Best cities for freelancers in the Americas

Where self-employment adds up in the Americas: 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. Boquete, Panama

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 78/100 · $1,350/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 78/100 internet on about $1,350/mo all-in.

  2. 2. Panajachel, Guatemala

    Freelance tax ~5% · Internet 75/100 · $740/mo

    ~5% effective freelance tax with 75/100 internet on about $740/mo all-in.

  3. 3. San José, Costa Rica

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 78/100 · $1,450/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 78/100 internet on about $1,450/mo all-in.

  4. 4. Guadalajara, Mexico

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 74/100 · $1,100/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 74/100 internet on about $1,100/mo all-in.

  5. 5. Santiago, Chile

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 80/100 · $1,465/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 80/100 internet on about $1,465/mo all-in.

  6. 6. Cuenca, Ecuador

    Freelance tax ~10% · Internet 75/100 · $970/mo

    ~10% effective freelance tax with 75/100 internet on about $970/mo all-in.

  7. 7. Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 66/100 · $960/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 66/100 internet on about $960/mo all-in.

  8. 8. Cabarete, Dominican Republic

    Freelance tax ~10% · Internet 82/100 · $1,330/mo

    ~10% effective freelance tax with 82/100 internet on about $1,330/mo all-in.

  9. 9. Montevideo, Uruguay

    Freelance tax ~0% · Internet 82/100 · $1,665/mo

    ~0% effective freelance tax with 82/100 internet on about $1,665/mo all-in.

  10. 10. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

    Freelance tax ~10% · Internet 75/100 · $830/mo

    ~10% effective freelance tax with 75/100 internet on about $830/mo all-in.

  11. 11. El Tunco, El Salvador

    Freelance tax ~10% · Internet 80/100 · $1,230/mo

    ~10% effective freelance tax with 80/100 internet on about $1,230/mo all-in.

  12. 12. Punta del Este, Uruguay

    Freelance tax ~7% · Internet 92/100 · $1,980/mo

    ~7% effective freelance tax with 92/100 internet on about $1,980/mo all-in.

Frequently asked questions

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

Boquete, Panama tops this list. ~0% effective freelance tax with 78/100 internet on about $1,350/mo all-in. Panajachel and San José 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. 79 catalog cities in the Americas 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 the Americas?

Boquete runs about $1,350/month all-in for one person — rent, food, transport, healthcare, utilities and everyday extras. See the Boquete city guide for the full cost breakdown, visa options and FAQ.