An American couple from Miami Beach, both in their late 50s, share their experience of early retirement in Da Nang, Vietnam. After an 8-month trip through 110 cities across Southeast Asia, they chose Da Nang as their base, drawn by its walkability, low cost of living, and welcoming community. They rent a two-bedroom condo in the An Thuong area for $550 per month, a fraction of the $5,000 they paid for housing in Miami. Their total monthly budget for two is around $2,000, including dining out and wine. The couple highlights the excellent and affordable healthcare, with a specialist visit and MRI costing $179 compared to $3,000-$4,000 in the U.S. They also praise the local food, the ease of connecting with other expats through meetups, and the significant reduction in stress and health issues since moving. They advise others to declutter and just take the leap, emphasizing that the experience has been transformative for their health and happiness.
Key Facts
- Two-bedroom condo in An Thuong, Da Nang: $550/month
- Total monthly budget for a couple in Da Nang: around $2,000
- Specialist visit and MRI at Family Medical Center: $179
- Dental implants and veneers in Da Nang: $6,000-$7,000
- Housing in Miami Beach: $5,000/month