Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Greece

Vietnam
Based on our comparison, Ho Chi Minh City wins 5 out of 8 categories.Athens wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Athens and Ho Chi Minh City, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Ho Chi Minh City
$974/mo
Best Internet
Ho Chi Minh City
150 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Ho Chi Minh City
7.9/10
Our Recommendation: Ho Chi Minh City is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Athens and Ho Chi Minh City for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Ho Chi Minh City is the more budget-friendly option at $974/month versus Athens's $1,206/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Ho Chi Minh City provides faster connectivity at 150 Mbps compared to Athens's 120 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5/10, Ho Chi Minh City offers better security than Athens (4.5/10).
Overall: Both cities score similarly on our NomadIQ scale at 7.9/10.
Ho Chi Minh City is 19% cheaper than Athens.
Ho Chi Minh City has a higher safety score (5/10) compared to Athens (4.5/10).
4.5/10
Athens
5/10
Ho Chi Minh City
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Ho Chi Minh City offers faster internet at 150 Mbps vs 120 Mbps.
120 Mbps
Athens
150 Mbps
Ho Chi Minh City
Based on our analysis, Ho Chi Minh City edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Athens: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Ho Chi Minh City: Best for budget-conscious expats
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