Singapore amongst world’s best 'workcation' cities: IWG

But regional peers Jakarta and Manila ranked higher on the list.

Singapore ranked the 21st amongst the world’s best “workcation cities”, at the tail end of the leading 26 cities, but amongst the top across the 120 countries in the study by IWG.

The Lion City scored high in categories such as broadband speed, transport, and happiness.

IWG noted Singapore’s efficient public transport infrastructure, fast internet connection– named the fastest broadband nation globally– and its title as “the happiest country in Asia” as awarded by the United Nations’ World Happiness Report in 2022, as factors for its rank.

“Singapore presents itself as an attractive choice for digital nomads and travellers alike, owing to its robust and efficient public transport infrastructure, as well as the city-state’s vibrant night life and food scene,” IWG said, commenting on the city.

Southeast Asian peers Jakarta and Manila ranked higher, at 9th place and 13th place, respectively. Singapore’s high rent and high cost of living– amongst the most expensive in the list of 26 cities– pulled it down from a higher finish.

Singapore’s high rent (2.5 out of 10) was only beaten out by New York City (2 out of 10) to land second to last in terms of affordability.

Singapore also got low marks in culture, which IWG identified as the total number of museums and galleries, with just a 3 out of 10 score.

Globally, Barcelona, Toronto, Beijing, and Milan topped the list in that order. They are followed by New York– whose low affordability scores were balanced out by high scores across every other criteria– then Rio de Janeiro, Amsterdam, Paris, Jakarta, and finally Lisbon.

For its study, IWG drew from its extensive network of 3,500 flexible office locations in more than 120 countries and compared 26 leading cities across nine key criteria. Cities were given marks out of 10 for climate, culture, accommodation, transport, food & drink, happiness, broadband speed and the availability of flexible workspaces.