🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Hobart, Australia home for a while, and I can confidently say it’s a hidden gem for remote workers. With a Nomad Score of 65/100, Hobart offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a growing digital nomad community. The city’s vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with a strong sense of community that makes it easy to connect with like-minded individuals. From the stunning waterfront to the surrounding mountains and forests, Hobart’s natural scenery is a constant source of inspiration. As a Hobart digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors, indulge in the local food and wine scene, and enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural events.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Hobart, digital nomads have a range of options to suit different lifestyles and preferences. Here are three of my top recommendations:
- Salamanca: This historic waterfront neighborhood is a hub for creatives and entrepreneurs, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to choose from. Salamanca Market, which takes place every Saturday, is a must-visit for its unique blend of local produce, crafts, and street food. Rent in Salamanca can range from $1,200 to $1,800 AUD ($850-$1,250 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Battery Point: This charming neighborhood is known for its picturesque streets, historic homes, and stunning views of the harbor. Battery Point is a bit more laid-back than Salamanca, but still offers plenty of amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and a local pub. Rent in Battery Point can range from $1,000 to $1,500 AUD ($700-$1,050 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- North Hobart: This vibrant neighborhood is a bit further from the city center, but offers a more affordable and eclectic lifestyle. North Hobart is home to a range of cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as a weekly farmers’ market. Rent in North Hobart can range from $800 to $1,200 AUD ($550-$850 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Hobart is relatively high compared to other Australian cities, but still affordable for digital nomads. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
- Rent: $1,464 AUD ($1,030 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: $15-$25 AUD ($10-$18 USD) per meal at a mid-range restaurant, or $50-$75 AUD ($35-$50 USD) per week for groceries
- Transport: $2.50 AUD ($1.80 USD) per ride on public transport, or $50-$75 AUD ($35-$50 USD) per week for a car rental
- Coworking: $200-$300 AUD ($140-$210 USD) per month for a desk at a coworking space
Overall, the cost of living in Hobart can range from $2,500 to $3,500 AUD ($1,800-$2,500 USD) per month, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
Internet & Coworking
Hobart’s internet speeds are relatively fast, with an average speed of 44 Mbps. As a digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of cafes and coworking spaces with reliable internet and comfortable workspaces. Some of my top recommendations include:
- The Space: A coworking space in the heart of Salamanca, with fast internet and a range of amenities, including meeting rooms and event spaces. Membership starts at $200 AUD ($140 USD) per month.
- The Foundry: A coworking space in North Hobart, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Membership starts at $250 AUD ($180 USD) per month.
- Pilgrim Coffee: A cafe in the city center, with fast internet and a range of coffee and food options. Prices start at $5 AUD ($3.50 USD) per cup of coffee.
Hobart’s digital nomad community is growing, with a range of meetups and events to connect with like-minded individuals. Some popular groups include:
- Hobart Digital Nomads: A Facebook group with over 500 members, hosting regular meetups and events.
- Tasmania Tech: A community group for tech professionals and entrepreneurs, hosting regular meetups and conferences.
- Hobart Entrepreneurs: A meetup group for entrepreneurs and small business owners, hosting regular events and workshops.
Culture & Lifestyle
Hobart’s culture and lifestyle are a unique blend of traditional and modern. As a digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to experience the local food and wine scene, including:
- Seafood: Hobart is famous for its fresh seafood, with a range of restaurants and markets serving up local delicacies like oysters, lobster, and salmon.
- Wine: Tasmania is home to a range of wineries and vineyards, with many offering wine tastings and tours.
- Festivals: Hobart hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Salamanca Market, the Hobart Festival, and the Dark MOFO festival.
Dating and nightlife in Hobart can be a bit more challenging, but there are still plenty of opportunities to meet new people and have fun. Some popular spots include:
- The Salamanca Arts Centre: A hub for arts and culture, with regular events and exhibitions.
- The Republic Bar: A popular bar and live music venue, with a range of local and national acts.
- The Grand Poobah: A cafe and bar with a range of coffee, food, and drinks, and a popular spot for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa or a working holiday visa to stay in Australia. The tourist visa (subclass 600) allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months, while the working holiday visa (subclass 417) allows you to stay for up to 12 months and work in certain industries. There is no specific digital nomad visa for Australia, but you may be eligible for a temporary skilled migration visa (subclass 457) if you have a sponsor and meet certain requirements.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads in Hobart:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a range of providers, including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. Prices start at $10 AUD ($7 USD) per month for a basic plan.
- Transport: Hobart has a range of public transport options, including buses and ferries. You can purchase a Myki card for $10 AUD ($7 USD) and top it up with credit.
- Safety: Hobart is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Hobart has a temperate climate, with cool winters and mild summers. Be sure to pack layers for your visit, and take advantage of the city’s many parks and outdoor spaces.