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Hanoi🇻🇳

Vietnam · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Timezone
Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh
Nomad community
Medium

City metrics

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$400/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$280/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)$900/mo
Cost of living (national avg)30 (USA=100, World Bank ICP)
Cheap meal$2.00
Mid-range meal for 2$8.00
Monthly groceries~$200
Source: World Bank ICP + regional statistical agencies · Updated QuarterlySource: Estimated median rent · NoodlePants research using public rental listings · Updated Last verified Q2 2026

Infrastructure

Internet speed60 Mbps
Internet reliability7/100
Healthcare index60/100
Coworking spaces~15

Lifestyle

Safety index70/100
Air quality110 AQI — Unhealthy
Walkability60/100
Climate score65/100
English proficiencylow
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communityMedium
Visa easemoderate
Budget score9/100
Lifestyle score7/100
Overall nomad score
7/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Living here as a digital nomad or expat is surprisingly budget-friendly. You can snag a decent 1-bedroom apartment in the city center for around $400, or $280 outside. Your monthly groceries won't break the bank at roughly $200, and a cheap meal sets you back only $2. It's a fantastic spot for those looking to stretch their dollar without sacrificing experience. Internet speeds are decent at 60 Mbps with fair reliability, and there are 15 coworking spaces for when you need a dedicated workspace. The city boasts a medium-sized nomad community, so you'll find your people. Visa ease is moderate. However, be prepared for the air quality, which often hovers in the "unhealthy" category. While walkability is good and healthcare is accessible, the pollution is a real and honest caveat to consider. English proficiency is low, but the overall budget score of 9 is a huge draw.

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Who this suits

Budget nomad

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Hanoi.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Hanoi as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Hanoi averages around $400 per month. The national cost-of-living index for Vietnam sits at 30 (USA=100) — sourced from World Bank ICP. City-level detail is coming as we gather it; for now this is a national figure. Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Hanoi safe for digital nomads?+

Hanoi scores 70/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Most nomad-friendly neighbourhoods feel comfortable to walk in day and night.

How fast is the internet in Hanoi?+

Headline average internet speed in Hanoi is around 60 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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