Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Vietnam is 55% cheaper to live in. Quality of life drops by 7 points.

An analysis of the United States versus Vietnam reveals the US holding a 7-point lead in quality of life, with scores of 63/100 and 56/100 respectively. The most prominent gap is in healthcare, where the US scores 59 against Vietnam's 34, a substantial 25-point difference highlighting the US's more advanced medical infrastructure. Climate also favors the US, with a score of 64 (14°C average) compared to Vietnam's 44 (24°C average), a 20-point differential that suggests the US offers more preferred climatic conditions on average. However, Vietnam significantly surpasses the US in safety, scoring 81 against the US's 62, a 19-point lead indicating a much more secure environment for residents. Furthermore, Vietnam's price level is dramatically lower at 35, compared to the US at 100, making it a far more affordable destination. Taxation rates are nearly identical (US 63, Vietnam 62).

The United States is the overall stronger choice, largely due to its superior healthcare system and more favorable climate, despite Vietnam's substantial advantage in affordability and safety.

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: United States = 100, Vietnam = 45 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.69$3.00
-47%

Starbucks Tall Latte

$5.50$2.80
-49%
🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$7.00$1.50
-79%
📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$799.00$920.00
+15%
🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$15.49$3.50
-77%

1L Gasoline (95)

$0.95$1.05
+11%
🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$2.75$0.30
-89%
🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$120.00$28.00
-77%
See all 30 products →

Quality of Life

United States: 63/100 vs Vietnam: 56/100

Cost of Living
59
57
-2
Climate
64
44
-20
Safety
62
81
+19
Healthcare
59
34
-25
Internet
76
61
-15
Taxation
63
62
-1

Moving to Vietnam: Practicalities

Visa Openness

65/100

English Level

44/100

Expat Community

0.1%

Digital Nomad Visa

No

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vietnam cheaper to live in than United States?
Yes. Vietnam is about 55% cheaper across 30 everyday products (Big Mac, iPhone, gasoline, Netflix, etc.). Your money goes further.
What salary do I need in Vietnam to match my lifestyle in United States?
Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between United States and Vietnam. As a rule of thumb: you can accept a lower gross salary because Vietnam is significantly cheaper.
Is it worth moving from United States to Vietnam?
It depends on your priorities. Higher taxes but lower cost of living in Vietnam. The cost savings may offset the tax increase.