Thailand vs Vietnam
Vietnam costs roughly 27% less than Thailand, though Thailand scores higher on healthcare. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Vietnam is approximately 27% less expensive than Thailand based on cost of living including rent. This makes Vietnam a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Vietnam has a FIRE Score of 100/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 59.2, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Vietnam is ideal for GeoArbitragers and remote workers looking to maximize savings.
About Thailand
Thailand is best for retirees seeking low costs, with a Retirement Visa requiring only a $30,000 foreign exchange deposit or monthly income. Living costs are a third of US norms: a single person spends $603/month excluding rent, and a 1-bedroom in a city center is $475. However, the main trade-off is no clear pathway to citizenship, and political stability is weak perceptions remain weak.
$1,922/mo
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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 around this budget level. Fast internet at 343.05 Mbps supports remote work, and safety metrics beat most Southeast Asian peers. The dealbreaker: a digital nomad visa exists (minimum $600/month remote-work-allowed income), but no retirement visa, so long-term legal residency stays messy regardless of your budget.
$2,169/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Thailand | Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 1: Normal Precautions |
| Quality of Life Index | 106.2 +10.4 | 95.8 |
| Healthcare Index | 77.5 +16.2 | 61.3 |
| Safety Index | 62.7 +3.5 | 59.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 33.7 | 26.6 +7.1 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $603.1 | $430.8 +172.3 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $2,202.6 | $1,554.9 +647.7 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $474.83 | $400.6 +74.23 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $282.3 | $263.55 +18.75 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,272.35 | $846.6 +425.75 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $678 | $547.09 +130.91 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 355.22 Mbps +12.2 | 343.05 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Vietnam. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Vietnam. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
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Income thresholds, fees, processing time and residency paths for Thailand and Vietnam, side by side.
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