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Where to Live in Vietnam
Choosing where to settle in Vietnam depends on your lifestyle, budget, and reason for moving. Vietnam has become one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia for expats, retirees, and digital nomads thanks to its affordable cost, growing economy, rich culture, and friendly locals. Whether you prefer big cities, a relaxed coastal city, or a quieter city, living in Vietnam offers a wide range of options.
Vietnam, as an expat destination, continues to grow in popularity due to modern amenities, improving healthcare services, and a strong sense of community among foreigners and Vietnamese people alike.
The Best Places to Live in Vietnam
Vietnam is generally divided into northern Vietnam, central Vietnam, and southern Vietnam, with each local area offering a different pace of life and environment.
The major cities attract most expats due to better infrastructure, international schools, job opportunities, and access to doctors and private hospitals.
Ho Chi Minh City – Urban Lifestyle and Job Opportunities
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon, often called Ho Chi Minh) is the economic heart of the country and where most expats live. Located in the southern part of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City offers the widest range of job opportunities, particularly with multinational companies, startups, and international firms.
Expats enjoy a fast-paced urban lifestyle in the Vietnamese city center, with countless coffee shops, street food stalls, shopping malls, and nightlife options. Despite being one of Vietnam’s big cities, daily expenses in Ho Chi Minh City remain cheap compared to many Western countries.
Binh Thanh – Expat Living
Binh Thanh is one of the most popular districts for expats in Ho Chi Minh City. Located near the city center, it offers tree-lined streets, riverside apartments, and easy access to the District. Many expat families choose Binh Thanh for its balance between convenience and a more residential feel.
Nha Trang – Coastal City Lifestyle
Nha Trang is a well-known coastal city famous for beautiful beaches, warm seas, and a relaxed pace of life. It attracts retirees, remote workers, and nature lovers who prefer sea views and sunshine.
While there are fewer job opportunities than in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang offers a strong sense of community, affordable housing, and easy access to outdoor activities.
Da Nang – The Best of City and Beach in Central Vietnam
Da Nang is often considered the best all-round option for expats in central Vietnam. It combines a clean, modern Vietnamese city with long beaches, green spaces, and developed infrastructure. Da Nang is also a favorite among digital nomads due to reliable internet, affordable apartments, and a relaxed lifestyle amidst natural beauty.
Hoi An – Ancient City Charm
Hoi An is a beautifully preserved ancient city known for its lantern-lit streets, traditional architecture, and rich Vietnamese culture. It’s ideal for expats seeking a slower pace, a strong community feel, and a close connection to local traditions.
Although it’s a small city, Hoi An offers enough modern conveniences while remaining affordable. Many expats live here long-term and commute occasionally to Da Nang.
Northern Vietnam: Hanoi and Tay Ho
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and cultural center. While it has a more traditional feel than Ho Chi Minh City, it appeals to expats who value history, cooler seasons, and access to northern landscapes and natural beauty.
Most expat communities in Hanoi live around Tay Ho, an area known for lakeside living, international restaurants, and international schools.
Expat Community, Digital Nomads, and Daily Life
Vietnam has a rapidly growing expat community spread across all major regions, with Ho Chi Minh City serving as the primary hub for foreigners moving to the country. As Vietnam’s largest and most internationally connected city, Ho Chi Minh City attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads thanks to its job market, amenities, and developed infrastructure.
Digital nomads are particularly drawn to Ho Chi Minh City because of affordable rent, reliable high-speed internet, and a strong café culture. In Ho Chi Minh City, neighborhoods such as Binh Thanh, District 1, and District 2 are filled with coworking spaces and apartment complexes designed with expats in mind. The city’s fast pace, vibrant nightlife, and endless dining options make it ideal for those who enjoy an active urban lifestyle.
Outside Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang appeals to expats who want a balance between city convenience and nature, while Hoi An attracts those seeking a slower pace and stronger community ties. Nha Trang is also emerging as a popular destination.
Regardless of location, expats generally find daily life in Vietnam convenient and affordable. From ride-hailing apps and food delivery services to international supermarkets and private healthcare services, everyday tasks are easy to manage.
Social life for expats often revolves around cafés, gyms, language exchanges, and networking events, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, where the expat population is largest. Many foreigners also integrate into the local community over time, learning the language, exploring Vietnamese culture, and forming friendships with Vietnamese people known for being open and friendly.
Is Vietnam a Good Place for American Expats?
Yes. Many American expats find that living in Vietnam is welcoming, affordable, and capable of delivering a very high quality of life, especially for those who are open to adapting to a new environment. Cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi offer modern amenities, international schools, private healthcare, and established expat communities, which make settling in much easier for Americans.
That said, culture shock is a real part of the experience, particularly during the first few months. Everyday differences such as traffic habits, communication styles, bureaucracy, and the fast pace of urban life—especially in Ho Chi Minh City—can feel overwhelming at first.
However, most American expats report that once they understand local customs and adjust expectations, day-to-day life becomes far more enjoyable. For the majority of expats, the first step toward living in Vietnam is entering on a tourist visa, which provides time to navigate culture shock, explore neighborhoods, and connect with the local expat community.
What Is the Safest Place to Live in Vietnam?
Da Nang is widely regarded as one of the safest places to live in Vietnam and is often the top choice for expats prioritizing security and quality of life. Da Nang benefits from organized city planning, well-lit streets, and lower crime rates compared to larger urban centers. Petty crime exists, as it does everywhere, but incidents such as theft and scams are far less common in Da Nang than in busy metropolitan areas like Ho Chi Minh City.
One of the reasons Da Nang stands out is its balanced development. The city combines modern infrastructure, wide roads, and efficient public services with a calmer pace of life. Neighborhoods are generally quiet and residential, making the city especially appealing to expat families, retirees, and digital nomads who value safety and stability.
Beyond Da Nang, other cities such as Hoi An and Nha Trang are also considered very safe. These cities benefit from tight-knit communities, slower lifestyles, and strong local presence, which naturally reduces crime. However, Da Nang remains the most consistently recommended by the expat community due to its size, economic growth, healthcare access, and overall livability.
Affordable Cost of Living in Vietnam
The cost of living in Vietnam is one of the main reasons the country attracts expats, retirees, and digital nomads. Vietnam remains affordable compared to most Western countries and even many destinations in Southeast Asia, while still offering modern amenities and a comfortable quality of life. Compared to major cities, an emerging city often provides better value for money without sacrificing modern amenities.
Housing
Housing is typically the largest expense. In big cities like Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in Binh Thanh, or Hanoi, a modern one-bedroom apartment near the city center costs more, while similar accommodation in other cities, such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, or Hoi An, is significantly cheaper. Outside premium areas, rent drops sharply without sacrificing access to shops, coffee shops, and public transport.
Food
Food costs are very affordable. Many expats eat out daily, relying on street food and local restaurants, which keeps monthly expenses low. Imported groceries and Western dining options are more expensive, but choosing local products helps maintain a low budget.
Utilities and Transportation
Transportation is inexpensive, with motorbikes, ride-hailing apps, and public transport widely used. Utilities, mobile data, and internet are affordable and reliable in most urban areas, supported by well-developed infrastructure.
Healthcare and Insurance
Healthcare is accessible and reasonably priced, particularly in major cities where private hospitals and English-speaking doctors are available. Expats choose international health insurance or international insurance to cover private care and unexpected medical costs.
Vietnam’s hot weather makes air-conditioned apartments, hydration, and access to healthcare services especially important for expats adjusting to the climate.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices ultimately determine how much you spend. Those who embrace Vietnamese culture, live outside premium districts, and enjoy local food can live comfortably on a modest budget, while those seeking luxury apartments, imported goods, and frequent travel will naturally spend more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live on $1,000 a month in Vietnam?
Yes, many people successfully live on $1,000 a month in Vietnam, especially outside premium neighborhoods. Rent, local food, transport, and utilities are very affordable. Smaller cities and secondary areas make this budget even more realistic.
Is $1,000 USD a good salary in Vietnam?
For locals, $1,000 USD is considered a strong salary. For expats, it supports a modest but comfortable day-to-day life, particularly if you embrace the local way of living and limit imported goods. Most newcomers initially arrive on a tourist visa, which allows them to explore living in Vietnam before transitioning to a work permit, business visa, or longer-term residency option.
How long will $100,000 last in Vietnam?
Depending on lifestyle, $100,000 can last between 5 and 10 years. In smaller cities or coastal areas, it stretches even further, making Vietnam attractive for early retirees and long-term living.
