{"id":10040,"date":"2026-01-21T19:12:59","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T11:12:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/?p=10040"},"modified":"2026-01-21T21:42:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T13:42:14","slug":"living-abroad-in-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/living-abroad-in-vietnam.html","title":{"rendered":"Living in Vietnam 2026: Guide for American Expats"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning your next adventure abroad, this 2026 Pacific Prime guide will explore the cost of living and quality of life in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/country\/asia\/vietnam-health-insurance-pacific-prime-international\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vietnam<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, key cultural differences between the two countries, essential visa information, and why securing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/health-insurance-plans\/international-health-insurance-plan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">international health insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/living-abroad-in-asia.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guide to living abroad in Asia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-73' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<link rel='stylesheet' href='https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/css\/compare-73-new.css?v1.67' type='text\/css' media='all'\/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/?campSource=PP-Blog&utm_campaign=Blog\" class=\"inserter-73-link CompareNowbutton\">\n  <div class=\"inserter-73-new\">\n    <div class=\"inserter-left-box\">\n        <h3>Kickstart Your Search for the Perfect Insurer<\/h3>        \n        <div class=\"inserter-compare-box\">\n            <p>Compare over <br>50,000 Plans <br>from Top Insurers<\/p>\n            <button >Compare NOW<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    \n    <div class=\"inserter-img-box\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/img\/mobile.png\" alt=\" \" class=\"banner-img-mobile\">            \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/a>\n\n<style>\n\n.inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {right: -31%;}\n@media (max-width: 1199px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    right: -20px;\n  }\n@media (max-width: 991px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    right: -10px;\n  }\n}\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    height: auto;\n    width: 30%;\n  }\n}\n@media (max-width: 512px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    height: 200px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Cost of Living in Vietnam vs. the USA<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-27979 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-skyline-with-skyscrapers-in-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam.webp\" alt=\"Image of Modern Skyline With Skyscrapers In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with text overlay of &quot;Cost of Living in Vietnam vs. the USA&quot;\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-skyline-with-skyscrapers-in-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam.webp 1280w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-skyline-with-skyscrapers-in-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-skyline-with-skyscrapers-in-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-skyline-with-skyscrapers-in-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-skyline-with-skyscrapers-in-ho-chi-minh-city-vietnam-150x84.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a single person, the average cost of living in Vietnam is about <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">75%<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> less expensive than in the United States. For a family, the average cost of living is around <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">72.5%<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lower in Vietnam than in the USA. We\u2019ll break down the major budgeting categories for you to see more details.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Methodology for Comparisons<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To compare the cost of living in Vietnam and the United States, we used <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/livingcost.org\/cost\/united-states\/vietnam\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">crowd-sourced data<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on recent user submissions. The figures represent national averages across major cities in each country, so actual costs may vary depending on locations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Housing Cost in Vietnam vs. the USA<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Renting in the City Center\/Downtown<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a downtown single-bedroom apartment in Vietnam, the rent price is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">almost 80% <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lower than in the United States. For a three-bedroom downtown apartment, the rent price is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">73% <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less expensive than in the United States. That\u2019s a lot of savings in the city center!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Renting in the Suburbs<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rental price for a single-bedroom apartment is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">84%<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> less costly in Vietnam compared to the USA when you compare average suburb prices. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average savings is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">77%<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-20' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<!--<p><button class=\"mo-modal-open\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Asia_1.jpg\" alt=\"blog banner asia 1\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/button><\/p>-->\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Asia_1.jpg\" alt=\"blog banner asia 1\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Food Cost in Vietnam vs. the USA<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019ll still appreciate the cheaper grocery prices in Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Eating Out in Vietnam<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the average savings you can find in Vietnam when you compare the prices of eating out in both countries:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lunch menu in Vietnam is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over 90%<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cheaper than in the United States.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dinner for two in Vietnam is<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also around 70%<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> less expensive than in the USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fast food meal is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">64.5%<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> more affordable in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Grocery Prices in Vietnam vs. the USA<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bread is approximately 75.4% cheaper in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rice costs about 79.2% less in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eggs are around 68.9% cheaper in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chicken breast is approximately 71.2% less expensive than in the U.S.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beef (round steak) is about 40.5% cheaper in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apples cost roughly 43.2% less in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bananas are around 40.5% cheaper than in the United States.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oranges are approximately 71.4% more affordable in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tomatoes are about 78.0% cheaper in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potatoes cost roughly 64.3% less in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Onions are approximately 65.2% cheaper in Vietnam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milk is an exception, costing about 23.4% more in Vietnam than in the United States.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Transportation Cost in Vietnam vs. the USA<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gas prices in Vietnam cost about 8.7% less than in the United States. For monthly public transit passes, you\u2019ll find an average savings of about 88% in Vietnam. A taxi ride is 69% cheaper in Vietnam than in the USA.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Salaries in Vietnam vs. the USA<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Is Vietnam Expensive to Live In?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-21' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Asia_2.jpg\" alt=\"blog banner asia 2\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Living in Vietnam as an American<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To fully immerse yourself in Vietnam, it is best to learn some basic daily Vietnamese phrases like \u201cXin ch\u00e0o\u201d (Hello) and \u201cC\u1ea3m \u01a1n\u201d (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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Healthcare in Vietnam for Americans<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make sure that you will have your medical needs met, find an international <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/country\/asia\/vietnam-health-insurance-pacific-prime-international\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">health insurance plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Cultural Adjustments for Americans in Vietnam<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an American moving abroad, it is important to be familiar with the customs and etiquette of your destination country. In Vietnam, <\/span><b>modesty <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Become familiar with the language and learn enough Vietnamese to conduct your day-to-day business. Only <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/livingcost.org\/cost\/united-states\/vietnam#:~:text=%F0%9F%8C%90-,English%20speaking%20%25,-95.5%25\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16% of residents in Vietnam speak English<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so don\u2019t rely on others knowing your language there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Disrespectful Behavior to Avoid in Public<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some behaviors you should avoid in public while in Vietnam:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public displays of affection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losing your temper<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Criticizing others<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using a single finger to point (use your whole hand if you must gesture)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Touching anyone on the head (This is the most sacred body part in Vietnam.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crossing your arms or putting your hands on your hips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flaunting wealth or money<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Visiting Others\u2019 Homes in Vietnam<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are things you should be aware of if you are a guest in someone\u2019s home. For example, remove your shoes and bring a gift. Wrap the gift in brightly colored paper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Visiting Religious Sites<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin from shoulders to knees. Avoid anything form-fitting or revealing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove any hats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not point the soles of your feet toward statues or people.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not touch the head of another person.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-22' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Asia_3.jpg\" alt=\"blog banner asia 3\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Retiring in Vietnam from the USA<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s important to understand your potential tax obligations in both countries and consult a qualified tax professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with most countries, residency in Vietnam alone does not make you eligible for local retirement benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Moving to Vietnam from the USA<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.gov.vn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immigration Department in Vietnam<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to finalize residence cards or visas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to decide exactly where you plan to live in Vietnam. If you\u2019re still exploring options, check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/best-places-to-live-in-vietnam.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most recommended places in Vietnam for expats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Visa Requirements for US Citizens in Vietnam<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For expats, retirees, or American citizens intending to stay in Vietnam longer than a tourist visa allows, they will first need to obtain a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn\/en\/tin-tuc\/procedures-temporary-residence-cards-foreigners-vietnam-immigration-department-ministry\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">temporary residence card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Once you have been approved for a TRC and meet the requirements for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn\/en\/tin-tuc\/procedures-permanent-residence-cards-foreigners-vietnam\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">permanent residence card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you may apply for a PRC.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-72' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<link rel='stylesheet' href='https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/css\/compare-72-new.css?v1.47' type='text\/css' media='all'\/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/?campSource=PP-Blog&utm_campaign=Blog\" class=\"inserter-72-link CompareNowbutton\">\n        <div class=\"inserter-72-new\">\n            <h3>Start by Comparing <br>Insurance Plans Online<\/h3>\n            <div class=\"inserter-img-box\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/img\/desktop.png\" alt=\" \">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"inserter-compare-box\">\n                <p>Browse and Compare 50,000+ <br>International Health Plans<\/p>\n                <button>Compare NOW<\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To ensure peace of mind as you settle into your new life in Vietnam, Pacific Prime can help you secure comprehensive <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/country\/asia\/vietnam-health-insurance-pacific-prime-international\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">expat insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, we can also help you find an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/health-insurance-plans\/international-health-insurance-plan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">international health insurance plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that will meet your requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to get started on your next expatriate journey, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get an obligation-free quote<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from our online quote tool!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are still considering your options abroad, check out our guides for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/living-abroad-in-thailand.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thailand<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/living-abroad-in-indonesia.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indonesia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019re planning your next adventure abroad, this 2026 &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":94,"featured_media":27978,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[217,208],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10040","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insurance","category-travel-2"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Living in Vietnam 2026: Guide for American Expats<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This 2026 Pacific Prime guide explores the cost of living, health insurance, visas, retirement, and relocation for American expats in Vietnam.\" 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