A Canadian expat mother of two provides a detailed, real-numbers breakdown of the cost of living in Da Nang, Vietnam, in 2026 after three years of residence. She emphasizes that while rent has increased, other categories like food, transport, and healthcare remain affordable. Her family pays 22 million VND ($860 USD) for a two-bedroom beachside condo, a deliberate upgrade from an older home that cost 20 million VND but had humidity and maintenance issues. Monthly utilities total roughly $58–$91 USD. Transportation costs are minimal: a motorbike purchase of 19 million VND ($740 USD) and gas at $13 USD per month. Food for a family of four runs about 18 million VND ($700 USD) per month, while a single person can eat well on 4.8 million VND ($180 USD). Healthcare visits cost $6 USD, and dental cleanings $8 USD. Visa expenses add $100–$300 every few months. Education is the largest variable, with international schools costing up to $20,000 USD per child annually; her family homeschools to control costs and maintain flexibility. She concludes that a comfortable solo budget is $1,300–$1,700 USD per month, and a family of four needs $2,000–$2,800 USD.
Key Facts
- Two-bedroom beachside condo: 22 million VND ($860 USD) per month
- Monthly food budget for family of four: 18 million VND ($700 USD)
- Motorbike purchase: 19 million VND ($740 USD); gas: $13 USD per month
- Doctor visit: 150,000 VND ($6 USD); dental cleaning: 200,000 VND ($8 USD)
- Comfortable solo expat budget: $1,300–$1,700 USD per month; family of four: $2,000–$2,800 USD
