Spatiotemporal Arbitrage: How Digital Nomads Leverage Global Mobility for Financial Optimization

Authors

  • K.-K. Sun The Faculty of Finance, City University of Macau, Macau, China Author
  • S.-H. Deng The Faculty of International Tourism and Management, City University of Macau, Macau, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71222/72pw7j07

Keywords:

digital nomads, spatiotemporal arbitrage, global mobility, financial optimization, tax arbitrage

Abstract

The emergence of digital nomadism has transformed traditional notions of work and mobility, enabling individuals to leverage global geographic and temporal disparities for financial and lifestyle optimization. This paper introduces the concept of Spatiotemporal Arbitrage, defined as the strategic exploitation of differences in living costs, tax regimes, currency fluctuations, and regulatory environments across time and space. By migrating between countries and cities, digital nomads maximize their economic benefits while enhancing quality of life. This review synthesizes interdisciplinary insights from human geography, financial decision-making, and mobility studies to articulate the mechanisms, patterns, and implications of spatiotemporal arbitrage. Understanding this phenomenon not only enriches theoretical frameworks but also informs policy debates on visa regulation, taxation, and digital labor governance in an increasingly mobile world.

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Published

03 August 2025

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How to Cite

Sun, K.-K., & Deng, S.-H. (2025). Spatiotemporal Arbitrage: How Digital Nomads Leverage Global Mobility for Financial Optimization. Economics and Management Innovation, 2(4), 86-93. https://doi.org/10.71222/72pw7j07