Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Vietnam

Vietnam
Based on our comparison, Hoi An wins 7 out of 8 categories.Ho Chi Minh City wins 1 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Hoi An
$735/mo
Best Internet
Ho Chi Minh City
150 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Hoi An
8.2/10
Our Recommendation: Hoi An is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City's $974/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Ho Chi Minh City leads with 150 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 Ho Chi Minh City (5/10).
Overall: Hoi An's NomadIQ score of 8.2/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Hoi An is 25% cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City.
Hoi An has a higher safety score (8.4/10) compared to Ho Chi Minh City (5/10).
5/10
Ho Chi Minh City
8.4/10
Hoi An
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Ho Chi Minh City offers faster internet at 150 Mbps vs 90 Mbps.
150 Mbps
Ho Chi Minh City
90 Mbps
Hoi An
Based on our analysis, Hoi An edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.
Ho Chi Minh City: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Hoi An: Best for budget-conscious expats
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