Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats, digital nomads, and retirees thanks to its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. The country offers a mix of bustling cities, tranquil countryside, and beautiful coastal areas, making it a versatile place to live and work. Expats are drawn to its friendly locals, rich history, and excellent food, while digital nomads appreciate the affordable lifestyle and fast internet. Vietnam also boasts a growing economy, modern amenities, and a welcoming environment for retirees.
From the historical charm of Hanoi to the beachside beauty of Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant hustle, there’s something for everyone.
How to Be a Digital Nomad, Expat, or Retire in Vietnam from the USA, Canada, and Western Countries
1. Visa Options
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC): Suitable for long-term stays (up to 2–5 years), often tied to work, investment, or family sponsorship. Requirements vary, but for retirees or independents:
- Monthly Income: ~$2,000 USD (or ~50 million VND) from pensions/investments, proven over three months.
- Savings: ~$24,000 USD (or ~600 million VND) in a bank account.
- Often requires a local sponsor (e.g., employer or spouse).
- Business Visa (DN Visa): Popular among digital nomads for flexibility (3 months, extendable up to 1 year). Requirements:
- Monthly Income: No strict minimum, but ~$1,500–$2,000 USD is recommended to show financial stability.
- Typically issued via a sponsoring company (visa agencies can assist for a fee, ~$150–$300 USD).
- Tourist Visa: U.S., Canadian, and some Western citizens can get a 30-day single-entry e-visa ($25 USD) or 90-day multiple-entry visa ($50 USD). Extendable once for ~$10–$50 USD. Not for work or permanent residence.
- Visa Exemption: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a visa, but some Western countries (e.g., UK, France) get 15 days visa-free. Not viable for long-term stays.
Note: Vietnam lacks a formal digital nomad or retirement visa as of 2025; nomads often use business/tourist visas with extensions. Currency conversions are approximate.
2. Cost of Living
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable countries. A couple can live comfortably on 25–50 million VND (~$1,000–$2,000 USD) per month. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) are pricier, while Da Nang and smaller towns are cheaper.
- Rent: 8–20 million VND (~$320–$800 USD) for a one-bedroom apartment in cities; less in rural areas.
- Groceries: 3–6 million VND (~$120–$240 USD) monthly for two.
- Dining Out: 50,000–150,000 VND (~$2–$6 USD) per meal at local eateries; higher in expat zones.
3. Healthcare
Vietnam offers decent healthcare at low costs:
- Public Healthcare: Available to residents, but expats rarely use it due to language barriers and variable quality. Costs are minimal (50,000–200,000 VND/$2–$8 USD per visit).
- Private Healthcare: High-quality private hospitals (e.g., Vinmec, FV Hospital) are affordable compared to the West. Private insurance costs 5–15 million VND ($200–$600 USD) annually.
4. Internet & Work Infrastructure
Vietnam is a rising digital nomad hub with reliable connectivity:
- Internet Speeds: 50–300 Mbps in cities; fiber-optic widespread in urban areas.
- Workspaces: HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang offer coworking spaces (2–5 million VND/~$80–$200 USD monthly). Cafes with good Wi-Fi are plentiful in nomad-friendly areas.
5. Best Places to Live
- For Digital Nomads: Ho Chi Minh City (bustling, modern), Da Nang (coastal, balanced), Hanoi (cultural, vibrant).
- For Expats/Retirees: Hoi An (charming, relaxed), Nha Trang (beachside, affordable), Phu Quoc (island life, quiet), Dalat (cool climate, scenic).
6. Things to Keep in Mind
- Learn basic Vietnamese—English is limited outside tourist areas, and locals value the effort.
- Prepare for chaotic traffic (scooters dominate) and tropical weather (hot, humid, with a rainy season May–October).
- Visa runs or extensions are common; overstaying incurs fines (500,000 VND/$20 USD per day).
- Research scams and safety—petty crime (e.g., pickpocketing) can occur in tourist zones.
In this list, we highlight the top 10 places to live in Vietnam based on affordability, lifestyle, infrastructure, and expat communities.
1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Best for Urban Living & Business Opportunities
🌟 Why? The largest city in Vietnam, offering a dynamic business environment, modern amenities, and a fast-paced lifestyle.
💰 Cost of Living: Moderate, with options for all budgets.
🏙️ Lifestyle: Bustling streets, international restaurants, nightlife, and business opportunities.
2. Hanoi – Best for History, Culture & Traditional Living
🌟 Why? The capital city of Vietnam, rich in history, culture, and French colonial architecture.
💰 Cost of Living: Moderate, with affordable housing and local markets.
🏯 Lifestyle: Old-world charm, street food, and a more relaxed pace compared to Ho Chi Minh City.
3. Da Nang – Best for Beach Living & Affordable Coastal Life
🌟 Why? A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, modern infrastructure, and growing expat community.
💰 Cost of Living: Low to moderate, with affordable beachside living.
🏖️ Lifestyle: Relaxed beach lifestyle, vibrant nightlife, and access to nearby cultural sites.
4. Hoi An – Best for Tranquil Living & Expats Seeking Charm
🌟 Why? A UNESCO World Heritage town with ancient architecture, charming streets, and a laid-back vibe.
💰 Cost of Living: Low, with budget-friendly housing and local markets.
🌿 Lifestyle: Beautiful beaches, cafes, yoga retreats, and a thriving expat community.
5. Nha Trang – Best for Beach Lovers & Resort-Style Living
🌟 Why? A beachfront paradise offering modern living amenities, great healthcare, and a tropical climate.
💰 Cost of Living: Moderate, with a mix of affordable and luxurious living options.
🏄 Lifestyle: Resort-style living, water sports, and coastal relaxation.
6. Phan Thiet – Best for Quiet Beach Life & Small-Town Charm
🌟 Why? A quieter, lesser-known beach town with beautiful coastline and low cost of living.
💰 Cost of Living: Low, with affordable housing and local seafood.
🏖️ Lifestyle: Peaceful beaches, local fishing culture, and a slower pace of life.
7. Can Tho – Best for Peaceful Riverside Living & Local Culture
🌟 Why? Located in the Mekong Delta, offering peaceful river views and a traditional Vietnamese lifestyle.
💰 Cost of Living: Very low, with affordable local housing and fresh produce.
🚤 Lifestyle: Floating markets, riverside living, and cultural exploration.
8. Vung Tau – Best for Weekend Getaways & Beach Town Living
🌟 Why? A coastal city near Ho Chi Minh City, offering weekend getaways with great beaches and relaxed living.
💰 Cost of Living: Moderate, with beachfront properties and local markets.
🌊 Lifestyle: Beachfront cafes, seafood, and weekend retreats from the city.
9. Hue – Best for History & Quiet City Living
🌟 Why? Known for its imperial history, ancient citadel, and peaceful lifestyle.
💰 Cost of Living: Low, with affordable housing and local markets.
🏰 Lifestyle: Historical landmarks, calm river views, and cultural richness.
10. Sapa – Best for Mountain Living & Nature Seekers
🌟 Why? A mountain town offering cool temperatures, stunning views, and an escape into nature.
💰 Cost of Living: Low, with affordable housing in the countryside.
🏞️ Lifestyle: Hiking, ethnic village exploration, and a slower, peaceful lifestyle.
Vietnam offers a diverse range of living environments for expats, digital nomads, and retirees, from the urban hustle of Ho Chi Minh City to the historic charm of Hanoi and the relaxing coastal beauty of Da Nang. Hoi An and Nha Trang cater to those seeking quieter beach towns, while Can Tho and Sapa offer a deeper connection to local culture and nature. Whether you’re looking for dynamic city life, serene countryside, or coastal relaxation, Vietnam has the perfect spot to make your new home.