Cost of Living Vietnam Nomad – wondering how much it costs to roam free in Vietnam as a digital nomad in 2025?
You’re not alone. More and more remote workers are trading high-rent cities for tranquil riverside cafés, bustling night markets, and slow mornings in mountain towns. And Vietnam? It’s the sweet spot a beautiful blend of affordability, culture, and convenience.
At Nomadic Vietnam, we’ve gathered real numbers and firsthand experiences to craft this Monthly Cost of Living in Vietnam: Nomad Budget Breakdown 2025. Whether you’re sipping egg coffee in Hanoi or typing away in a Da Nang coworking space, this guide helps you plan a lifestyle that balances comfort, adventure, and budget.
💬 Keep reading to plan your nomad budget for Vietnam!
1. Accommodation: Homestays, Hostels, and Apartments (Cost of Living Vietnam Nomad)
Finding your home-away-from-home in Vietnam is easier (and cheaper) than you think. In the serene hills of Sapa or along the winding rivers of the Mekong Delta, homestays range from $200-$350/month, offering both authenticity and affordability. Prefer city life? One-bedroom apartments in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) cost around $400-$600/month.
Tight budget? Hostels in Da Nang offer long-term dorm stays for $150-$250/month, often with community vibes and coworking perks.
Tips for Nomads
- Book long stays via Booking.com for hidden discounts (e.g., $10/night in Hoi An).
- Check Wi-Fi speeds (10–20 Mbps is standard in homestays).
- Negotiate monthly rates — many owners give 10–20% off for longer stays.
🖼 Suggested image: “Sapa homestay nomad”
2. Food: Street Eats and Dining Out (Cost of Living Vietnam Nomad)
From a bowl of steaming phở for $2 to a banh mi that crunches just right for $1.50, Vietnam’s street food scene is both iconic and wallet-friendly. Eating out every day? Expect to spend $150–$200/month. Cooking at home can lower this to $100/month.
Craving a caffeine fix? Vietnamese coffee rich, bold, and smooth costs just $1-2 per cup, making café hopping both joyful and budget-friendly.
Tips for Nomads
- Stick to local stalls in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for authentic and cheap eats.
- Budget $5/day if eating out daily.
- Use GrabFood for occasional delivery ($3-5/order), and work from cafés to offset your coffee spending.
🖼 Suggested image: “Hanoi street food nomad”
3. Transportation: Getting Around Vietnam (Living Costs in Vietnam for Nomads)
Exploring Vietnam is part of the joy. Monthly motorbike rentals cost $60–$100. In cities like HCMC, Grab rides average $1–3/trip, totaling about $50/month if used daily. Public buses in places like Da Nang are incredibly cheap $0.50/ride, around $15/month. Intercity travel (e.g., Hanoi to Sapa) runs about $10–15/trip.
Tips for Nomads
- Rent a motorbike in Da Lat for ultimate freedom ($70/month).
- Use Grab for convenience and public buses for savings.
- Walk or bike in towns like Hoi An for the scenery and your wallet.
🖼 Suggested image: “Nomad on motorbike Da Lat”
4. Coworking Spaces and Internet (Cost of Living Vietnam Nomad)
Reliable workspaces are everywhere. Coworking hubs like Toong in HCMC or Hub Da Nang offer memberships from $100–$150/month. Prefer flexibility? Daily passes are around $7–12. A local SIM card with 30GB data goes for $5–10/month, while cafés often have free Wi-Fi (5–15 Mbps).
Tips for Nomads
- Choose coworking spaces with 30–50 Mbps Wi-Fi if you rely on Zoom.
- Use Viettel for the best SIM coverage ($7 for 50GB).
- For low-cost days, grab a seat at Highlands Coffee with a $2 cappuccino.
🔗 Find coworking spaces with this guide: Top 12 Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads in Vietnam (2025)
🖼 Suggested image: “Hub Da Nang coworking nomad”
5. Entertainment and Activities
Life in Vietnam isn’t all work. Weekend cruises to Ha Long Bay or historical tours like the Cu Chi Tunnels cost around $20–$50/trip, totaling about $50–$100/month. Cultural events like the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hoi An (Sept 2025) are often free or under $5.
Tips for Nomads
- Plan 1–2 major trips/month (e.g., Ha Long Bay for $40).
- Check out free cultural nights in Hoi An or Hue.
- Schedule outings for the afternoon so you can stay productive in the mornings.
🖼 Suggested image: “Hoi An Mid-Autumn Festival 2025”
6. Miscellaneous: Health, Laundry, and More (Nomad Budget Breakdown Vietnam)
Staying healthy and clean is affordable too. Travel insurance with nomad-friendly coverage (like SafetyWing) costs $30–$50/month. Laundry services in Da Nang are $10–15/month, and basic toiletries (like toothpaste, bug spray) add about $20/month.
Tips for Nomads
- Get insurance tailored for digital nomads and remote work.
- Use local laundromats instead of hotel services.
- Stock up on essentials in HCMC for lower prices.
🖼 Suggested image: “Da Nang local market 2025”
7. Total Monthly Budget Breakdown (Vietnam Nomad Budget 2025)
Low-Budget Nomad – $800/month
- Homestay: $250
- Food: $150
- Transport: $50
- Coworking: $100
- Activities: $50
- Misc: $50
Mid-Range Nomad – $1,200/month
- Apartment: $450
- Food: $200
- Transport: $70
- Coworking: $150
- Activities: $80
- Misc: $50
Comfort Nomad – $1,500/month
- Apartment: $600
- Food: $250
- Transport: $100
- Coworking: $150
- Activities: $100
- Misc: $50
Tips for Nomads
- Adjust your budget based on your location – HCMC is more expensive than Da Lat.
- Use apps like XE Currency to track daily spending (1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND as of May 2025).
- Want to save more? Base yourself in Can Tho or Hue, cook at home, and travel during off-peak seasons.
🖼 Suggested image: “Nomad budgeting Vietnam”
Conclusion
Living as a digital nomad in Vietnam in 2025 is more than just affordable – it’s transformative. From sipping street phở in Hanoi to joining a lantern-making workshop in Hoi An, every dollar stretches into an unforgettable experience. Our Monthly Cost of Living in Vietnam: Nomad Budget Breakdown proves you can thrive on $800–$1,500/month, all while embracing freedom, culture, and community.
Ready for more tips? Check out our How to Travel Vietnam on a Budget guide.
