How Much Money You Need to Retire Comfortably in Vietnam (Updated 2024)

Thinking about retiring in Vietnam? It’s a place full of peaceful scenery and lots of interesting culture.

I’ve traveled all over Vietnam, from the North to the South and everywhere in between. Each part of the country is different and special in its own way.

Let’s dive into what you need to know about the cost of enjoying your retirement in these cool spots!

The North

Hanoi, the capital city, reflects the typical living costs in the North, with slightly higher expenses, especially in the city center.

However, the costs become more affordable as you move to the outskirts and rural areas.

Overall, the North provides a range of living expenses, from moderate in the city to more budget-friendly in the surrounding countryside.

Downtown Hanoi

In Hanoi, the cost of living varies depending on your choice of residence.

Downtown Hanoi has the highest living expenses, reflecting its status as a lively capital city with rich cultural offerings and convenient amenities.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing	$700 – $900
Groceries & Food	$300 – $400
Utilities & Misc	$200 – $300
Total	$1,200 – $1,600

Around Downtown Hanoi

When you go outside downtown, it’s more affordable.

You still have access to the city’s amenities, but housing and daily expenses are more budget-friendly, offering a good balance of cost and convenience.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing	$500 – $700
Groceries & Food	$250 – $350
Utilities & Misc	$150 – $250
Total	$900 – $1,300

Countryside Near Hanoi

The most economical choice is the countryside around Hanoi. This area offers the lowest cost of living, with significantly reduced expenses across the board, from housing to everyday needs.

It’s ideal for those seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing	$200 – $400
Groceries & Food	$150 – $250
Utilities & Misc	$100 – $200
Total	$450 – $850

The Center

Da Nang in Central Vietnam strikes a balance in living costs. It’s generally more affordable than Hanoi, with a cost-effective mix of urban and beach lifestyles.

The living expenses are further reduced in the suburban and rural areas surrounding Da Nang.

This region is known for offering a comfortable lifestyle at a reasonable cost, especially in areas just outside the city.

Downtown Da Nang

Living in downtown Da Nang means enjoying modern amenities and beautiful landscapes with moderate living expenses.

While it’s more affordable than Vietnam’s major northern and southern cities, it still ranks as the priciest area in the central region.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing	$500 – $700
Groceries & Food	$300 – $400
Utilities & Misc	$100 – $200
Total	$900 – $1,300

Around Downtown Da Nang

Moving away from the city center, the cost of living decreases.

These areas provide a quieter environment than the bustling downtown and are more cost-effective, especially in terms of housing.

It’s a popular choice for people who want to be close to urban amenities while enjoying lower expenses.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing	$350 – $550
Groceries & Food	$150 – $250
Utilities & Misc	$50 – $150
Total	$550 – $950

Living near downtown Da Nang means you get all the perks of a coastal city but at a lower cost.

It’s great for beach lovers looking for a budget-friendly lifestyle.

Countryside Near Da Nang

For the most economical living in central Vietnam, the countryside surrounding Da Nang is the way to go.

Here, the cost of living drops significantly, offering a tranquil lifestyle at a much lower financial requirement.

This area is ideal for retirees who prefer a peaceful setting and a deeper immersion into Vietnamese culture at a lower cost.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing	$200 – $350
Groceries & Food	$100 – $200
Utilities & Misc	$50 – $100
Total	$350 – $650

The South

In Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant heart of the South, you’ll find living costs surprisingly lower than in Hanoi, even though it’s a major urban center.

While the city’s core has higher expenses, the outskirts are more budget-friendly.

And if you venture into the rural areas surrounding the city, the costs drop even further.

This makes the South, especially around Ho Chi Minh City, an area with diverse and generally affordable living options for everyone.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

As the economic powerhouse of Vietnam, downtown Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it’s affectionately known, has higher living expenses compared to other parts of the country.

The vibrant city life here comes with a price tag that reflects its status as a major urban center, making it the most expensive option in the south.

However, it’s more affordable than Hanoi’s downtown and has tons to offer, from historic sites to bustling markets.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing	$600 – $800
Groceries & Food	$300 – $450
Utilities & Misc	$150 – $250
Total	$1,100 – $1,500

Around Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

Stepping out from the city center, the cost of living decreases. These areas offer a more relaxed pace than the bustling city center, with the benefit of lower housing and daily living costs.

It’s a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the perks of the city without the higher downtown expenses.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing	$400 – $600
Groceries & Food	$200 – $300
Utilities & Misc	$100 – $200
Total	$700 – $1,100

Countryside near Ho Chi Minh

If you’re dreaming of a calm and cost-effective life, the countryside near Ho Chi Minh City is ideal. It’s the least expensive option and offers a peaceful, local lifestyle.

And here’s something even better: this serene countryside isn’t isolated from the bustling downtown. It’s just about 20 kilometers away from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This means you can enjoy the best of both worlds – the peaceful countryside and the vibrant city life – without being too far from either.

However, there’s a catch. While the distance isn’t much, traffic jams can be a bit of a challenge, especially during peak hours. But, if your daily life keeps you in the countryside, then you won’t have to worry about the traffic. In that case, the countryside near Ho Chi Minh offers everything you could need – from local markets and schools to community centers and parks.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing	$250 – $400
Groceries & Food	$100 – $200
Utilities & Misc	$50 – $100
Total	$400 – $700

Notes

The living costs we discussed above for the countryside don’t cover tourist places such as Ninh Binh, Quang Ninh, Vung Tau or Cao Bang.
These beautiful spots can be more expensive because lots of visitors go there. If you’re thinking about retiring in these areas, just know they might cost a bit more!

Wrapping Up

Retiring in Vietnam is a smart choice for those looking to stretch their dollars. Whether you choose the vibrant city life or the quiet countryside, there’s a budget-friendly option for you.

Remember, these are just estimates to give you an idea. Your actual costs can vary, but one thing’s for sure – Vietnam offers a great retirement lifestyle without breaking the bank!