American left the US with $5,000 and no plan - now he's living in Da Nang for $350/Month

Dee, a Black American, moved to Da Nang, Vietnam with $5,000 and a plan to escape US healthcare costs and a work-centric life. He now lives in a two-bedroom apartment shared with his cousin for $200/month rent, with total monthly expenses around $350-390 including utilities and food. The apartment was found in a day and a half on Facebook groups, highlighting the ease of securing long-term rentals compared to the US. Dee contrasts the US medical system, where he felt unheard and incurred high costs for persistent health issues, with a holistic approach he seeks in Asia. In Da Nang, he sustains himself through content creation, video editing, copywriting, and music production. He emphasizes the friendly local community, the custom of removing shoes indoors, and a minimalist lifestyle. He advises potential expats to start with a closer, less extreme leap before committing to a full relocation.

Key Facts

1. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Da Nang is 10 million VND (~$400) total, or $200 per person per month.
2. Total monthly cost of living for Dee (including rent, food, utilities) is $350–$390.
3. Electricity in the apartment costs $30–$60 per month.
4. Dee found his long-term rental apartment in Da Nang in 1.5 days through Facebook groups.
5. Dee arrived in Vietnam with $5,000 after nine months of back-to-back work in the US.