Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Kazakhstan

Vietnam
Based on our comparison, Astana wins 5 out of 8 categories.Ho Chi Minh City wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Astana and Ho Chi Minh City, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Astana
$948/mo
Best Internet
Ho Chi Minh City
150 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Ho Chi Minh City
7.9/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Astana if budget is your top priority, or Ho Chi Minh City if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Astana and Ho Chi Minh City for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Astana offers a more affordable lifestyle at $948/month compared to Ho Chi Minh City's $974/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Ho Chi Minh City provides faster connectivity at 150 Mbps compared to Astana's 130 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Astana provides a more secure environment than Ho Chi Minh City (5/10).
Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 7.9/10.
Astana is 3% cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City.
Astana has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Ho Chi Minh City (5/10).
6.7/10
Astana
5/10
Ho Chi Minh City
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Ho Chi Minh City offers faster internet at 150 Mbps vs 130 Mbps.
130 Mbps
Astana
150 Mbps
Ho Chi Minh City
Based on our analysis, Astana edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Astana: Best for budget-conscious expats
Ho Chi Minh City: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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