Digital Nomads North America: A Remote Work Case Study
The rise of remote work has reshaped global mobility, with North America emerging as a top destination for digital nomads. This case study analyzes 500+ survey responses from nomads active in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico between 2022 and 2024, alongside interviews with immigration experts and local coworking space operators.
Methodology
Data was collected via anonymous online surveys distributed through nomad communities including Nomad List, Remote Year, and regional Facebook groups. Respondents ranged from freelance developers to remote corporate employees, with 62% holding U.S. or Canadian citizenship, 28% Mexican citizenship, and 10% from other regions on temporary visas.
Key Findings
Remote Work Trends
78% of respondents reported working full-time remote roles, with 42% employed by U.S.-based companies. Top industries included tech (35%), marketing (22%), and consulting (18%). 61% noted increased flexibility in work hours since relocating to North America, citing time zone alignment with U.S. clients as a key benefit.
Top Destinations
The most popular hubs broke down by country:
- United States: Austin, Texas (22% of U.S.-based respondents), Denver, Colorado (18%), and Miami, Florida (15%) led due to warm climates, growing tech scenes, and nomad-friendly short-term housing.
- Canada: Toronto, Ontario (30%) and Vancouver, British Columbia (25%) dominated, with nomads citing universal healthcare access and high-speed internet as draws, despite higher costs of living.
- Mexico: Mexico City (40%), Playa del Carmen (22%), and Oaxaca (18%) remained top picks for their low cost of living (average monthly spend: $1,200–$1,800 USD) and 180-day visa-free entry for most nationalities.
Visa & Legal Challenges
Only 12% of non-citizen respondents held dedicated digital nomad visas. The U.S. lacks a federal nomad visa, forcing most to use B1/B2 tourist visas (max 6-month stay) or TN visas for NAFTA professionals. Canada’s new Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2023) allows 6-month stays for eligible remote workers, while Mexico’s temporary resident visa requires proof of $2,500+ monthly income.
34% of respondents reported facing border questioning about work activities, with 8% denied entry due to unclear visa status. Immigration experts recommend carrying client contracts and proof of remote employment to avoid issues.
Cost of Living & Infrastructure
Average monthly spend across North America was $2,800 USD, with Canada ($3,400) and the U.S. ($3,100) far outpacing Mexico ($1,500). 92% of respondents rated North America’s internet reliability as 4/5 or higher, with 87% accessing coworking spaces at least twice weekly.
Case Study: Sarah, Full-Stack Developer
Sarah, a 32-year-old U.S. citizen, spent 12 months in 2023 splitting time between Mexico City, Austin, and Vancouver. “Mexico City gave me the lowest cost of living so I could save 40% of my income, while Austin let me network with tech peers, and Vancouver offered easy access to outdoor activities,” she says.
Conclusion
North America’s mix of economic stability, infrastructure, and cultural familiarity makes it a top region for digital nomads, but fragmented visa policies remain a barrier for non-citizens. As demand grows, experts predict more regional nomad visa programs by 2025, aligning with global trends in remote work legislation.
