Top 10 states to work from as a digital nomad
|
State |
Mean Hourly Wage (US$) |
Mean Annual Wage (US$) |
Total employment for 2024 |
Number of tech institutions |
Internet Speed Score (/10) |
Tech-savvy score (/100) |
|
|
1 |
Washington |
64.87 |
134,925 |
206,821 |
30 |
4.27 |
89.50 |
|
2 |
California |
79.29 |
164,917 |
734,953 |
144 |
4.68 |
88.40 |
|
3 |
District of Columbia |
59.41 |
123,553 |
51,584 |
6 |
8.89 |
87.90 |
|
4 |
Massachusetts |
61.62 |
128,144 |
159,698 |
42 |
7.49 |
87.60 |
|
5 |
Virginia |
60.6 |
126,031 |
258,434 |
25 |
5.03 |
87.40 |
|
6 |
Maryland |
60.83 |
126,529 |
147,769 |
12 |
7.95 |
86.90 |
|
7 |
Colorado |
61.91 |
128,762 |
135,369 |
10 |
3.45 |
84.10 |
|
8 |
New York |
61.28 |
127,453 |
297,976 |
77 |
6.90 |
80.80 |
|
9 |
New Jersey |
58.54 |
121,764 |
173,233 |
17 |
8.66 |
78.20 |
|
10 |
Rhode Island |
59.76 |
124,299 |
17,598 |
7 |
9.47 |
75.20 |
Ranking as the best state for digital nomads to work from is Washington, with a tech-savvy score of 89.50 out of 100. It has the highest rate of remote workers proving to be an excellent base for career-driven enthusiasts wanting to experience a change of scenery.
On average nomads spend around a week in this state before moving on, and whilst a hotel may seem luxurious, using an airbnb can save you $371 per week, meaning more room for eating out ($20), coffees ($5) and exploring the ever-so popular remote working area that is Columbia Heights.
Recognised as the global capital of high technology, California places as the second state with a total tech-savvy score of 88.40. For remote workers looking to stay here, basic utilities will cost $147.99 a month, not including the most essential item, Wifi, which will cost around $66.18 on average per month, despite the internet speed only ranking 4.68 out of 10.
The so-called Golden State hosts the largest concentration of tech companies (144) and therefore makes a great location for digital nomads looking to immerse themselves around other like minded tech enthusiasts.
Famous for its highly skilled labour and strong talent pool, the District of Columbia ranks as a great option for digital nomads, placing third with an overall tech-savvy score of 87.90 out of 100.
The state offers 251 coworking spaces in total, and whilst April to October is the best time to visit, staying long term in a studio apartment will cost $3328 a month compared to an Airbnb at a whopping $4452 a month.
Christoph. C. Cemper, on behalf of AIPRM, shared his insight on the states that use technology the most:
“In today’s society, the internet has become a vital tool for communication and information with over half of the global population using it. But as the US technology market is continuously growing and adapting, it is interesting to note which states place as the most tech-savvy for digital nomads.
“With most major technology companies stationed in the United States, new talent is almost always being seeked out indicating there is a fair chance for tech enthusiasts. Washington State is the home to many of these successful companies like Amazon and Microsoft, and thus attracts a very tech savvy demographic. More importantly, ‘The Valley’, in California which is famous for being the capital of high technology, did not rank as number one much to my surprise. It is interesting to see how the tech industry is continuing to grow across the United States as a whole.”
Featured Photo by Windows on Unsplash.