
New Zealand and Japan are top choices for Aussie Digital Nomads
YouGov survey: IT professionals leading Australia's Digital Nomad movement
A recent YouGov survey has revealed that New Zealand and Japan have emerged as the most popular destinations for Australians aspiring to work as digital nomads.
The survey, conducted between June 6 and 10, 2024, involved a national sample of 830 Australians and found that almost one in three Australians (29 percent) have previously worked as digital nomads, with an additional 41 percent considering this lifestyle.
Digital Nomad definition and preferences
For the purpose of this poll, a ‘Digital Nomad’ was defined as someone who travels freely for an extended period (at least one week) while working remotely using technology and the internet.
Among those who have worked or would consider working as digital nomads, New Zealand topped the list of preferred destinations, with 50 percent of respondents selecting it. Japan followed closely, chosen by 41 percent of respondents, while Singapore was also a popular choice, desired by 34 percent.
Popular fields among Digital Nomads
The survey highlighted that Australians working in IT and computer-related fields, such as coding, web design, and software development, were the most likely to have worked as digital nomads, with 30 percents of digital nomads engaged in these professions.
Creative roles, including scriptwriting and filmmaking, accounted for 21 percent, and financial services made up 18 percent, rounding out the top three fields.
Interestingly, vlogging and social media influencing roles were held by only 11 percent of digital nomads.
Perceived benefits and challenges
The benefits of the digital nomad lifestyle were widely acknowledged, with 95 percent of those who had experienced it citing notable advantages. The ability to work flexibly (45 percent) and enjoy travel without taking time off work (44 percent) were the most commonly mentioned benefits.
Similarly, those who had not worked as digital nomads identified flexible working arrangements (62 percent) and the benefits of travel without taking time off work (62 percent) as appealing aspects of the lifestyle.
However, the lifestyle is not without its challenges. Among digital nomads, 87 percent admitted facing difficulties, with 37 percent struggling with being away from friends and family for extended periods and 34 percent finding it challenging to organise travel logistics such as accommodation and visas.
Non-digital nomads also recognised potential difficulties, with 58 percent citing extended absences from family and friends and 51 percent concerned about communication issues with colleagues.
Survey methodology
The YouGov survey utilised an online questionnaire designed by YouGov and was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 830 Australians. Data figures were weighted by age, gender, and location to represent all working and/or retired adults in Australia (18 years or older), according to the latest population estimates provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.