New Data Reveals Financial and Social Impact of UK’s Growing Digital Nomad Workforce
30 July, 2025
British citizens living and working abroad as digital nomads are reshaping both their own lifestyles and the UK economy. A new report by Public First estimates that around 165,000 UK nationals are now classified as digital nomads , living overseas for about seven months per year while earning a combined £5.2 billion annually abroad.
Economic Impact Under the Microscope
Though digital nomads continue to contribute to the UK Treasury via £1.6 billion in income tax and national insurance, their time abroad has a tangible financial downside. An estimated £3.1 billion in consumer spending and £320 million in VAT revenue is lost each year as nomads make purchases overseas instead of at home
Cost Savings and Cultural Escape: Why Nomads Leave
The report reveals that many visitors cite high living costs and steep rents in the UK as the main drivers pushing them to countries like Bali, where a higher standard of living is attainable for less. One interviewee described life in London as unsustainable compared to lifestyle freedom in places as far-reaching as Bali. Others spoke fondly of joining bustling co‑working hostels among ambitious peers, finding both financial breathing space and community support to focus on start-ups or freelancing ventures.
“I'm living like a king and can save a good amount a month. The countries where the cost of living is lower are starting to pop up. In London no one is happy and in Europe it's really hard to sustain a life.” - Male, 25, Germany, startup founder - online training
“Bali is a great place to be if you want to be surrounded by a lot of digital nomads who are very ambitious. I like working in a co-working hostel; everyone is working on their own thing, doing it remotely. It's very, very inspiring, and motivating.” - Male, 20s, Germany, freelancer - digital services
A Fertile Ground for Entrepreneurs
The research paints a picture of Bali as a dynamic haven for self-employed professionals. With lower overheads and abundant inspiration, many nomads feel empowered to take risks and reinvest in their businesses. Interviews describe proximity to peers as ideal for networking: “I met my co‑founder in this place... you would meet like five people in the span of two hours.” In addition to cost-savvy, co‑living around a co‑working hostel often means less time spent cooking, doing laundry, or commuting - time that can be reinvested in work or exploration.
Drawbacks: Isolation and Disconnection
Although there was a lot, not all feedback was glowing. Employed nomads - more so than the self-employed - reported feeling isolated, lacking structure, and missing day‑to‑day mentorship from colleagues. Motivation and mental well‑being were called out as persistent challenges when routine and support networks vanish. There are lots of ways you can beat this feeling. Global communities, such as Hackers Paradise, are a great way to feel part of a tight knit group of likeminded individuals.
A Bright Horizon for TEFL Teachers
For TEFL teachers, whether seasoned professionals or those just starting out, the rise of digital nomadism is more than just a trend; it’s a gateway to possibility. The Public First report confirms what many in the TEFL community already know: English language teaching is one of the most flexible, portable careers in the modern economy.
As more professionals seek freedom, cultural immersion, and purpose-driven work, TEFL stands out as a career path that offers all three. Whether teaching online from a beachside café or working in classrooms across Asia, Latin America, or Europe, TEFL educators are uniquely positioned to thrive in this new world of remote work and global living.
With the right certification, an open mindset, and a sense of adventure, today’s TEFL teachers can join a growing movement of professionals redefining what work and life can look like. The world needs English teachers. And now, more than ever, the world is wide open.