Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

South Korea

Vietnam
Based on our comparison, Hoi An wins 6 out of 8 categories.Busan wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Busan and Hoi An, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Hoi An
$735/mo
Best Internet
Busan
200 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Busan
8.3/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Hoi An if budget is your top priority, or Busan if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Busan and Hoi An for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Hoi An is the more budget-friendly option at $735/month versus Busan's $1,200/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Busan leads with 200 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Hoi An offers 90 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 8.4/10, Hoi An offers better security than Busan (7/10).
Overall: Busan earns a higher NomadIQ score of 8.3/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Hoi An is 39% cheaper than Busan.
Hoi An has a higher safety score (8.4/10) compared to Busan (7/10).
7/10
Busan
8.4/10
Hoi An
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Busan offers faster internet at 200 Mbps vs 90 Mbps.
200 Mbps
Busan
90 Mbps
Hoi An
Based on our analysis, Hoi An edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Busan: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Hoi An: Best for budget-conscious expats
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