The Global Expat Hub
Vietnam
Among the lowest living costs of any major destination and an energetic, fast-growing economy.
Your plan for Vietnam checklist Β· timeline Β· cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Vietnam
Costs and character vary significantly within Vietnam. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Fast-paced southern hub β the most international and business-forward city
The capital β more traditional, cooler climate and a strong cafΓ© culture
Beach city between north and south β favourite of remote workers and retirees
Charming ancient town beloved by expats β lanterns, bicycles and great food
Vietnam by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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π€οΈ Climate
Tropical south, subtropical north with a real winter in Hanoi. Central coast typhoons SepβNov.
Mean temperatures for Ho Chi Minh City.
π§οΈ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 1,800 mm (71 in) a year.
Snow Rare, far northern mountains only.
βοΈ The law
Official legislationGovernment legal documents portal β
OverviewLaw of Vietnam on Wikipedia β
Driving On the right. Licence rules β
ποΈ Taxes
Property tax Non-agricultural land tax 0.03β0.15%; negligible.
Local & regional income tax None.
π University
Not free; public $1β2k/yr, international programmes $3β8k.
π± Phone & eSIM
Carriers Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $6/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $10 for 10 GB.
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π Schemes to attract expats
- 90-day multiple-entry e-visa for all nationalities
- Investor and Temporary Residence cards
- Low flat costs rather than tax schemes
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Vietnam embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Vietnam faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job β free.
Roles open to foreigners in Vietnam: remote work you can do from Ho Chi Minh City, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Vietnam and post a job β
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here β posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vietnam safe for expats?
Vietnam scores 66 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 72 out of 100 for liveability β #10 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Vietnam?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Vietnam from around $1,350 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes β big cities run higher β and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Vietnam?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Vietnam include: 90-day multiple-entry e-visa for all nationalities; investor and Temporary Residence cards; low flat costs rather than tax schemes. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Vietnam for expats?
The top cities for expats in Vietnam profiled on this page are Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang. Hanoi is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.