Best cities for freelancers in Asia

Where self-employment adds up in Asia: cities scored on the catalog's effective freelance tax rate, internet, living costs and how easy it is to find your people — the four things that decide a freelancer's month.

Methodology: Only cities with a 60+ internet score and a known freelance tax rate qualify; blended score: effective freelance tax (30%), affordability (30%), internet (25%) and expat scene (15%). Actual liability depends on residency and treaties — this is not tax advice.

  1. 1. Penang, Malaysia

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 80/100 · $1,170/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 80/100 internet on about $1,170/mo all-in.

  2. 2. Gyumri, Armenia

    Freelance tax ~5% · Internet 88/100 · $640/mo

    ~5% effective freelance tax with 88/100 internet on about $640/mo all-in.

  3. 3. Bangalore, India

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 82/100 · $1,120/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 82/100 internet on about $1,120/mo all-in.

  4. 4. Bangkok, Thailand

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 82/100 · $1,380/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 82/100 internet on about $1,380/mo all-in.

  5. 5. Hanoi, Vietnam

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 78/100 · $980/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 78/100 internet on about $980/mo all-in.

  6. 6. Yogyakarta, Indonesia

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 75/100 · $760/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 75/100 internet on about $760/mo all-in.

  7. 7. Batumi, Georgia

    Freelance tax ~1% · Internet 80/100 · $940/mo

    ~1% effective freelance tax with 80/100 internet on about $940/mo all-in.

  8. 8. Phuket, Thailand

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 78/100 · $1,275/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 78/100 internet on about $1,275/mo all-in.

  9. 9. Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 72/100 · $910/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 72/100 internet on about $910/mo all-in.

  10. 10. Cebu, Philippines

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 72/100 · $980/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 72/100 internet on about $980/mo all-in.

  11. 11. Hue, Vietnam

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 78/100 · $740/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 78/100 internet on about $740/mo all-in.

  12. 12. Goa, India

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 70/100 · $880/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 70/100 internet on about $880/mo all-in.

Frequently asked questions

Best cities for freelancers in Asia — which city is #1?

Penang, Malaysia tops this list. ~0% effective freelance tax with 80/100 internet on about $1,170/mo all-in. Gyumri and Bangalore round out the top three.

How is this ranking calculated?

Only cities with a 60+ internet score and a known freelance tax rate qualify; blended score: effective freelance tax (30%), affordability (30%), internet (25%) and expat scene (15%). Actual liability depends on residency and treaties — this is not tax advice. 81 catalog cities in Asia qualified for this list; the top 12 are shown. Scores are catalog averages, not personalised — Jonzy re-ranks every city for your own income, passport and lifestyle when you sign in.

How much does it cost to live in the top city in Asia?

Penang runs about $1,170/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the Penang city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.