Vietnam vs Indonesia
Indonesia costs roughly 8% less than Vietnam, though Vietnam has significantly faster internet infrastructure. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Indonesia is approximately 8% less expensive than Vietnam based on cost of living including rent. This makes Indonesia a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Indonesia has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 54, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Indonesia is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
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)
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About Indonesia
Skip this if you need English-speaking doctors or a fast path to citizenship, both weak here. But budget retirees can live well on $429/mo excl. rent plus sub-$320 rent, and the $3,000/mo Retirement KITAS is achievable. Best suited for low-cost-focused retirees, not remote workers facing the $5,000/mo nomad visa threshold.
$2,259/mo
Not sure which Indonesia visa you qualify for?
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Vietnam | Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1 — Normal Precautions | Level 2 — Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 95.8 | 102.4 +6.6 |
| Healthcare Index | 61.3 +0.4 | 60.9 |
| Safety Index | 59.2 +5.2 | 54 |
| Cost of Living Index | 26.6 | 24.6 +2.0 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $430.8 | $429.7 +1.1 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $1,554.9 | $1,529 +25.9 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $400.6 | $311.05 +89.55 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $263.55 | $177.94 +85.61 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $846.6 | $835.58 +11.02 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $547.09 | $479.89 +67.2 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 343.05 Mbps +268.2 | 74.88 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Indonesia. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Indonesia. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
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