Canada named top country for tech freelancers. But which one ranks for best earnings and cost of living?
Discover the world’s best tech hubs for your freelance career
Canada has been named the top destination for tech professionals, offering a winning combination of a strong job market and a high quality of life.
The Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland all ranked highly, making Europe a key player in the tech sector. But some of the findings were not as expected, and the UK didn’t even make the list.
A new study by proprietary trading firm Atmos analysed employment conditions in major countries to determine which ones offer the best opportunities for tech workers. Over 40 million people worldwide are currently in tech roles, and demand continues to grow, despite mass layoffs.
The research considered seven factors: tech job openings, average annual salaries, quality of life, startup environments, living costs, commute times, and healthcare quality. The final rankings were a weighted combination of these factors, with job openings, salaries, and quality of life being the most influential.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 countries for tech workers and what makes them stand out for freelancers:
1. Canada: The balanced winner
Taking the top spot, Canada offers a healthy balance of a high quality of life and career prospects. With an average salary of £48.5K and at the time of writing, over 955 tech job openings, freelancers can enjoy manageable living costs and a top-notch healthcare system. The country’s expanding startup culture also provides fertile ground for new business ventures.
Toronto, Ontario, and Vancouver, British Columbia, are hot spots for tech job openings in Canada, according to Moving2Canada, with Ontario boasting the most opportunities for engineering professionals and Vancouver experiencing a significant tech boom.
Toronto and Waterloo, a tech hub in Ontario, are attracting increased investment from US tech companies. Vancouver is also a global leader in various tech sectors like blockchain, gaming, and AR/VR.
2. The United States: The jobs powerhouse
The US takes second place, leading the way with an incredible 55,000+ tech positions. Salaries here average an impressive £86.6K, nearly double the global average. The country also boasts a high quality of life and the world’s most developed startup ecosystem, making it a compelling choice for ambitious freelancers.
3. Saudi Arabia: The high-earning hotspot
Saudi Arabia secures third place, thanks to the highest average tech salary globally at £116.2K. With affordable living costs and the shortest commute times, it’s a prime destination for those focused on maximising their income.
4. Mexico: The emerging market
Ranked fourth, Mexico is an increasingly popular choice for tech professionals. With over 536 tech jobs and an average salary of £70.8K, it offers a low cost of living, which pairs well with its strong earnings potential.
5. The Netherlands: Top spot for cost of living and healthcare
The Netherlands is Europe’s top destination for tech workers. Ranked fifth globally, it has the highest quality of life and healthcare scores on the list. Freelancers can find over 438 job openings with an average salary of £35.6K.
6. Italy: The cultural hub
Coming in at sixth, Italy offers an attractive package of 591 open positions and an average salary of £32.2K. It also boasts manageable commutes, high-quality healthcare, and a lower cost of living.
7. Portugal: The digital nomad favourite
Portugal lands in seventh place, a rising star for tech workers and digital nomads. With 368 jobs and an average salary of £41.8K, it combines well-functioning healthcare and a safe environment with budget-friendly housing.
8. Japan: The tech-friendly nation
Japan takes eighth place, offering 394 positions and an average salary of £28.3K. High safety standards, an excellent healthcare system, and efficient transportation networks make it a great option.
9. Sweden: The progressive pioneer
Ranked ninth, Sweden provides 299 tech job openings with an average salary of £39.6K. The country’s comprehensive healthcare and progressive policies create a favourable environment for both freelancers and startups.
10. Switzerland: The financial powerhouse
Rounding out the top 10, Switzerland offers the second-highest average salary on the list at £76.8K. While there are fewer job openings (108), the country is renowned for its excellent healthcare, precise transport, and strong support for startup growth.
“The results show interesting patterns in what makes countries attractive for tech professionals,” says Nick Cooke, CEO of Atmos.
Canada’s top ranking proves that balance wins—they don’t outperform everyone in every metric, but do well across multiple factors. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia paying £116K salaries shows how an oil-rich country can use its resources effectively to compete for tech talent.
– Nick Cooke, CEO of Atmos
Cooke also noted the rise of countries like Mexico and Portugal, which have entered the top 10 by offering low living costs.
He says, “Overall, these are all great destinations for tech careers, just with different strengths.”