Vietnam is a fast-growing expat destination, and one of the more popular places for retirees, expats, and digital nomads living in Southeast Asia. The country offers expats a quality of life that is, in many ways, better than that of neighboring nations. The food is diverse and delicious, the cost of living is low, and there are a number of well-paid teaching jobs available. Outside of the two largest cities, however, there’s also a lot to love in the country’s stunning beach towns and cool mountainside cities.

Depending on where you choose to live in Vietnam, you’ll find very different vibes. There is a large digital nomad and entrepreneur crowd living in Ho Chi Minh City. Many teachers work from Hanoi, in the north. And many American retirees who fought in the war returned to Vietnam to live out their days—they live in every nook and cranny of Vietnam. Visa policies are difficult for non-retirees, but they are not impossible if you want to live in Vietnam permanently but don’t qualify for a retirement visa. In general, the country is easy to explore and popular on the budget backpacker route of Southeast Asia. The legacy of the Vietnam war is noticeable. Many Vietnamese have family members living in the U.S. and they are generally friendly and welcoming to expats.

Another reason to consider Vietnam is the varied landscape. Vietnam is stunning. It’s a very long nation; the climates vary hugely from a cold, mountainous northern region to a tropical, warm southern climate in the nation’s Mekong Delta. The most iconic sites are quite touristy (think Ha Long Bay), but many other cities are just as pretty but without the huge tourist factor. The best cities for living in Vietnam come down to climate preferences, cultural nuances, and cost of living.

The last factor for many expats is the lifestyle. It’s easy to find a job teaching English, and many expats living there will tell a tale of coming for a year and staying for life. Although transportation isn’t flawless, Vietnam’s mountains, beaches, and forests ensure that expats can take weekend trips to a variety of sights and into a variety of the countries regional cultures.

Cost of Living in Vietnam: $700 to $1,400 per month
How much does it cost to live in Vietnam? $700 on the low end of the range, up to $1,400 for mid-range expats. This averages living costs across many months—you may spend more getting set up, but many expats average $1,000 per month.

Here is a sample cost of living in one of the larger cities (which are expat hubs). It does not include expat health insurance, which can run about $500 a year.