In Da Nang, budget-friendly apartments under $400 (10-12 million VND) remain available despite rising rental prices. A tour of seven apartments in the My Khe and An Thuong areas reveals that two-bedroom units with basic amenities like AC, refrigerator, and washer can be found for 10 million VND, while one-bedroom units often cost 10-12 million. However, landlords frequently add extra charges: electricity at 4,000-4,500 VND/kWh (above the standard 3,000-4,000), water at 100,000-150,000 VND/person, and vague service fees. Foreigners may face an additional 500,000 VND premium. Kitchens typically have only a single burner, and views are often of construction or neighbors. A standout option is a 10 million VND two-bedroom unit with two bathrooms, though it lacks a built-in stove and TV. Many apartments lack proper living room couches or comfortable TV seating. For those willing to compromise on location, larger units with more space are available further from the beach. Overall, Da Nang still offers affordable housing, but renters must carefully evaluate utility fees and negotiate inclusions to avoid paying inflated prices for subpar units.
Key Facts
- Two-bedroom apartments start at 10 million VND/month (~$400)
- One-bedroom apartments cost 10-12 million VND/month
- Electricity is often charged at 4,000-4,500 VND/kWh vs standard 3,000-4,000
- Water and service fees add 100,000-200,000 VND per person
- Most apartments have single-burner stoves, no built-in kitchen, and limited views
