Cost of Living in Vietnam
Vietnam is where the cost of living drops into genuinely startling territory. At roughly 64% below the US average, it is one of the cheapest countries in the world where you can still find modern apartments, fast internet, excellent food, and vibrant city life. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are booming economic centers with growing expat communities and a pace of development that is visible month to month. Da Nang offers beach living with digital nomad infrastructure at prices that make Bali look expensive. The food is among the best in the world and costs almost nothing. For Americans with remote income, Vietnam offers perhaps the most extreme geographic arbitrage opportunity available: a $60,000 salary provides a lifestyle that $150,000 cannot buy in most American cities.
FAQ
A single person can live very comfortably in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi on $800 to $1,200/month. Da Nang is slightly cheaper. A couple can live well on $1,400 to $2,200. A modern one-bedroom apartment in a desirable area of HCMC costs $400-700/month. Street food meals cost $1-2. A sit-down restaurant meal costs $3-8. The purchasing power of US dollars here is extraordinary.
Vietnam is quite safe. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. The primary concerns are petty theft (phone snatching from motorbikes in HCMC is common), traffic safety (the motorbike-dominated traffic is chaotic and the leading cause of injury for expats), and occasional scams in tourist areas. Vietnamese people are generally very friendly toward Americans. The country's complex history with the US has not translated into animosity toward American visitors or residents.
Internet in Vietnamese cities is fast and affordable. Fiber connections with 100+ Mbps speeds are widely available in apartments for $10-20/month. Coffee shops and coworking spaces have reliable WiFi. Mobile data is extremely cheap. Vietnam's internet infrastructure has improved dramatically in recent years. The main concern for remote workers is occasional international routing issues that can cause latency on video calls, but VPNs help.