Living in Vietnam 2026: Guide for American Expats

Vietnam is an attractive destination for Americans seeking an affordable place to live or retire, thanks to its significantly lower cost of living than that of the United States. Eligible American expats can apply for temporary residence cards, which may later be upgraded to permanent residency.

If you’re planning your next adventure abroad, this 2026 Pacific Prime guide will explore the cost of living and quality of life in Vietnam, key cultural differences between the two countries, essential visa information, and why securing international health insurance is crucial.

If you want to live in more than one country over time, or you want to decide if Asia is the right area for you, check out our guide to living abroad in Asia.

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Cost of Living in Vietnam vs. the USA

For a single person, the average cost of living in Vietnam is about 75% less expensive than in the United States. For a family, the average cost of living is around 72.5% lower in Vietnam than in the USA. We’ll break down the major budgeting categories for you to see more details.

Methodology for Comparisons

To compare the cost of living in Vietnam and the United States, we used crowd-sourced data based on recent user submissions. The figures represent national averages across major cities in each country, so actual costs may vary depending on locations.

Housing Cost in Vietnam vs. the USA

Housing in Vietnam is less than half the cost of what you would pay for a similar unit in the United States, but prices can vary widely depending on the city, neighborhood, and type of accommodation.

Renting in the City Center/Downtown

For a downtown single-bedroom apartment in Vietnam, the rent price is almost 80% lower than in the United States. For a three-bedroom downtown apartment, the rent price is 73% less expensive than in the United States. That’s a lot of savings in the city center!

Renting in the Suburbs

The rental price for a single-bedroom apartment is 84% less costly in Vietnam compared to the USA when you compare average suburb prices. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average savings is 77% in Vietnam.

Food Cost in Vietnam vs. the USA

Food is much cheaper in Vietnam than in the United States. Foodies who love eating out will love the massive savings on restaurant dining in Vietnam. For others who love to cook at home, you’ll still appreciate the cheaper grocery prices in Vietnam.

Eating Out in Vietnam

Here are the average savings you can find in Vietnam when you compare the prices of eating out in both countries:

• The lunch menu in Vietnam is over 90% cheaper than in the United States.
• A dinner for two in Vietnam is also around 70% less expensive than in the USA.
• A fast food meal is 64.5% more affordable in Vietnam.

Grocery Prices in Vietnam vs. the USA

As you’ll see from our list of common grocery items below, most things are much cheaper in Vietnam than in the United States. The only exception is milk.

• Bread is approximately 75.4% cheaper in Vietnam.
• Rice costs about 79.2% less in Vietnam.
• Eggs are around 68.9% cheaper in Vietnam.
• Chicken breast is approximately 71.2% less expensive than in the U.S.
• Beef (round steak) is about 40.5% cheaper in Vietnam.
• Apples cost roughly 43.2% less in Vietnam.
• Bananas are around 40.5% cheaper than in the United States.
• Oranges are approximately 71.4% more affordable in Vietnam.
• Tomatoes are about 78.0% cheaper in Vietnam.
• Potatoes cost roughly 64.3% less in Vietnam.
• Onions are approximately 65.2% cheaper in Vietnam.
• Milk is an exception, costing about 23.4% more in Vietnam than in the United States.

Transportation Cost in Vietnam vs. the USA

Gas prices in Vietnam cost about 8.7% less than in the United States. For monthly public transit passes, you’ll find an average savings of about 88% in Vietnam. A taxi ride is 69% cheaper in Vietnam than in the USA.

Salaries in Vietnam vs. the USA

The average after-tax salary in Vietnam is about 92.5% lower than in the USA. In Vietnam, the average monthly take-home pay is $342, enough to cover 0.6 months of living expenses, while in the U.S., the average after-tax salary of $4,539 can cover 1.8 months of expenses. 

Is Vietnam Expensive to Live In?

Vietnam is not an expensive country to live in. The average cost of living in Vietnam is much lower than in the United States. By securing health insurance and planning your budget, you can afford an expat adventure in Vietnam easily.

While salaries in Vietnam tend to be much lower than in the United States on average, if you are a digital nomad or retiree who is living off of income earned in another country, then Vietnam is a great place to relocate!

Living in Vietnam as an American

To fully immerse yourself in Vietnam, it is best to learn some basic daily Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (Hello) and “Cảm ơn” (Thank you). Be aware that there are different pronouns and phrasing depending on the age and gender of the person you are speaking to or about.

Healthcare in Vietnam for Americans

Vietnam has both public and private healthcare networks. The public healthcare system is often underfunded and understaffed. Many of these services are not up to the standards that Westerners are used to. 

To make sure that you will have your medical needs met, find an international health insurance plan that will cover you in Vietnam. You can also find a plan with medical evacuation to help you get any emergency or inpatient care you may need while abroad.

Cultural Adjustments for Americans in Vietnam

As an American moving abroad, it is important to be familiar with the customs and etiquette of your destination country. In Vietnam, modesty is an important value. This is reflected in the way you dress, speak, and act. Wear clothing that covers you from shoulder to knee and avoid boasting.

Respect the elderly in Vietnam by using the correct phrasing in greetings, giving them deference, and removing your hat when speaking to someone older than you. 

Become familiar with the language and learn enough Vietnamese to conduct your day-to-day business. Only 16% of residents in Vietnam speak English, so don’t rely on others knowing your language there.

Disrespectful Behavior to Avoid in Public

Here are some behaviors you should avoid in public while in Vietnam:

• Public displays of affection
• Losing your temper
• Criticizing others
• Using a single finger to point (use your whole hand if you must gesture)
• Touching anyone on the head (This is the most sacred body part in Vietnam.)
• Crossing your arms or putting your hands on your hips
• Flaunting wealth or money

Visiting Others’ Homes in Vietnam

There are things you should be aware of if you are a guest in someone’s home. For example, remove your shoes and bring a gift. Wrap the gift in brightly colored paper.

Visiting Religious Sites

Vietnam is home to many beautiful temples and religious sites that visitors love to visit, but you should know the proper etiquette for visiting the sites.

• Remember that there will be others worshipping at these sites, so you should allow them to continue their religious practice and avoid becoming a distraction.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin from shoulders to knees. Avoid anything form-fitting or revealing.
• Remove any hats.
• Do not point the soles of your feet toward statues or people.
• Do not touch the head of another person.

Retiring in Vietnam from the USA

Many people consider retiring in Vietnam from the USA because the lower cost of living can be a way to stretch your retirement money. It’s important to understand your potential tax obligations in both countries and consult a qualified tax professional.

Be aware that there is no Social Security Agreement between Vietnam and the United States. This means that you must have worked the minimum amount in the USA to obtain any Social Security Benefits from the United States.

As with most countries, residency in Vietnam alone does not make you eligible for local retirement benefits.

Moving to Vietnam from the USA

Planning your move to Vietnam will help you make the most of your time abroad. Make sure you are familiar with some basic phrases in Vietnamese and the customs. Work with the Immigration Department in Vietnam to finalize residence cards or visas.

Be sure to decide exactly where you plan to live in Vietnam. If you’re still exploring options, check out our most recommended places in Vietnam for expats.

Visa Requirements for US Citizens in Vietnam

For expats, retirees, or American citizens intending to stay in Vietnam longer than a tourist visa allows, they will first need to obtain a temporary residence card. Once you have been approved for a TRC and meet the requirements for a permanent residence card, you may apply for a PRC.

To apply for a temporary residence card, you will need to submit an application and supporting documents, called a dossier, to the Vietnamese Immigration Department.

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Conclusion

Vietnam is a great place for expats who are ready for an immersive adventure in a lush, green country. Its low cost of living and affordable cuisine make it a great place for expats or retirees hoping to escape the high expenses of life in the United States.

To ensure peace of mind as you settle into your new life in Vietnam, Pacific Prime can help you secure comprehensive expat insurance. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, we can also help you find an international health insurance plan that will meet your requirements.

Contact us to get started on your next expatriate journey, or get an obligation-free quote from our online quote tool!

If you are still considering your options abroad, check out our guides for Thailand and Indonesia!

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Napasrapi Triemthana

Napasrapi Triemthana, best known by his nickname “Tawan,” is an upcoming content creator at Pacific Prime Thailand. He is a fresh graduate in English from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, where he developed knowledge in literature and culture, while also building up experience writing both academically and professionally compelling essays and articles. Before joining Pacific Prime’s content team, Tawan had been in an internship at a top e-commerce company in Thailand, during which he had a chance to write blog posts and short articles for the company’s website and social media. During college, Tawan also worked part-time as a Thai-English translator and proofreader for the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University’s academic journals.

With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.

In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield his Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!

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