Can a Couple Really Live in Vietnam for $1,000 a Month? 🇻🇳

A couple living in Dien Ban, a village 15 minutes outside Da Nang, breaks down their monthly expenses to show that two people can live comfortably on under $1,000. Their rent, including all utilities, is 14 million VND (about $575). Groceries, mostly from local markets, total roughly 4.5 million VND ($185) and include 6 kg of beef flank, 10 kg of chicken breast, fresh salmon, shrimp, vegetables, eggs, rice, and fruit. A motorbike rental costs 1.5 million VND ($62) per month, with gas around 75,000 VND ($3) per fill-up. The couple cooks most meals at home and dines out only once or twice a month, spending about $40 for a nice meal for two. They emphasize that living outside the city center in a quieter area keeps costs low while still providing easy access to Da Nang and Hoi An by motorbike.

Key Facts

1. Rent including utilities: 14,000,000 VND (~$575) per month
2. Monthly groceries: ~4,500,000 VND (~$185)
3. Motorbike rental: 1,500,000 VND (~$62) per month
4. Gas: ~75,000 VND (~$3) per fill-up, 1-2 times per month
5. Dien Ban is 15 km from Da Nang and 12-14 km from Hoi An