A retired couple from Los Angeles, Mary and Rendall, moved to Da Nang, Vietnam, six months ago and now rent a fully furnished three-bedroom, three-bathroom home for $587 per month. Total monthly expenses, including water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and trash, come to about $670. The couple chose Da Nang for its affordability, as retiring in the US was financially challenging. Mary, who is half Vietnamese and fluent in the language, introduced Rendall to Vietnamese culture and food before the move. The home features multiple outdoor areas, a bathtub, and a massage chair. The couple does not cook often due to the lack of preservatives in local food, preferring to buy fresh produce from markets. Rendall notes difficulty finding clothing and shoes in his size. The neighbors are friendly, and there is a pool nearby. The couple met on Bumble and have been inseparable since their first date. Mary is vegan and cooks meat for Rendall without tasting it, reflecting cultural differences in care and household habits.
Key Facts
- Rent is $587 per month for a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home.
- Total monthly expenses including water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and trash are about $670.
- The couple has been living in Vietnam for 6 months.
- Rendall struggles to find clothing and shoes in his size, needing 9X shirts and size 11.5 shoes.
- Food in Vietnam lacks preservatives, so fresh produce must be consumed quickly.