Hung, a 47-year-old Vietnamese-American, left the United States after 30 years and moved to Da Nang, Vietnam, in 2022. He lives semi-retired on $1,500 to $2,000 a month, supported by investment income and savings. He purchased a three-bedroom ocean-view apartment in early 2024 for 3.6 billion VND (roughly $140,000), located 600 meters from My Khe Beach. Monthly expenses include an association fee of 1 million VND, electricity ranging from 400,000 to 3 million VND depending on season, water at 40,000–60,000 VND, internet and cable at 220,000 VND, and a phone plan at 160,000 VND. He drives a Vinfast electric motorbike with free charging. Groceries are significantly cheaper than in the U.S., with items like ribs at 107,000 VND per 375 grams and salmon at 26,000 VND per 2.5 kilograms. Healthcare costs are low; an MRI, ultrasound, and blood tests for his mother cost under 4 million VND (less than $200). Hung notes that real estate prices in Da Nang have risen sharply due to an influx of digital nomads, with two-bedroom rentals nearly doubling in two years. He advises potential movers to test living in a location for a month or two before committing and to be honest about their motivations for leaving.
Key Facts
- Hung purchased his three-bedroom ocean-view apartment for 3.6 billion VND (roughly $140,000 USD).
- Hung lives on $1,500 to $2,000 per month for three people, including his mother and partner.
- An MRI, ultrasound, and blood tests for his mother cost less than 4 million VND (under $200 USD).
- A pack of ribs (375 grams) costs 107,000 VND at Winmart.
- A two-bedroom apartment rental in Da Nang was 10 million VND per month in 2023, now estimated at 15-20 million VND.
