Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Vietnam
Portugal
Based on our comparison, Ho Chi Minh City wins 6 out of 8 categories.Lisbon wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Ho Chi Minh City and Lisbon, 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Lisbon for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Ho Chi Minh City offers a more affordable lifestyle at $974/month compared to Lisbon's $2,012/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Ho Chi Minh City leads with 150 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Lisbon offers 100 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Lisbon offers better security than Ho Chi Minh City (5/10).
Overall: Ho Chi Minh City earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.9/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Ho Chi Minh City is 52% cheaper than Lisbon.
Lisbon has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Ho Chi Minh City (5/10).
5/10
Ho Chi Minh City
6.7/10
Lisbon
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Ho Chi Minh City offers faster internet at 150 Mbps vs 100 Mbps.
150 Mbps
Ho Chi Minh City
100 Mbps
Lisbon
Based on our analysis, Ho Chi Minh City edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Ho Chi Minh City: Best for budget-conscious expats
Lisbon: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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