United States vs Vietnam
Vietnam costs roughly 3.8x less than United States, though United States has significantly faster internet infrastructure, making it one of the more financially compelling destinations for United States expats. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
United States is approximately 3.8x more expensive than Vietnam based on cost of living including rent. This makes Vietnam a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Vietnam has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 59.2, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Vietnam is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About United States
Best for families seeking high English proficiency and excellent air travel access, with no visa path for retirees or digital nomads. Internet speed of 390.28 Mbps and a large expat community support remote work, but the cost of living index of 100 matches NYC. Key trade-off: no retirement or digital nomad visa, and a complex pathway to citizenship limits long-term stays.
$155/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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About Vietnam
A 1BR near central Hanoi or Saigon runs $400.6, less than half typical US suburban rent, while monthly costs excluding rent sit near $430.8, meaning a couple can live comfortably under $1,200. Fast internet at 343 Mbps supports remote work, and safety metrics beat most Southeast Asian peers. The dealbreaker: no retirement or digital nomad visa exists, so long-term legal residency stays messy regardless of your budget.
$2,169/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | United States | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1 — Normal Precautions | Level 1 — Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 188.8 +93.0 | 95.8 |
| Healthcare Index | 67.8 +6.5 | 61.3 |
| Safety Index | 50.8 | 59.2 +8.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 26.6 +73.4 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,176 | $430.8 +745.2 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $4,239 | $1,554.9 +2,684.1 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,668.61 | $400.6 +1,268.01 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,355.41 | $263.55 +1,091.86 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $2,688.4 | $846.6 +1,841.8 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $2,228.12 | $547.09 +1,681.03 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 390.28 Mbps +47.2 | 343.05 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Vietnam. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Vietnam. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
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