7 Fascinating Insights and Statistics About Digital Nomads You Didn’t Know

In my recent exploration of the nomadic lifestyle trend, I compiled information regarding digital nomads across the globe. Though some data sources may lack comprehensive coverage, they certainly pique curiosity! You can find links to some of the more intriguing statistics below:

• Nomadlist's 2023 Insight on the State of Digital Nomads
• Report from MBO Partners
• Report from Pumble

I’ll share my reflections below after reviewing the reports.

Fact #1

On average, individuals relocate to a new city about every few months, typically ranging from one to three months. This distinction helps illuminate the difference between a nomad and an emigrant, as nomads often move on a whim rather than out of necessity.

Fact #2

The demographic of digital nomads tends to skew between the ages of 30 and 40, which is quite expected: they usually possess the qualifications for maintaining a stable income but haven't yet settled down to raise children. Interestingly, various studies suggest that around one-quarter of these nomads are parents, which is a significant figure!

Fact #3

Graphs consistently indicate a surge in the population of global nomads; this apparent trend is quite obvious to anyone observing. However, having over a decade of experience as a nomad and more than 20 years in remote work, I believe that growth will be minimal in the near future. In fact, it could potentially decline: employers might notice a drop in productivity in one of two ways while nomads relish a fleeting phase of adventure.

By the way, I’m curious about the stats on how long people stay as nomads! I suspect that the increasing numbers of newcomers are contributing to this trend more than the longevity of existing nomads under this lifestyle.

Fact #4

Interestingly, the proportion of full-time workers among nomads hovers around 35% to 50%! The remainder comprises freelancers, contractors, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and various other creative types. I've long believed there's a connection between nomadism and freelancing; those who lead stationary lives tend to struggle with uncertainty. Conversely, freelancing nomads often find the routines of daily life to be quite stifling.

You might want to reflect on your preferences here: if active nomadism doesn't appeal to you, then the freedoms of self-directed work likely won't suit you either—consider seeking out more traditional full-time employment instead.

Fact #5

According to several reports, the median annual salary for digital nomads falls between $70,000 and $90,000. However, these figures primarily reflect American nomads! For those from Russia, I would estimate the monthly median income to be around $2,500, with a preference for less demanding locations.

The dominant profession among nomads is undoubtedly in the IT sector. Even the increasingly popular profession of female nomads, like psychology, aligns with IT in many ways, primarily involving support for anxious and burnt-out tech professionals.

Fact #6

Hotspots for American digital nomads include Mexico, Portugal, Spain, and others. It's essential to approach such statistics with caution! The experience of an American nomad differs significantly from the Asian experience and doesn't capture the joys of areas like the south of France or Italy. In these instances, I'd recommend seeking opinions from like-minded individuals rather than purely relying on averaged data.

Fact #7

After examining any set of statistics, I can’t help but ponder, “What startup opportunities might emerge from this?” It's evident that while remote work and nomadism will continue to evolve, the rapid growth imagined by optimists after the COVID boom may not unfold as expected. Firstly, it's doubtful that many startups will thrive in immigration-related sectors (like securing residency permits). Secondly, a wealth of opportunities are likely to arise in areas such as payroll and cross-border transactions, necessitating considerations of taxation, compliance, and regulations across nations. Finally, I don’t foresee a plethora of 'everyday' startup ideas servicing nomads—things like housing, rentals, delivery, etc. While a new Airbnb competitor may eventually emerge, it's likely that it'll need to secure substantial initial funding.

Wrap It Up

In essence, I envision a promising future—not so much due to the influx of individuals perpetually traversing different countries but rather because more people are transitioning away from being full-time employees, embracing a life offline. This shift brings with it the intricacies of tax returns, accounting, invoices, contracts, and a host of other responsibilities that previously, employers tended to handle for their employees!