Quick Answer

Nomads.com (formerly Nomad List) is a crowdsourced database of thousands of cities worldwide, specifically analyzed for remote work suitability. Created by Pieter Levels, it aggregates millions of data points-from internet speed and air quality to cost of living-to provide a real-time "Nomad Score" for each location. Key features include granular city data filtering, proprietary Nomad Score rankings, and a global community with chat and meetup features. Pricing is currently a one-time payment of approximately $19.99 for lifetime access. Verdict: If you're serious about the remote work lifestyle, Nomads.com is a no-brainer. The low cost of entry is worth avoiding bad destinations with poor Wi-Fi or high crime, and it saves hours of research while connecting you to a global network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

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Nomads.com Review: The Best Tool for Digital Nomads

The digital nomad lifestyle is no longer a fringe movement; it's a global shift. With over 18.1 million American workers identifying as digital nomads in 2024-a staggering 147% increase since 2019, the need for reliable data on where to live and work has never been higher.

Choosing a destination isn't just about pretty beaches; it's about Wi-Fi speeds, safety, cost of living, and community. That is where Nomads.com (formerly Nomad List) comes in. It is arguably the most famous resource for location-independent workers, but is it the right tool for you?

What is Nomads.com?

Nomads.com is a crowdsourced database of thousands of cities around the world, specifically analyzed for remote work suitability. It aggregates millions of data points-from internet speed and air quality to the cost of a cup of coffee-to give you a real-time "Nomad Score" for each location.

Unlike static travel guides, Nomads.com is dynamic. It updates constantly based on user input and API integrations, ensuring you know exactly what to expect before you book your flight.

The Founder

Nomads.com was built by Pieter Levels (@levelsio), a well-known figure in the indie maker and "build in public" community. Levels famously launched 12 startups in 12 months, with Nomad List (now Nomads.com) becoming one of its biggest successes.

His philosophy of minimalism and automation is baked into the platform. He runs the entire site with almost no staff, relying on code and community to keep it running. This "indie hacker" ethos resonates deeply with the user base, many of whom are bootstrapping their own SaaS companies or freelance businesses while traveling.

Key Features

• Granular City Data: You can filter cities by incredibly specific metrics, such as "Fast Internet," "Safe for Women," "High English Proficiency," or even "Legal Crypto."
• Nomad Score: A proprietary algorithm that ranks cities based on factors nomads care about most. Currently, cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Lisbon consistently rank near the top.
• Global Community: It's not just a directory; it's a social network. You can see who is in your city, join meetups, and connect with other remote workers via the platform's chat features.

Pricing

Nomads.com has experimented with various pricing models over the years, often using a subscription basis. However, currently, they are offering a very accessible structure:

• One-time payment: Approximately $19.99 (discounted from ~$39.98).
• Lifetime Access: This fee grants you access to the full community, chat, and detailed city data forever.

Note: Pricing is subject to change as the founder frequently tests new models.

Competitors & Alternatives

While Nomads.com is the market leader, there are other tools you might consider:

1. Numbeo: Excellent for raw cost-of-living data, but lacks the "nomad" context and community features.
2. Teleport: Formerly a strong competitor for moving data, though it has pivoted over the years.
3. Facebook Groups: "Digital Nomads around the World" groups are free but lack structured data and searchability.

The Verdict

If you are serious about the remote work lifestyle, Nomads.com is a no-brainer. The cost of entry is low compared to the value of avoiding a bad destination with poor Wi-Fi or high crime. It saves you hours of research and instantly plugs you into a global network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

From Finding a Home to Protecting Your Revenue

Many users of Nomads.com aren't just employees; they are founders, indie hackers, and SaaS owners building the next big thing from a cafe in Bali or a coworking space in Mexico City.

If you are running a digital business while traveling, you know that efficiency is everything. You automate your deployment, your marketing, and your support. But are you automating your revenue protection?

Nothing kills the "freedom lifestyle" faster than waking up to a wave of chargebacks or trial fraud that drains your bank account while you're trying to enjoy a new city.

1Capture: The "Stripe Partner" for Revenue Recovery

If you are selling a SaaS or digital product (perhaps one you built while browsing Nomads.com), you need 1Capture.

1Capture is a specialized revenue recovery tool that partners directly with Stripe to stop payment disputes before they happen. It's designed for the modern solopreneur or lean team who doesn't have time to fight banks manually.

Why Nomads & Founders Need 1Capture:

• Blocks "Serial Disputers": Instantly identifies and blocks customers who have a history of friendly fraud.
• Smart Charge Technology: Uses intelligent pre-authorization to ensure funds are available, reducing failed payments.
• 5-Minute Setup: You can integrate it with your Stripe account in the time it takes to order an espresso.
• Proven Growth: Users see an average of 3.7x revenue recovery after installing.

Don't let payment fraud ground your business. Secure your stack with 1Capture's fraud prevention and keep your cash flow positive, no matter where in the world you are working from. Learn more at the 1Capture Blog.