🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Kingston, Canada, my home for a while, and I can confidently say it’s a hidden gem for remote workers. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Kingston is an attractive destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. The city has a unique vibe, with a mix of old and new, from its historic limestone buildings to its modern waterfront developments. Kingston digital nomads will love the city’s laid-back atmosphere, making it easy to focus on work while still enjoying a high quality of life. With a population of 937,700, Kingston is large enough to offer all the amenities you need, but small enough to feel like a close-knit community.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Kingston, there are several options that are perfect for digital nomads. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Downtown Kingston: This is the heart of the city, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore. You’ll find a mix of old and new buildings, from historic limestone structures to modern condo developments. Rent prices are around $1,183 CAD ($900 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Williamsville: This charming neighborhood is just a short walk from downtown and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of parks, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a weekly farmers’ market during the summer months. Rent prices are around $1,200 CAD ($920 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Portsmouth Village: This historic neighborhood is located on the waterfront and offers stunning views of Lake Ontario. You’ll find a mix of old and new homes, as well as a few shops and restaurants. Rent prices are around $1,500 CAD ($1,150 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Kingston East: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just east of downtown and offers a more affordable option for digital nomads. You’ll find a mix of old and new homes, as well as a few shops and restaurants. Rent prices are around $1,000 CAD ($770 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Kingston is relatively low compared to other major cities in Canada. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: $1,183 CAD ($900 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: $15 CAD ($11 USD) for a meal at a mid-range restaurant, $3 CAD ($2.30 USD) for a coffee
- Transportation: $2 CAD ($1.50 USD) for a bus fare, $60 CAD ($45 USD) per month for a bus pass
- Coworking: $200 CAD ($150 USD) per month for a desk at a coworking space
Overall, the cost of living in Kingston is around 20-30% lower than in larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver. This makes it an attractive option for digital nomads looking to stretch their budget.
Internet & Coworking
Kingston has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 44 Mbps. You’ll find plenty of cafes and coworking spaces with reliable internet, including:
- The Kingston Public Library: This modern library offers free internet and a quiet workspace, making it a great spot for productivity.
- The Tett Centre: This community arts center offers coworking space, meeting rooms, and reliable internet.
- Innovation Park: This business park is home to a number of startups and offers coworking space, meeting rooms, and high-speed internet.
Some popular cafes with good internet include:
- The Common Market: This cafe serves up delicious coffee and food, and has a cozy atmosphere perfect for working.
- The Pan Chancho: This bakery and cafe offers a wide range of pastries and sandwiches, and has a quiet workspace area.
Kingston has a growing digital nomad community, with a number of meetups and events throughout the year. Some popular groups include:
- Kingston Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great way to connect with other remote workers in the city.
- Kingston Startup Community: This group hosts regular meetups and events for startups and entrepreneurs.
- Kingston Coworking: This group offers coworking space and community events for remote workers.
Culture & Lifestyle
Kingston has a rich cultural scene, with a number of festivals and events throughout the year. Some popular attractions include:
- The Kingston Waterfront: This scenic area offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and is perfect for a walk or bike ride.
- The Canadian Museum of Rail Travel: This unique museum showcases a collection of historic trains and offers guided tours.
- The Kingston Farmers’ Market: This weekly market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts.
The food scene in Kingston is also worth exploring, with a number of great restaurants and cafes serving up everything from traditional Canadian cuisine to international flavors. Some popular spots include:
- The Chez Piggy: This French-inspired bistro offers a wide range of dishes, including steak, seafood, and vegetarian options.
- The Atomica: This popular cafe serves up delicious coffee and food, and has a cozy atmosphere perfect for working or meeting with friends.
- The Wooden Heads: This restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including pizza, pasta, and salads.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure you have the right visa to work in Canada. The most common option is the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is required for citizens of certain countries. You can apply for an eTA online and it’s usually processed within minutes. If you’re planning to stay in Canada for an extended period, you may need to apply for a work permit or study permit. It’s best to check with the Canadian government’s website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when living in Kingston as a digital nomad:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a local provider like Rogers or Telus, or use a prepaid SIM card from a company like SimCard.ca.
- Transportation: Kingston has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses running regularly throughout the city. You can also rent a bike or walk to get around.
- Safety: Kingston is a relatively safe city, but as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Kingston has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Be sure to pack accordingly, with warm clothing for the winter months and light clothing for the summer.
