
Digital nomad job outlook statistics
With millions already embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and projections indicating even more to come, it’s clear that remote work is here to stay. But just how many digital nomads are there currently? And, how do these travel trends fit into the future of work?
There are an estimated 40 million digital nomads worldwide, 17.3 million of which are from the United States. These numbers are expected to grow steadily over the next six years, driving significant shifts in traditional workplace culture and location independence.
- The number of digital nomads in the United States increased by 10 million over three years. (Statista)
- Experts predict that the digital nomad population will continue growing, reaching around 60 million by 2030. (WYSE)
- In the United States, a larger proportion of digital nomads (around 60%) hold traditional jobs compared to the global average of 40%. (Statista)
- The number of U.S. traditional job holders who were digital nomads declined by 4% from the previous year, reaching less than 11 million. (Statista)
- Meanwhile, the count of independent workers embracing the digital nomad lifestyle increased by 14%. (Statista)
Just 8% of aspiring digital nomads would prefer to start their own business
Despite the demand for work-life flexibility, just 8% of those surveyed would prefer starting their own business. This could be due to the fact that 59% of people interested in becoming digital nomads are most concerned about income fluctuations and unexpected expenses, which are often associated with running an online business.
Top digital nomad challenges
While the digital nomad lifestyle offers unparalleled freedom, it’s not without its challenges. From navigating time zone differences to combating loneliness, there are unique hurdles to overcome.
While it’s no surprise that loneliness and the constant need to adapt are top concerns, technical difficulties are an unexpected hurdle for many.
- 45% of people believe loneliness and isolation are the biggest challenges of being a digital nomad. (Skyscanner)
- Aspiring digital nomads are also concerned about constant travel, time zone differences, technical difficulties and burnout. (Skyscanner)
45% believe loneliness would be the hardest part of being a digital nomad
The constant change of scenery and lack of a fixed community can lead to feelings of isolation for some digital nomads. The nomadic lifestyle often involves frequent relocation, which can lead to feelings of rootlessness and difficulty establishing routines. One study found that 22% of remote workers struggle with unplugging after work, which can worsen feelings of lack of support and routine.
Popular digital nomad cities
From bustling metropolises to tranquil beach towns, certain destinations have become magnets for digital nomads. But what are the most visited digital nomad cities, and what makes them so appealing? Surprisingly, the data reveals a strong preference for domestic travel among American digital nomads.
In fact, 51% of digital nomads plan to travel exclusively in the U.S., highlighting the appeal of the top cities and familiar surroundings.
However, international destinations continue to draw significant attention, with London leading the pack as the most visited city by digital nomads.
- London is the most visited city by digital nomads, accounting for roughly 2.3% of trips by digital nomads worldwide. (Statista)
- Bangkok and New York City are the second and third most frequently visited cities by digital nomads. (Statista)
- Berlin, Lisbon and Paris are also top destinations, accounting for 1.5% of trips by digital nomads. (Nomad List)
- When it comes to countries, Spain and Thailand are top international destinations, competing for 5% of trips by digital nomads. (Nomad List)
Digital nomad lifestyle and benefits
The digital nomad lifestyle isn’t just about where you work; it’s about how you work and live. Being a digital nomad offers a unique blend of freedom, flexibility and adventure. From bustling city centers to remote mountaintops, or even the open road in a van, digital nomads are redefining what it means to work and live.
Of the many benefits of being a digital nomad, many agree that freedom and flexibility are the biggest advantages. However, aspiring nomads are also keen on the financial benefits that come with the digital nomad life. In fact, living and working from a location with an affordable cost of living is one of the best budget hacks for long-term travel.
- The cost of living and an accessible internet connection were the main factors in choosing a location for digital nomads. (Statista)
- 35% cite financial benefits as their primary motivation for becoming a digital nomad, with work-life balance as the second most popular motivation. (Skyscanner)
- Most aspiring travelers (54%) would change locations every 3 months or sooner. (Skyscanner)
- 1 in 4 people believe the flexibility to work from any location is the main remote work benefit. (Statista)
- Over 2.5 million digital nomads live, work and travel in a van — also referred to as VanLifers. (Statista)
1 in 4 aspiring digital nomads wish they could travel 6 months out of the year
For many, the allure of the digital nomad lifestyle lies in the freedom to travel extensively. And while the majority of aspiring digital nomads would aim to travel to a new location at least once every 3 months, 25% would prefer to travel less frequently every 6 to 12 months.
Start your nomadic lifestyle today
While becoming a digital nomad comes with its own set of challenges, the rewards — from exploring new cultures to achieving a better work-life balance — can be immensely fulfilling.
If you’re feeling the pull of the nomadic life, there’s no better time to start planning your next trip. But preparation is key. Research potential destinations, embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and most importantly, enjoy the freedom to design a life that truly resonates with you.
Ready to take the leap? Start exploring flight options on Skyscanner today and turn your nomadic dreams into reality.
Methodology
The survey of 2,060 adults ages 18 and over was conducted via SurveyMonkey Audience for Skyscanner on September 10, 2024. Data is unweighted and the margin of error is approximately +/-3% for the overall sample with a 95% confidence level.
FAQ
A digital nomad is someone who travels to different locations while working and doesn’t have a permanent home. Most digital nomads work remotely, although that’s not always the case.
There are currently 17.3 million digital nomads in the United States alone and an estimated 40 million globally.
Yes, digital nomads are on the rise. The number of digital nomads in the United States increased by 10 million in three years, with projected growth of around 60 million expected by 2030.
The average digital nomad is between 30 and 39 years old. Millennials make up 37% of digital nomads while Gen X makes up 27%.
The average digital nomad salary is $123,956, while the median is $85,000.