A retired couple shares a detailed monthly budget breakdown for living in Da Nang, Vietnam. The couple's average monthly expenses total around $2,300, including $550 for a one-bedroom apartment near My Khe Beach, $70 for electricity, $275 for groceries, and $515 for dining out and food delivery. They spend $235 monthly on Grab rideshares instead of owning a scooter. Healthcare costs, including medication for a pre-existing heart condition, run about $150 per month. The creator emphasizes the concept of 'international arbitrage'—earning income in a strong currency like the US dollar while spending in Vietnamese dong. For singles, a comfortable monthly budget is estimated at $1,250-$1,500, while a couple can live well on $2,000-$3,000. The video stresses living comfortably without flaunting wealth, and notes the importance of budgeting for visa runs and unexpected expenses. Practical tips include using water delivery services and sending out laundry for $20 per month.
Key Facts
- Dining out and Grab meals average $515 per month, including both local Vietnamese food and Western options.
- Total monthly expenses: $2,300 for a retired couple.
- Rent is $550 per month for a 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment with a large balcony, a 5-minute walk to the beach.
- The couple spends $235 per month on Grab rides for all transport, preferring it over owning a scooter for safety and comfort.
- Monthly healthcare costs including medications for heart condition: $150.
