Monthly Budgeting 101: What I Spend As A Digital Nomad In Vietnam
The best part about being a digital nomad is exploring a new place at a time while building a sustainable career—and life—you genuinely love to wake up to each morning.
But, each destination comes with its own cost of living you need to consider before moving there.
In recent years, Vietnam has been rising as a top destination for digital nomads who fell in love with the nation’s beautiful weather, friendly people, and budget-friendly living costs.
If you’re considering this slice of paradise as your next stop, let me share my monthly budget breakdown (in U.S. dollars) of living here as a digital nomad to give you an idea of what to expect!
Is Vietnam An Expensive Digital Nomad Destination?
Long-haul flight ticket aside, Vietnam is one of the most budget-friendly countries in the world.
SE Asia already has a reputation for being affordable, but the deals you’ll find here are second to none, even by regional standards. Think of gorgeous beachfront hotels you’d only dream of visiting back home for less than $50 a night.
Pair the lower prices with raw natural beauty, delicious national dishes, and excellent quality of life, and you’ll understand why so many expats and digital nomads never want to leave!
My Monthly Budget For Vietnam As A Digital Nomad
Before we get into the budget breakdown, here is a quick disclaimer.
This budget is based on over three years of me living here on and off, trying out different cities, and my personal preferences.
I also mainly ate local food, traveled a lot, and occasionally splurged on travel and other nice things.
Every digital nomad is different, and it’s up to you to include your needs, wants, and interests.
That said, here’s a snapshot of what you can spend on average during your stay in Vietnam:
Essentials
Housing: I generally lived in simple studios, en-suite rooms, and even a tiny bungalow in Hoi An. On average, expect to pay anywhere from $120 for a room to $150 or more for your apartment. Utilities cost an additional $25-100 based on the season, how much you use the A/C, and whether the internet’s included with your accommodation.
Food: A meal at a local restaurant costs around $1-3. With grocery shopping and occasional splurges on international products, I spent about $150 to $200 on food monthly.
Transportation: Depending on the city, I’d buy a cheap motorbike for $100-200, then sell it for a similar price when I left the country. Public transportation and taxis are also really cheap ($0.25-$1 for a moto-taxi). Still, the bike gives you more freedom to explore!
Internet & Phone: I purchased a Viettel SIM card with unlimited data for $6 a month, and all of my accommodations had free internet.
Coffee & Coworking: If I worked at a cafe, a cup of coffee would be around $0.75 to $2, and hot desks for about $3-8, depending on the city and amenities. I roughly budgeted about $40 for a mix of cafes and the occasional daily pass at a local coworking space.
Non-Essentials
Travel & Entertainment: Whether you’re exploring local markets, visiting historical sites, or traveling to nearby cities, there’s always something to pass the time. My average budget was $100-200.
Gyms: Gym memberships can vary, but expect to spend around $10-30 monthly. I generally went for the cheaper option, but these generally came with no A/C and only basic equipment.
Depending on the month and city, my living costs would range from $500 if I didn’t go anywhere to $800 if I did a lot of travel.
Budgeting Tips For Digital Nomads In Vietnam
Want to stretch your wallet further while visiting? Here are a few tips to help you save:
Facebook Is Your Friend
Facebook is still the number one platform in Vietnam. Many groups are filled with local Vietnamese, expats, and digital nomads sharing local tips, deals with local restaurants, and more.
From apartments to cheap motorcycles, take advantage of these groups to find affordable housing, learn about local events, or even fellow nomads.
Negotiate With Your Landlord
You can find a much better price in Vietnam by negotiating directly than paying the monthly rate on Airbnb. Whenever you can, rent out an Airbnb for a few nights. If you like the property, discuss a fair price with your landlord. As a rule of thumb, the longer you stay, the better the discount!
Shop Local
I’d shop for local brands or go to the wet market to stock up on often cheaper produce whenever I could. The produce is fresh, the selection is pretty broad, and the prices are lower than what you’d find in supermarkets.
Learn The Language
If you’re staying for longer, learning some basic survival Vietnamese will go a long way. Besides having an easier time adapting, you can even have a hand in negotiating prices at your local market.
The Bottom Line
If you choose Vietnam as a destination, you’ll find it hard to leave. Whether waking up to 7 AM karaoke sessions or watching the sunset sipping your fresh coconut coffee, everything about this place grows on you.
I spent years there, and even now, I still feel like I have only scratched the surface of everything the country offers.
Living as a digital nomad in Vietnam is also incredibly affordable on a slim budget. For less than $800, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, travel around the country, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
But like any destination, it’s all about what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. Budgeting as a digital nomad is all about making smart choices and designing a budget you can follow monthly.
But no matter if you’re just starting your career or a seven-figure entrepreneur, Vietnam offers excellent value for your money, beautiful weather, and endless authentic experiences you won’t forget.
What are you waiting for? Start packing your bags (and laptop), booking your flight, and enjoying your new adventure!
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