Belfast

United KingdomGMT+0

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

61.1/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

1,000+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,745/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

25Mbps

About Belfast

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant city located in the northeast of the island of Ireland. With a population of approximately 345,000 in the city proper and over 700,000 in the metropolitan area, it is the second-largest city on the island after Dublin. Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, Belfast has emerged as an attractive destination for digital nomads and expats seeking a balance between urban living and natural beauty.

For digital nomads, Belfast offers several advantages. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other UK cities and Dublin, making it an affordable option for those looking to stretch their budget. The city boasts fast and reliable internet connections, essential for remote work. Additionally, Belfast has a growing number of co-working spaces and a supportive community for freelancers and remote workers. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate, with many areas being walkable or well-served by public transport.

Belfast is steeped in history, from its industrial past to its role in the Troubles, but today it is a city of peace and reconciliation. The city centre is filled with museums, galleries, and historic sites, such as the Titanic Belfast museum and the Ulster Museum. The nightlife is lively, with numerous pubs, bars, and restaurants offering a taste of local culture. For those interested in the arts, there are regular festivals and events that celebrate music, literature, and performing arts. The city also has a strong sporting culture, with football and rugby being particularly popular.

Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Belfast offers easy access to the countryside and coastline. The nearby Giant's Causeway, Causeway Coast, and Mourne Mountains provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. The city itself has several parks and green spaces, including the Botanic Gardens and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, perfect for relaxation and recreation. The climate is temperate, with mild winters and cool summers, making it comfortable for year-round living.

Demographics

Population704,406
LanguagesEnglish

Location

CountryUnited Kingdom
TimezoneGMT+0
Airport to City10 minutes
TransportTaxi, Bus, Train, Uber

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay180 days
Visa Cost$115
Digital Nomad VisaNot Available

Cost of Living

$1,745
/mo
1.7% lower than average

The total monthly cost of living in Belfast, United Kingdom is $1,745, which is 1.7% lower than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$837
48.0% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$158
9.1% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$400
22.9% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$100
5.7% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$100
5.7% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$150
8.6% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Belfast has robust internet infrastructure with widespread availability of high-speed broadband, including full-fibre connections. The city benefits from competition among several major internet service providers, offering a range of options for both fixed and mobile internet. Public Wi-Fi is available in many locations, including libraries and cafes, providing convenient access for digital nomads and visitors. Mobile networks in Belfast support 4G and 5G technologies, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity on the go. However, like any urban area, there may be occasional issues with network congestion in densely populated areas, but overall, the internet infrastructure in Belfast is reliable and supports the needs of remote workers and expats.

Belfast has a burgeoning digital nomad community, attracted by its low cost of living, high-speed internet, and vibrant culture. The city offers a variety of coworking spaces, such as LoftSpace, The Foundry, and Urban HQ, providing environments for remote workers to connect and collaborate. Regular meetups and events are organized by local tech and startup communities, fostering a sense of belonging among digital nomads. The social scene is lively, with numerous pubs, bars, and cultural venues, making it easy to network and socialize. Additionally, the city's rich history and natural beauty offer plenty of opportunities for leisure and exploration.

25Mbps
5G
4providers
1,000
Nomads
15+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Belfast experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Summers are cool with average highs around 16°C, while winters are mild with average lows around 2°C. The city sees rainfall on most days, with the wettest months being October and November. The climate is influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, which brings warm air from the Gulf Stream, keeping temperatures relatively stable. Seasonal changes are gradual, with spring and autumn being particularly pleasant for outdoor activities. The weather can be unpredictable, with frequent showers and occasional sunny spells. This climate supports lush green landscapes and is ideal for activities like hiking and exploring the natural beauty of Northern Ireland.
Temperature Range
6°C - 16°C
Avg: 10°C
Annual Rainfall
950mm
Monthly Avg: 79mm
Jan
01
6°C
80 mm
Feb
02
6°C
70 mm
Mar
03
7°C
70 mm
Apr
04
9°C
60 mm
May
05
11°C
70 mm
Jun
06
14°C
70 mm
Jul
07
16°C
☀️
80 mm
Aug
08
16°C
☀️
90 mm
Sep
09
14°C
80 mm
Oct
10
11°C
100 mm
💧
Nov
11
8°C
90 mm
Dec
12
6°C
90 mm
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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