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
Not ideal for FIRE-chasers or digital nomads due to the lack of a dedicated retirement or digital nomad visa. Its strongest advantage is a high English proficiency and large expat community, with internet speeds over 300 Mbps. The key trade-off is complex pathways to citizenship and a high cost of living, with rent in city centers averaging $1,669/month.
$155/mo
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Rent Per Month
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About Vietnam
Vietnam is best for FIRE-chasers due to its low COL Index of 26.6, allowing significant savings. Rent for a one-bedroom in the city center averages $400.60 per month, a fraction of typical US rents. However, no retirement or digital nomad visa exists, and English proficiency is low, complicating long-term stays.
$2,169/mo
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Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | United States | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2 — Increased Caution | Level 2 — Increased Caution |
| 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 |
| 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.
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