Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's most affordable and dynamic destinations for American expats, with a cost of living roughly 60% lower than the United States according to Numbeo (2025). Major expat hubs include Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and the coastal city of Da Nang, each offering distinctive lifestyles from bustling urban energy to beachside tranquility. The country ranks 41st on the 2024 Global Peace Index and carries a US State Department Level 1 'Exercise Normal Precautions' advisory, making it one of the safer destinations in the region. Healthcare is a mixed picture: public facilities are inexpensive but often overcrowded, while international hospitals like FV Hospital and Vinmec in HCMC offer Western-standard care at a fraction of US costs. Most expats carry private international insurance. English proficiency ranks 'low' on the EF EPI 2024, with Vietnam scoring below the regional average, though English is widely used in tourism, business, and expat-heavy neighborhoods. Vietnam's visa framework is notably restrictive compared to neighbors: there is no dedicated retirement or digital nomad visa, and long-term residency typically requires employment sponsorship, marriage to a Vietnamese citizen, or investment. Most expats rotate through renewable tourist or business e-visas.