In this interview-style video, an American musician shares his experience of moving from Florida to Da Nang, Vietnam, where he now lives on roughly $500 per month. He pays $247 monthly rent for a studio apartment on the quiet outskirts of the city, covers utilities for about $130–$150, and spends around $150 on food, transport, and leisure. He earns an online income teaching English through platforms like Preply, Cambly, and iTalki, a job he secured without a bachelor's degree or prior teaching experience—within days of arriving. He describes daily life centered on yoga, meditation, music, and Vietnamese language practice, often meeting both expat and local friends through meetups like Nomad Table. He values the slower pace, lower cost, and community-oriented lifestyle where people gather for coffee without a specific agenda. He notes practical adjustments such as using a six-digit PIN for ATMs and eating at local buffets for under $3. A local friend recommended two hospitals commonly used by expats, and a pharmacy visit for flu symptoms cost about $12. The video includes a sponsored segment promoting Savvy Nomad for tax residency services.
Key Facts
- $247 per month for an apartment on the quiet outskirts of Da Nang
- Total monthly cost of living is between $450 and $700 USD
- Earns remote income by teaching English online via platforms like Preply, Cambly, and iTalki
- Local buffet lunch costs less than $3 USD
- ATM PIN must be 6 digits or fewer in Vietnam, a common issue for newcomers
