Nomad Watch

Researched Updated Oct 26, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About scores

Scores run from 0 to 10, where 10 is best for a remote worker and 5 is an average city.

Cost & Affordability

7 factors · average 6.4
Cost of Living 6.0 Weight 150

A moderately priced European base, cheaper than Bologna but dearer than Ferrara. 1

Evidence

Researched city budget totals US$2,221.49 monthly for a nomad; Expatica lists roughly €1,002 excluding rent.

Accommodation Cost 6.0 Weight 80

Housing is cheaper than Bologna; furnished monthly stays still cost more than long leases. 1

Evidence

City budget: furnished housing US$876.65 monthly; Expatica long leases about €616 outside and €788 centrally.

Food & Groceries 5.5 Weight 40

Food is moderately expensive, particularly when eating out often. 1

Evidence

Expatica grocery basket €361 monthly; city budget groceries plus nomad dining US$998.98 monthly.

Transportation Cost 6.9 Weight 20

The €32 monthly urban pass offers good value; occasional taxis add to the budget. 2 23

Evidence

SETA lists Urbano Modena e frazioni at €32 monthly and €260 ordinary annual; city confirms monthly fare frozen in August 2026.

Entertainment Cost 5.5 Weight 15

Leisure prices are moderate for Europe, with cinema around €10. 1

Evidence

Researched city cost file cinema US$11.40; Expatica leisure basket about €94 monthly.

Gym Membership Cost 5.6 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Currency Stability 9.1 Weight 30

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence

Digital Nomad Essentials

6 factors · average 5.9
Internet Speed 7.6 Weight 100

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Coworking Spaces Availability 5.3 Weight 40

Several professional workspaces exist, though the choice is smaller than in major hubs. 3 4

Evidence

Fabbriche Binarie occupies 2,000 m² beside the station; regional directory also lists WorkInPol at Via Galilei 220.

Cafes with WiFi 6.6 Weight 30

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes 4.9 Weight 30

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Digital Nomad Popularity 3.0 Weight 100

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Local SIM Card Availability 8.2 Weight 25

Prepaid SIMs and eSIM options are accessible; identification requirements still apply. 16

Evidence

iliad lists GIGA 150 and TOP 230 with €9.99 SIM activation; the Italy prep records passport and possible tax-code requirements.

Quality of Life

6 factors · average 6.8
Work-Life Balance 7.9 Weight 30

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Environmental Quality 6.7 Weight 15

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Cleanliness 7.6 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Language Barrier 4.8 Weight 30

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Air Quality 5.7 Weight 15

Particulate pollution remains a concern despite meeting the older annual legal limit. 6

Measured Annual pm25 ug m3: 18 (ARPAE Parco Ferrari urban-background station, 2025-12)
Evidence

ARPAE 2025 regional report page 40: Parco Ferrari urban-background annual PM2.5 18 µg/m³.

Family Friendly 8.1 Weight 25

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence

Healthcare

3 factors · average 8.0
Healthcare Quality 8.4 Weight 20

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Healthcare Affordability 7.5 Weight 25

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Healthcare 8.0 Weight 20

A university hospital provides emergency and specialist care; access costs depend on coverage. 12 13

Evidence

Policlinico lists emergency triage, imaging and specialist pathways; FCDO requires eligible GHIC/EHIC for covered state care.

Climate & Environment

6 factors · average 6.6
Weather 6.0 Weight 80

Spring and autumn are comfortable; cool winters and hot summers reduce year-round appeal. 7

Measured January mean c: 3.5, January mean min c: 0.4, July mean c: 25.1, July mean max c: 30.8 (ARPAE 1991–2020 normals via Wikipedia Modena, 2020-12)
Evidence

ARPAE 1991–2020 normals via Wikipedia: January mean 3.5°C, minimum 0.4°C; July mean 25.1°C, maximum 30.8°C.

Natural Disaster Risk 7.1 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Green Spaces 6.2 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Air Conditioning 6.7 Weight 15

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Seasonal Variety 7.5 Weight 10

Four distinct seasons offer variety, with summer heat and winter cold limiting comfort. 7

Evidence

1991–2020 monthly means range from 3.5°C in January to 25.1°C in July.

Noise Pollution 6.1 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence

Culture & Entertainment

6 factors · average 6.6
Culture 8.5 Weight 20

The cathedral, civic tower and Piazza Grande give this small city exceptional architectural heritage. 8

Evidence

UNESCO describes the twelfth-century cathedral as a major example of early Romanesque art.

Nightlife 5.5 Weight 15

Bars and wine bars provide sociable evenings on a smaller scale than major cities. 9

Evidence

Wikivoyage identifies bar clusters on Via Taglio, Via Gallucci and Piazza della Pomposa.

Outdoors & Nature 5.2 Weight 15

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Language Learning Opportunities 6.0 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Local Experiences & Tours 8.1 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Indoors Fun 6.6 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence

Food & Fitness

4 factors · average 6.9
Food Scene 8.6 Weight 25

Distinctive Emilian produce and traditional dishes make food a major strength. 10

Evidence

Municipal food guide lists protected balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, Lambrusco, tortellini and gnocco fritto.

Yoga Studios 5.2 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Fitness Facilities 6.5 Weight 15

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Healthy Food Options 7.1 Weight 15

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence

Work Environment

5 factors · average 6.1
Time Zone Favorability 8.1 Weight 20

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Networking Opportunities 4.8 Weight 25

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Remote Job Opportunities 5.2 Weight 20

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Freelance Ecosystem 5.2 Weight 20

Local collaborative spaces support freelancers, with a largely Italian professional focus. 4

Evidence

WorkInPol targets freelance designers, independent professionals and startups and offers 18 desks and tender exchanges.

Coworking Quality 7.0 Weight 30

The best local workspaces provide strong facilities for regular remote work. 3

Evidence

Fabbriche Binarie advertises 24/7 access, 10 Gb fibre, meeting rooms, kitchen and technical support.

Business & Economy

3 factors · average 5.4
Startup Scene 4.7 Weight 15

Modena has an active local incubator and venture builder, within a modest city ecosystem. 5

Evidence

Junto combines venture building, startup acceleration and regenerated workspaces, with a named portfolio.

Local Payment Services 7.6 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Blockchain & Crypto Adoption 3.8 Weight 15

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence

Transportation

7 factors · average 6.5
Airport Connectivity 6.2 Weight 30

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Public Transit 6.1 Weight 20

Buses and trolleybuses serve the city; planned evening expansion is still prospective. 23

Evidence

City July 2026 announcement describes proposed evening routes and trolleybus expansion through 2029.

Walkability 8.1 Weight 20

The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. 9

Evidence

Wikivoyage calls the town easily walked and places the railway station 500 m north of the centre.

Ride-sharing Services 4.7 Weight 15

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Cycling 7.2 Weight 10

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Intercity Travel Options 7.2 Weight 15

Rail and bus connections make regional and national trips practical. 9

Evidence

Wikivoyage describes hourly fast trains towards Milan and onward Bologna connections.

Scooter/Bike Rental Availability 5.9 Weight 10

Shared bikes and Dott scooters are available, with practical limits on bike returns. 22 21

Evidence

City July 2026 update: 4,071 bike users, same-rack returns, 07:00–02:00; Dott page permits app rentals for adults.

Connectivity

4 factors · average 7.9
Mobile Network Coverage 8.6 Weight 20

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
VPN Reliability 8.6 Weight 20

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Power Grid Reliability 9.1 Weight 15

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Public WiFi Availability 5.4 Weight 10

Free municipal Wi-Fi is available, but current coverage and busy-hour performance need checking. 11

Evidence

Municipal project page updated June 2024 states free public Wi-Fi without registration; rollout began with 30 points.

Digital Nomad Community

3 factors · average 3.8
Nomad Friendly 5.7 Weight 50

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Nomad Events & Meetups 2.7 Weight 25

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Online Community Presence 3.0 Weight 20

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence

Safety & Tolerance

3 factors · average 7.3
Safety 6.5 Weight 100

Routine urban precautions are appropriate, particularly after dark and around valuables. 14 15

Evidence

Numbeo March 2026: safety 50.37, daytime walking 69.75, night 33.84, 71 contributors; FCDO warns about petty theft.

Female Friendly 8.3 Weight 50

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence
Racial Tolerance 7.2 Weight 50

Previous estimate retained at light depth; this factor was not independently verified.

Low confidence

About these scores

Change history

    • Method Generated Researched
    • Accommodation cost 4.9 6
    • Air quality 4.8 5.7
    • Cost of living 4.7 6
    • Coworking quality 5.3 7
    • Digital nomad visa availability 6.2 8
    8 more changes
    • Food groceries 5.9 5.5
    • Freedom of speech 8.4 6.5
    • Political stability 7.4 6.3
    • Safety 8.3 6.5
    • Tax friendliness 3.6 4.8
    • Transportation cost 6 6.9
    • Visa ease 5.8 6.8
    • Weather 7.3 6

    Digital Nomad Visa Availability: 6.2 -> 8; rescored from the cited evidence and comparison cities (consnewyork.esteri.it).

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