Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Vietnam
Saudi Arabia
Based on our comparison, Riyadh wins 6 out of 8 categories.Hoi An wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Hoi An and Riyadh, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Riyadh
$522/mo
Best Internet
Riyadh
95 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Riyadh
8.6/10
Our Recommendation: Riyadh is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Hoi An and Riyadh for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Riyadh is the more budget-friendly option at $522/month versus Hoi An's $735/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Riyadh provides faster connectivity at 95 Mbps compared to Hoi An's 90 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 8.4/10, Hoi An provides a more secure environment than Riyadh (7.5/10).
Overall: Riyadh's NomadIQ score of 8.6/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Riyadh is 29% cheaper than Hoi An.
Hoi An has a higher safety score (8.4/10) compared to Riyadh (7.5/10).
8.4/10
Hoi An
7.5/10
Riyadh
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Riyadh offers faster internet at 95 Mbps vs 90 Mbps.
90 Mbps
Hoi An
95 Mbps
Riyadh
Based on our analysis, Riyadh edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Hoi An: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Riyadh: Best for budget-conscious expats
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